He was sentimental, like all the worst pirates. All right. Well, Jim, shall we look? Jim! "On the shore he was given everything he had coming to him. " I'd like to know what that was. "May Billy Bones' dreams come true. " It's not that, Livesey. "Tall tree, Spyglass shoulder, bearing a point to the N. Of N.N.E." The treasure is there. She's called "Hispaniola". She draws two hundred tons, and makes 12 knots by a fair wind. She has a swivel canon. And she's close on her rudder! Some claim that I paid three times too much for her, but that is certainly nothing but pure jealousy! You will see foryourself, Livesey. The Captain I put in command is a good seaman. The best captain to be had on this part of the English Coast. Very highly recommended to me, once an officer of the fleet. A little dry in his manner, but at least "Hispaniola" will have proper, reliable, naval discipline. But what a task it was to find a crew! I worked night and day to find six, and we shall need at least twenty, in case we should meet savages, or those accursed Frenchmen. I was talking with a fellow at the port, just a chance encounter, and he arranged everything for me. An old seaman, he has a tavern. And he is ready to set to sea with us, as a simple cook. His name is John Silver. That day he was at the port, just to breathe in the good salt air. This Silver has only one leg! He lost the other fighting for England. And he has no pension, Livesey. Imagine the abominable age we live in! It's wisest to mistrust chance acquaintances. I did make inquiries. John Silver is actually rather rich. With a bank account and money in it. He has a wife. And I actually saw her. I believe I know what compels this Master John to sail once more. - Captain Smollett? - That is correct, sir! Show him in! Let me introduce you. The Captain of the "Hispaniola", Mr. Smollett. Mr. Livesey, our ship's doctor, and Hawkins, the cabin boy. Well, gentlemen, they are waiting. Here we are, gentlemen. This is John Silver. Top of the day, gentlemen. Here is your crew, sir. Mere novices to the business of seafaring! I'm surprised that their mamas were willing to let them come. What we want in the way of victuals and what we care for the most of all is pudding with figs in it. Hands here's been sailing 30 years and he's still a mere bosun! Once he sailed as ship's officer, but he hadn't no diploma, sir. O'Brien, carpenter. Bob Henderson. Tom Morgan, he's a fine fellow, but a little weak below the belt. George Merry. The complete ship's list, giving all their little vices. And you, if my mind tells me right, you're our little cabin boy. There's lots of Admirals who started off like that. You've got to begin on the lowest rung. Clap your spyglass on Tom Morgan here. I remember him as a cabin boy. Just like you, young and handsome. Yes, he was too shy and timid, like a blushing maid. He's an honest lad, our Morgan, only he has a real thirst. Hold close by John Silver, and I'll make you a real sailing man. Welcome, men! I hope that on this voyage you'll merit only thanks. If we have success with our expedition, you will all be given a large bonus. Thank you heartily, sir. That's not so bad a crew at all. What do you say to that, Mr. Smollett? The Captain is personally responsible for his vessel. Because of that I should have recruited the personnel myself. I hope that's quite clear. Don't you think so? Cabin boy! - To the storeroom! - Ay, ay, sir! - We're under way at nearly 10 knots. - Very likely, sir. - She handles well to the helm. - True, sir! - You take the wheel! - Ay, ay, sir! It won't take much from that fellow to cause me to lose my temper. Come in, Hawkins! Nobody is more welcome here than you, my lad. - Can I give this to Captain Flint? - You do that. Captain Flint prophesies success for our voyage. That parrot must be 200 summers old. ------------------------------ Читайте также: - текст Андрей Рублев на английском - текст Крулл на английском - текст Маньяк-полицейский на английском - текст Цвет граната на английском - текст Родня на английском |