thinking. But, he just drifts off. I don't know that he'll make it. Finch! How's your reading, Finch? -Reading, sir? -Can you read? Finch! -Aye, sir? -Can you read? I...I can read the Bible sir. Here...Clarke's Complete Handbook of Seamanship. That's mighty kind of you sir. I'm sure I'll enjoy it very much No, no, no, you don't understand. I want you to test me. Test you, sir? I might have my examination for lieutenant coming up shortly, I need someone to test my knowledge. I'd be honoured if you'd help me. Come on man, clear your mind. Ask me a question. -Question, sir? -I want you to test me. Come on, think! I reckon I don't need no book to test you, sir. Right then, give me your best. A supply ship. A supply ship coming in! -Pass the word, Mr. Cleveland. -Right, sir. A supply ship! A supply ship's been sighted. Easy there, Cleveland. Where's the fire? Sorry, sir, but it's a supply ship. -Spread the word, Mr. Cleveland. -Aye, aye, sir. A supply ship. A supply ship's been sighted. A supply ship! A supply ship's been sighted. A supply ship. A supply ship's on its way. Fisherman's bend, you say? Finch! -Yes, sir? -How do you tie a fisherman's bend? How is he, sir? I can't keep him awake. Perhaps this will. There's a supply ship in sight. You hear that? Finch! A fine sight, Mr. Hornblower. Indeed, sir. What's that light, Mr. Bracegirdle? It looks like a flame, sir. Oh my God. -What is it? -A fire ship, sir. -A fire ship. -A Spanish fire ship. -What about the guard ship, sir? -Too far astern. She's gone, sir. Thank-you, Mr. Bracegirdle. Get these men belowdecks. Mr. Harris, get them below! Belowdecks! Right, down you go. Belowdecks. It's the first time I've seen the Spanish use a fire ship. Perhaps they take their example from us. The student outstrips the master, eh? Finch, I've brought you some food. All right then, lads. Come on. Gather round, now,gentlemen. Dig in your pockets.Dig deeply. Generosity for the dead man's widow. Who'll give me a start? A penny for the lot. Come on gentlemen, this is serious. Now, we've got a good sturdy pipe, here. -Who will offer me 5 pence? -Ten shillings for the lot. That's more than a week's pay. Are you sure, man? Bunting! -A black day, Matthews. -He was a fine man, sir. -And as such he will be remembered. -Yes, sir. This...fellow, Bunting, seems to be taking it bad. Yes, sir. They were mates on another ship when Bunting was first pressed. The way I heard it, Finch helped him to settle down. -I see. Thank-you, Matthews. -Aye, aye, sir. We are to accompany the transport brig, "Caroline" on a supplies mission to Oran. My compliments to the Master. Please inform Mr. Bowles to ready the ship for sail. We are to be joined by a Mr. Tapling of the Diplomatic Service, who will conduct negotiations. See to it he's comfortable. For goodness sake, man, keep it steady! Swing him inboard and lower it away. Steady with those ropes. Steady man! -Welcome aboard, sir. -Welcome aboard? I've never been so mishandled in my entire life. -Do you know who I am, sir? -Mr. Tapling, sir -of the Diplomatic Service. -Well, at least that's something. Mr. Hornblower, get that raffle cleared away immediately! -Aye, aye, sir. -Well, help me! They have their own secret store of supplies. -Who told you that? -They dine like kings. -'Away with ya, man. -Sure as I'm pressed here! That's why we're on half rations to keep them in their kingly ways. If it weren't for the officers, we'd be on two-thirds at least. Mr. Hornblower, sir. A word… Sorry, sir. 'Didn't mean no harm. -Just idle talk, is all. -Idle talk will get you hanged, man. What if I'd been the captain? -And where did you hear such stories? -Just been talking, sir, talking in general. I can't rightly remember where. -Very convenient. -Do you require assistance, Mr. Hornblower? No sir, I will deal with it. ------------------------------ Читайте также: - текст Мой научный проект на английском - текст Один дома 4 на английском - текст Этой ночи жена на английском - текст Другие 48 часов на английском - текст Жмурики на английском |