16 The Wine-Dark Sea - Libro della tutto

Patrick O'Brian The Wine-Dark Sea
'There, sir,' said West, pointing to a jetting
glow, blurred crimson through the milk-warm
rain. 'It comes and goes. I believe we are under
mortar-fire.'
'Beat to quarters,' called Jack, and the bosun's
mate wound his call. 'Mr West – Mr
West, there. D'ye hear me?' He raised his
voice immensely, calling for a lantern: it
showed West flat on his face, pouring blood.
'Fore topsail,' cried Jack, putting the ship before
the wind, and as she gathered way he
told two of the afterguard to carry West below.
'Forestaysail and jib.'
The ship came to life, to battle-stations, with
a speed and regularity that would have given
him deep satisfaction if he had had a second
to feel it.