"Went with the Captain again, and another sailor of his knowing."

Sharpe tapped the table once and then made a vague gesture at the barmaid for a drink. He didn't want to look her in the eyes, either. Not after that sad sad tale Jack told him. Luckily, the girl'd simply understand that he wanted some ale and not a scene need to be made of it.

Softer: "Sorry I didn't tell you. It all happened a bit suddenly, and..."

And he hadn't been ready. Not yet. But Jack's despair made him braver, today. "And it weren't nothing dangerous."