16 The Wine-Dark Sea - Libro della tutto

Patrick O'Brian The Wine-Dark Sea
hauled at more than five knots, and they
measured by a hopeful mind.
It did not surprise him to wake to a calm, but
for a moment he was surprised by the strong
smell of frying fish: there was still an hour to
go before breakfast.
'Good morning, sir,' said Killick, creeping in
with his dressings. 'Flat calm and an oily swell.'
But this he said without his usual satisfaction in
bringing unwelcome news, and he went on,
'Which Joe Plaice asks pardon, but could not
help having a cast; and breakfast will be ready
in ten minutes. It would be a shame to let it
grow cold.'
'Then bring me the hot water, and as soon as
I am shaved I shall come on deck. You can do
my eye afterwards: it is much better.'
'I knew as how Gregory would do it,' cried
Killick, a look of triumphant happiness on his