16 The Wine-Dark Sea - Libro della tutto

Patrick O'Brian The Wine-Dark Sea
poles rose from where the stately masts had
been: the foremast, standing stark alone; its
topmast and topgallant, both worked into the
launch's mast, stood for the shattered main;
and an even stranger assembly took the place
of the mizen, spreading a pitiful fore-and-aft
sail the size of the cabin tablecloth: yet it did
give a certain balance. From the main and the
fore yards hung broad but extraordinarily shallow
square sails, so low that when Stephen
was led on deck to see them he asked where
they were intended to be hoisted. 'They are
hoisted,' he was told, in a voice of strong displeasure.
Forward still, and there was the unhurt
bowsprit, carrying its spritsail and spritsail
topsail; and, since the ship was very well
found in bosun's and sailmaker's stores, she
wore all the staysails that could possibly be
managed. 'It is just like Bridie Colman's washing
day, I do declare,' cried Stephen, in an-