16 The Wine-Dark Sea - Libro della tutto

Patrick O'Brian The Wine-Dark Sea
les run up chock-a-block – Handsomely,
handsomely now, our William (Grainger to an
impetuous young nephew) – but then instead
of the usual cries of avast and belay an unexpected
unanimous good-natured cheer, accompanied
by laughter. 'What can this signify?'
he asked himself, and while he was
searching for a plausible sea-going answer he
became aware of a presence in the cabin, a
suppressed giggle. It was Emily and Sarah,
standing neatly side by side in white pinafores.
'We have been standing here a great while,
sir,' said Sarah, 'whilst you was acontemplating.
The Captain says, should you
like to see a marble?'
'Wonder,' said Emily.
'Marble,' said Sarah, adding, 'You impotent
booby' in a whisper.
'There you are, Doctor,' cried the Captain as