16 The Wine-Dark Sea - Libro della tutto

Patrick O'Brian The Wine-Dark Sea
'It is not unlike the typhoon that so nearly did
for us when we were running for the Marquesas,
south of the line,' observed Jack. 'But
there are essential differences. The glass is
perfectly steady, for one thing. Yet even so I
believe I shall strike topgallantmasts.' Raising
his voice he called for the bosun and gave the
order; it was at once followed by the wailing
of pipes and entirely superfluous cries of 'All
hands to strike topgallantmasts. All hands. All
hands, d'ye hear me there?'
Without a word of complaint or a wry look,
for they were much of the Captain's mind, the
patient Surprises laid aloft to undo all they had
done with such pains in the forenoon watch.
They cast off all that had to be cast off; they
clapped on to the mast-rope and by main
force raised the foretopgallant so that the fid
could be drawn out again and the whole lowered
down; and this they did to the others in