16 The Wine-Dark Sea - Libro della tutto

Patrick O'Brian The Wine-Dark Sea
three good fish, enough to break a whaler's
heart. I doubt they do it: they are more likely
to wait for the Franklin to come up, and then
brazen it out the two of them, either hoping
we will sheer off, or putting before the wind
and running for it, the one supporting the
other. But her master might possibly think it
worth while to save a full hold; and then you
know, sir,' said Grainger in a low confidential
tone, 'a whaler's crew ships by the lay – no
wages but a share in the profits – so the fewer
come home the more the survivors gain. Oh,
by God, they are doing it!' he cried. 'They are
leaving their friends behind.' Indeed, the
hands had dropped the gun for the yards and
braces; and the nearer boats, having cast off
their whale, were racing for the side, tearing
through the broken sea. The sails dropped,
the yards rose up, the ship's head turned, and
as the men from the two boats scrambled