16 The Wine-Dark Sea - Libro della tutto

Patrick O'Brian The Wine-Dark Sea
Stephen's explanations with his head gravely
inclined: he looked not unlike a very large
dog that was conscientiously carrying out an
unpleasant duty: but how happy he was when
the duty was done, when the explanations
came to an end, and when he could walk out
into the fresh air with a clear conscience!
'Everything is laid along, sir,' said Vidal,
meeting him at the head of the companionladder.
'The chest is up, the Frenchmen ordered
below, and Mr Adams is by the capstan
with the muster-book.'
'Very good, Mr Vidal,' said Jack, breathing
deep. He glanced at the sky, he glanced aft,
where the Franklin lay on the frigate's quarter
a cable's length away, throwing a fine bowwave.
'Let us take in royals and topgallant
studdingsails.'
Vidal had hardly relayed the order before the