"Jack Vance - Elder Isles 02 - The Green Pearl" - читать интересную книгу автора (Vance Jack)

diligent toil. Sarles blamed bad luck, although if his spouse Liba were to be believed, indolence was by
far the larger factor.



Sarles kept his boat the Preval drawn up on the shingle directly in front of his house, which made for
convenience. He had inherited the Preval from his father, and the craft was now old and worn, with every
seam leaking and every joint working. Sarles well knew the deficiencies of the Preval and sailed it out
upon the sea only when the weather was fine.



Liba, like Sarles, was somewhat portly. Though older than Sarles, she commanded far more energy and
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often asked him: "Why are you not out fishing today, like the other men?"



Sarles' reply might be: "The wind is sure to pipe up later this afternoon; the dead-eyes on the port
shrouds simply cannot take so much strain.'



"Then why not replace the dead-eyes? You have nothing better to do."



"Bah, woman, you understand nothing of boats. The weak-shrouds might part, or a real blow might push
the mast-step right through the bottom of the boat."



"In that case, replace the shrouds, then repair the strakes."



"Easier said than done! It would be a waste of time and I would be throwing good money after bad."



"But you waste much time at the tavern where you also throw away good money, and by the handfuls."



"Woman, enough! Would you deny me my single relaxation?"