Читать книгу Into the Frozen South онлайн

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Of course, with the freshening wind we had set sail again to help along our insufficient engines. Under her press of canvas the ship made fairly good weather, but the amount of water she brought aboard was considerable, and gave the Boss some concern. We were so stacked and cluttered with important gear that any sea might seriously damage our equipment. Sir Ernest wondered what was likely to happen when we got into the Roaring Forties; but even so, when next day we had to take in sail he was still able to interest himself in my progress and safety.

In taking in sail it was my lot to help make fast the staysail, and to do it effectively I got into a somewhat precarious position in the bows. When I went aft Shackleton called me to him and said: “I saw you right forrard just now, youngster. I like to see you do it—it shows zeal; but just remember that a sailor isn’t made in a dog-watch. I don’t expect you to do that sort of thing until you’ve got your proper sea-legs.” He was always like that; always considerate of his people, anxious for their safety and comfort and general well-being. Then he gave me to understand, without a lot of flapdoodle, that I wasn’t shaping so badly; and I left him in a glow of satisfaction, because it is something to please such a leader of men.