Читать книгу Men Against the Sea – Book Set. The Greatest Maritime Adventure Novels: The Bounty Trilogy, Lost Island, The Hurricane, Botany Bay, The Far Lands, Tales of the South Seas… онлайн

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Then I heard the voice of Smith, from the bows: “I’ll have him next time.”

I opened my eyes and saw a small, black bird pass overhead, looking down at the boat. Nelson was already awake, and whispered weakly: “A noddy! Twice he’s made as if to alight on the stern!”

“Hush!” said the captain, looking down at us.

The little tern passed overhead once more, set his wings, and slanted down in the direction of the bow. Next moment I heard a feeble shout go up from the people, and the sound of fluttering wings.

“Good lad!” said Bligh to the man forward. “Don’t wring his neck!”

I managed to pull myself up to a sitting position while they were passing a wineglass to Smith, who held the bird while Hall cut its throat, allowing the blood to flow into the small glass, which was filled nearly to the brim.

“Now pluck him,” said Bligh, while the glass was being handed aft. He motioned the midshipmen to help Nelson to sit up. “For you, Mr. Nelson,” he went on, giving Tinkler the glassful of blood.

Nelson smiled and shook his head. “Lamb and Simpson need it more than I. Give it to them.”