Английский с А. Конан Дойлем. Пиратские истории

 Others had done well at the business, and with a handy, well-found vessel, there was no reason why they should not turn their tarry jackets into velvet coats. If they were prepared to sail under the black flag, he was ready to command them; but if any wished to withdraw, they might have the gig and row back to Jamaica.

Four men out of six-and-forty asked for their discharge, went over the ship’s side into the boat, and rowed away amidst the jeers and howlings of the crew.

The rest assembled aft, and drew up the articles of their association (оставшиеся собрались на корме и приняли свой устав; to draw up – составлять, вырабатывать /контракт, план и т. п./; association – соединение, объединение /действие/; ассоциация, союз). A square of black tarpaulin had the white skull painted upon it (на черном квадрате просмоленной парусины намалевали белый череп), and was hoisted amidst cheering at the main (и подняли его на грот-мачте под одобрительные возгласы; main /зд./ = mainmast – грот-мачта).

Officers were elected, and the limits of their authority fixed (были назначены офицеры и установлены ограничения их власти; to elect – выбирать /голосованием/; назначать /на должность/). Copley Banks was chosen Captain (Копли Бэнкс был избран капитаном; to choose), but, as there are no mates upon a pirate craft (но, поскольку на пиратском судне у капитана не бывает помощников), Birthmark Sweetlocks became quartermaster, and Israel Martin the boatswain (то Суитлокс Меченый стал интендантом, а Израэль Мартин – боцманом; to become).

 The rest assembled aft, and drew up the articles of their association. A square of black tarpaulin had the white skull painted upon it, and was hoisted amidst cheering at the main.

Officers were elected, and the limits of their authority fixed. Copley Banks was chosen Captain, but, as there are no mates upon a pirate craft, Birthmark Sweetlocks became quartermaster, and Israel Martin the boatswain.

There was no difficulty in knowing what was the custom of the brotherhood (не было никаких трудностей в том, чтобы узнать обычаи братства), for half the men at least had served upon pirates before (поскольку по меньшей мере половина команды служила ранее на пиратских судах; at least – по крайней мере, во всяком случае). Food should be the same for all (пища должна быть одинаковой для всех), and no man should interfere with another man’s drink (и никто не мешает другому пить вволю; to interfere with – останавливать, мешать)! The Captain should have a cabin (у капитана должна быть каюта), but all hands should be welcome to enter it when they chose (но все матросы могут беспрепятственно в нее входить, когда захотят; welcome – желанный; имеющий право или разрешение сделать что-л.; to choose – выбирать; предпочитать).