The Wine-Dark Sea by Patrick O’Brian Read Free Book Online Page B

have spent very little time on the sea.'
    'That alters the case somewhat,' thought Jack, and he said 'Please to show me your papers.'
    Dutourd's most recent sailing-master had been an exact and orderly person as well as a taut skipper and an excellent seaman, and Dutourd handed over a complete set wrapped in waxed sailcloth.
    Jack looked through them with satisfaction; then frowned and looked through the parcels again. 'But where is your commission, or letter of marque?'
    'I have no commission or letter of marque, sir,' replied Dutourd, shaking his head and smiling a little. 'I am only a private citizen, not a naval officer. My sole purpose was to found a colony for the benefit of mankind.'
    'No commission, either American or French?'
    'No, no. It never occurred to me to solicit one. Is it looked upon as a necessary formality?'
    'Very much so.'
    'I remember having received a letter from the Minister of Marine wishing me every happiness on my voyage: perhaps that would answer?'
    'I am afraid not, sir. Your happiness has included the taking of several prizes, I collect?'
    'Why, yes, sir. You will not think me impertinent if I observe that our countries, alas, are in a state of war.'
    'So I understand. But wars are conducted according to certain forms. They are not wild riots in which anyone may join and seize whatever he can overpower; and I fear that if you can produce nothing better than the recollection of a letter wishing you every happiness you must be hanged as a pirate.'
    'I am concerned to hear it. But as for prizes, as for the merely privateering aspects of the voyage, Mr Chauncy, my sailing-master, has a paper from his government. We sailed under American colours, you will recall. It is in a cover marked Mr Chauncy's qualifications and references in my writing-desk.'
    'You did not bring it?'
    'No, sir. The young gentleman with one arm told me there was not a moment to be lost, so I abandoned all my personal property.'
    'I shall send for it. Pray describe the writing-desk.'
    'An ordinary brass-bound walnut-tree writing-desk with my name on the plate; but there can be very little hope of finding it now.'
    'Why do you say that?'
    'My dear sir, I have seen sailors at work aboard a captured ship.'
    Jack made no reply but glancing through the scuttle he saw that Bulkeley and his men had now raised a spar on the stump of her mizenmast, and that with an improvised lugsail she was lying with her head to the sea, lying much easier. The Surprise would be alongside in a few minutes.
    'Have you any officer surviving unhurt?' he asked.
    'None, sir. They were both killed.'
    'A servant?'
    'Yes, sir. He hid below, with the ransomers.'
    'Killick. Killick, there. Pass the word for Captain Pullings.'
    'Aye aye, sir: Captain Pullings it is,' replied Killick, who could give a civil answer when guests or prisoners of rank were present: but instead of Pullings there appeared young Norton, who said, 'I beg pardon, sir, but Captain Pullings and Mr Grainger are at the masthead, getting the top over. May I carry them a message?'
    'Are they got so far so soon? Upon my word! Never worry them at such a delicate point, Mr Norton. Jump up on deck yourself, borrow a speaking-trumpet and hail the Franklin, telling Bonden and Plaice to have Mr Dutourd's servant, sea-chest and writing-desk ready to be brought across as soon as there is a moment to spare. But first take this gentleman into the gunroom and tell the steward to bring him whatever he calls for. I am going into the foretop.'
    'Aye aye, sir. Mr Dutourd's servant, sea-chest and writing-desk as soon as there is a moment; and Mr Dutourd to the gunroom.'
    Dutourd opened his mouth to speak, but it was too late. Jack, throwing off his coat, sped from the cabin, making the deck tremble as he went. Norton said, 'This way, sir, if you please,' and some minutes later the message reached Bonden's ear as he and his mates were hauling an uninjured topmast aboard by its shrouds. He in turn hailed the bosun: