16 The Wine-Dark Sea - Libro della tutto

Patrick O'Brian The Wine-Dark Sea
nose was out of joint.'
'Indeed he took it very ill. He had a great
deal of money aboard. But what could he expect?
We are not a philanthropic institution.
Adams and I and two of the hands were telling
it all the morning: there were some very curious
pieces, particularly among the gold. I kept
this little heap to show you.'
'Little do I know of money,' said Stephen, 'but
these are surely bezants; and is not this very
like an archaic gold mohur? Pierced and worn
as a charm, no doubt.'
'I am sure of it,' said Jack. 'And what do you
make of this broad piece? It is rubbed almost
smooth, but if you hold it sideways to the light
you can make out a ship with a forwardraking
mast, very heavy shrouds, and an absurd
high-perched poop or after-castle.'
In time Jack finished his dinner, and when