Almost ready, sir,' said the sweating, harassed bosun. 'I'm working the cunt-splice myself.''Well,' said Jack, hurrying off to where the stern-chaser hung poised above the Sophie's quarter-deck, ready to plunge through her bottom if gravity could but have its way, 'a simple thing like a cunt-splice will not take a man of war's bosun long, I believe.
In this excerpt from "Master and Commander" by Patrick O'Brian, the bosun is under significant pressure as he works on a difficult task referred to as a "cunt-splice." This suggests that he is both skilled and dedicated to completing the job, indicating the high standards expected on a naval ship. Jack, another character, reflects on the bosun's task with a hint of urgency, expressing confidence that such a seasoned sailor should...