16 The Wine-Dark Sea - Libro della tutto

Patrick O'Brian The Wine-Dark Sea
asked, 'What news of your instrument, Mr
Martin?'
The instrument in question was a viola, upon
which, before it was broken, Martin played indifferently,
having an uncertain ear and an
imperfect sense of time. No one had expected
to hear it again this voyage, or at least not until
they touched at Callao; but the fortune of
war had brought them a French repairer, a
craftsman who had been sent to Louisiana for
a variety of crimes, mostly crapulous, and
who, escaping from bondage, had joined the
Franklin.
'Gourin says that Mr Bentley has promised
him a piece of lignum vitae as soon as he has
a moment to spare: then it will be only half a
day's work, and time for the glue to dry.'
'I am so glad,' said Jack. 'We must have
some more music one of these days. There is