16 The Wine-Dark Sea - Libro della tutto

Patrick O'Brian The Wine-Dark Sea
second it was clear to any seaman that his being
rescued had not in fact delayed the pursuit
of the prize: whether Reade had gone overboard
or not, the shattered crosstrees had to
be replaced and new spars, sails and cordage
had to be sent aloft before the frigate could
resume her course. Those few hands who
were not extremely busy with the tangle forward
passed him the bight of a rope, hauled
him aboard, asked him with real kindness how
he did, and handed him over to Sarah and
Emily Sweeting, two little black, black girls
from a remote Melanesian island, belonging
to Dr Maturin and attached to the sick-berth,
to be led below and given dry clothes and a
cup of tea. And as he went even Awkward Davies,
who had been rescued twice and who often
resented sharing the distinction, called out
'It was me as tossed you the hen-coop, sir. I
heaved it overboard, ha, ha, ha!'