Читать книгу Lieutenant Hornblower онлайн

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"'Vast hauling there! 'Vast hauling!"

There was a piercing urgency about the order, and obediently the men ceased to pull. Then the captain bellowed from the poop.

"Who's that countermanding my orders?"

"It's me, sir--Wellard."

The young volunteer faced aft and screamed into the wind to make himself heard. From his station aft Bush saw the captain advance to the poop rail; Bush could see he was shaking with rage, his big nose pointing forward as though seeking a victim.

"You'll be sorry, Mr. Wellard. Oh yes, you'll be sorry."

Hornblower now made his appearance at Wellard's side. He was green with seasickness, as he had been ever since the Renown left Plymouth Sound.

"There's a reef point caught in the reef tackle block, sir--weather side" he hailed, and Bush, shifting his position, could see that this was so; if the men had continued to haul on the tackle, damage to the sail might easily have followed.

"What d'you mean by coming between me and a man who disobeys me?" shouted the captain. "It's useless to try to screen him."