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A. S. This simplifies matters greatly, since otherwise you should have been obliged either to draw on him and discount your bill here, or to borrow the money on bottomry (i), a rather long and expensive^operation. As it is, you may clear from this port (2) in about a fortnight, I think.
S. M. Yes, you will oblige me very6much by despatching the business within the shortest possible time, for I have in view a good charter for a return voyage, which would suit me very well, and I should be really sorry to miss it; besides I must send to my owner authenticated copies of the two statements, for him to have the claim settled by the Insurance Companies, both as to ship and freight, and the sooner the better, you know.
A. S. Be sure I'll do all in my power to meet your wish.
S. M. Very kind of you indeed; would you favour me with a visit to my ship one of these days?
(1) Chiamasi Loan on bottomry il prestito a cambio marittimo, cioč prestito garantito con pegno sullo scafo della nave (che dicesi anche bottoni), prestito che č regolato da speciali disposizioni di legge.
(2) to Clear from a port Locuzione marinara che significa « partire ».
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A. S. I will with the greatest pleasure as soon as she is floated (1) again after docking.
S. M. Well then I engage you for a lunch on board, and hope you will kindly accept the invitation; let us fix it for Sunday the twenty first instant at twelve o'clock; my gig (2) shall be waiting for you at the landing (3) of Prince William's wharf at half past eleven. Does the arrangement suit you?
A. S. Perfectly; let it be as you say, I'll not fail.
S. M. Much obliged to you indeed; allow me now to take my leave, for I must be gone; (4) wish you a good day.
A. S, Same to you, Captain, good bye.
(1) To float a ship' Mettere a galla, cioč mettere a mare una nave.
(2) Gig č il nome tecnico della barca o lancia speciale per il servizio ;idel Capitano detta anche Jole.
(3) Landing Lo sbarcatoio, cioč il punto d'approdo per barcheie simili.
(4) Nella forma parlata si omette sovente il pronome « I » (io) davanti al verbo wlsh, nel senso di augurare.
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