16 The Wine-Dark Sea - Libro della tutto

Patrick O'Brian The Wine-Dark Sea
It was the outcome that really mattered, however:
in his reserved way Stephen had said
that sending Dutourd in to Callao 'might be
impolitic'; and there was no doubt that Dutourd
was in Callao at this moment.
'Pass the word for Mr Vidal,' he called, and
when Vidal came, 'Sit down, Mr Vidal. Who
took the launch into Callao?'
'I did, sir,' said Vidal, changing colour.
'How did she handle?'
'Sir?'
'How did she handle? Is she a weatherly
boat? Does she hold a good wind?'
'Yes, sir. She points up very close indeed:
makes almost no leeway, close-hauled, a
jewel of a...' His voice died away.
'Very well. Pray have her victualled and
stored, with masts stepped, before the first