16 The Wine-Dark Sea - Libro della tutto

Patrick O'Brian The Wine-Dark Sea
ness of his sleeping-cabin its sight was troubled,
uncertain. He also absorbed the mood
of the ship's company, and in spite of the severe
indwelling pain and anxiety some of their
cheerfulness came into his mood.
Five bells, and he nodded to Vidal, the acting
first lieutenant, who cried, 'Beat to divisions.'
So many people were away in various ships
that the order did not run down the usual series
of repetitions but came into instant effect
with the thunder of the roaring drum. The recently-promoted
stopgap officers, most of
them Shelmerstonian master-mariners in their
own right, reported that their divisions were
'present, properly dressed and clean'.
Vidal crossed the deck, took off his hat, and
said, 'All the officers have reported, sir.'
'We will go round the ship, then, if you
please,' replied Jack.