16 The Wine-Dark Sea - Libro della tutto

Patrick O'Brian The Wine-Dark Sea
you must slacken all over if you do not want
your masts wrung. It is a very heavy dew tonight,
to be sure,' he went on, having reflected,
'and we have clapped garlands on the
masts to collect it as it trickles down: if you listen
you can hear it running into the butts. It
don't amount to much, and it don't taste very
good, the masts having been paid with slush;
but I have known many a voyage when it was
uncommon welcome. And in any case it is
fresh, and will wash a shirt clear of salt; or
even better' – lowering his voice – 'a pair of
drawers. The salt is devilish severe on the
parts. Which reminds me, sir: I must beg some
more of your ointment.'
'By all means. Look in at the sick-berth when I
make my morning rounds, and Padeen will
whip you up a gallipot directly.'
Silence: a vast moonlit space, but no horizon.
Stephen gazed up at the dew-soaked