16 The Wine-Dark Sea - Libro della tutto

Patrick O'Brian The Wine-Dark Sea
you are not a seaman by profession? That you
are not very well acquainted with the customs
of the sea?'
'Scarcely at all, sir. I have managed a pleasure-boat,
but for the open sea I have always
engaged a sailing-master. I cannot describe
myself as a seaman: I have spent very little
time on the sea.'
'That alters the case somewhat,' thought Jack,
and he said 'Please to show me your papers.'
Dutourd's most recent sailing-master had
been an exact and orderly person as well as a
taut skipper and an excellent seaman, and
Dutourd handed over a complete set wrapped
in waxed sailcloth.
Jack looked through them with satisfaction;
then frowned and looked through the parcels
again. 'But where is your commission, or letter
of marque?'