16 The Wine-Dark Sea - Libro della tutto

Patrick O'Brian The Wine-Dark Sea
bow.
Even the murk was lessening, too: and although
the southeast was impenetrably black
with the last squall racing from them there
were distinct rifts in the cloud astern, with stars
showing clear. He had a momentary glimpse
of Rigel Kent just above the crossjack-yard;
and with Rigel Kent at that height dawn was
no great way off.
He also caught sight of Killick by the binnacle,
holding an unnecessary napkin. 'Mr Wilkins,'
he said to the officer of the watch, 'I am
going below. I am to be called if there is any
change in the wind, or if any sail is sighted.'
He ran down the companion-ladder and into
the welcome scent of coffee, the pot sitting
there in gimbals, under a lantern. He gathered
his hair – like most of the ship's company he
wore it long, but whereas the seamen's pigtails