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

702 страница из 953

The master had just stretched out for a siesta after his dinner, and he sat up with a gloomy expression at Bligh’s words.

“Can we not rest this afternoon, sir?” he asked. “None of us has his full strength as yet, and surely we shall find oysters at every landing place.”

“Aye,” growled Purcell. “You promised us we should touch at many islands before clearing Endeavour Straits.”

“I did,” said the captain; “but what assurance have you that we shall find oysters on them? We know that there are plenty here.” He flushed, controlling his temper with some difficulty. “We’ve naught but bread now, and little enough of that. Fetch what oysters you wish, or none at all! I’m tired of your damned complaints!” He turned his back and walked away as if fearing to lose control of himself. Shamed into acquiescence, Fryer and the carpenter now joined the others setting out along the shore.

The captain’s clerk was strolling southward with a basket on his arm, and I joined him, since Nelson was to remain with the boat.