16 The Wine-Dark Sea - Libro della tutto

Patrick O'Brian The Wine-Dark Sea
over the patient, 'This will hurt for the moment,
but it will not last. Hold steady.'
The amputation gave place to another example
of these puzzling lacerated wounds;
and Reade came below followed by Killick
with a covered mug of coffee.
'Captain's compliments, sir,' said Reade, 'and
he thinks the worst may be over: stars in the
south-south-west and the swell not quite so
pronounced.'
'Many thanks, Mr Reade,' said Stephen. 'And
God bless you, Killick.' He swallowed half the
mug, passing Martin the rest. 'Tell me, have
we been severely pierced? I hear the pumps
have been set a-going, and there is a power
of water underfoot.'
'Oh no, sir. The masts and the maintop have
suffered, but the water is only the ship working,
hauling under the chains so her seams