16 The Wine-Dark Sea - Libro della tutto

Patrick O'Brian The Wine-Dark Sea
caped being detected in an act he was very
willing to conceal, and there was some remaining
tinge of defiant hostility about his attitude.
Padeen came in, and having called on God
to bless the gentlemen he announced, with
some difficulty, that the sick-berth was ready
for their honours. The medical men went from
cot to cot, Stephen asking each man how he
did, taking his pulse and examining his peccant
parts: he discussed each case briefly with
his assistant, in Latin, and Martin wrote down
his observations in a book: as the book closed
so Padeen gave each seaman his draught and
pills.
When it was over they returned to the dispensary
and while Padeen was washing the
glasses Stephen said, 'I am not satisfied with
Grant or MacDuff and intend to put them on
the Viennese treatment next week.'