16 The Wine-Dark Sea - Libro della tutto

Patrick O'Brian The Wine-Dark Sea
French at all he did not have to speak it very
well.
'Bring the raft against the chains,' called
Reade.
'Against the chains it is, sir,' replied Bonden;
and looking over his shoulder he pulled hard
ahead, judging the swell just so. The raft
lurched against the Franklin's side, and she
was so low in the water that it was no great
step for Dutourd to go aboard directly. Two
more heaves and Bonden hooked on. Dutourd
helped Stephen over the shattered gunwale
with one hand while with the other he
swept off his hat, saying, 'I am deeply sensible
of your goodness in coming, sir.' Stephen instantly
saw that his anxiety had been quite
needless: there was no hint of recognition in
the earnest look that accompanied these
words. Of course, a public man like Dutourd,
perpetually addressing assemblies, meeting