16 The Wine-Dark Sea - Libro della tutto

Patrick O'Brian The Wine-Dark Sea
thorough-paced a no-quarter-given-or-asked
as ever I see – trample the Crucifix any day of
the week. But you and your consort could deal
with her. I dare say Surprise could do so on
her own, though it might be nip and tuck; and
she would buy it very dear, they having to sink
or be sunk. Which I mean if they are killed
they are deaders, and if they are taken they
are hanged. It is half a dozen of the one
and...' His voice died away; he hung his head,
a certain coldness having told him that he had
been talking too much.
'As taut as it is long,' said Jack, not unkindly.
'Well, Shelton, is Mr Adams to write you down
as pressed or volunteer?'
'Oh volunteer, sir, if you please,' cried Shelton.
'Make it so, Mr Adams, and rate him able for
the moment: starboard watch,' said Jack. He