16 The Wine-Dark Sea - Libro della tutto

Patrick O'Brian The Wine-Dark Sea
The last, a thick-set youngish man who had
lingered behind, came to a halt before the table
and called out, 'Edward Shelton, sir,
headsman, starboard watch: born in Wapping,'
in a strong, undoubted Wapping voice.
'Then what are you doing in an enemy ship?'
asked Adams.
'Which I went a-whaling during the peace
and joined this here ship long before the
American war was declared,' said Shelton, his
words carrying perfect conviction. 'May I speak
a word to the Captain?'
Adams looked at Jack, who said, 'What have
you to say, Shelton?' in a tone that though
mild enough promised nothing.
'You don't know me, sir,' said Shelton, putting
a doubled forefinger to his forehead in the
naval way, 'but I seen you often enough in
Port Mahon, when you had the Sophie: I seen