`` you might put on your robes now , laurence , '' temeraire suggested , egged on by hammond 's enthusiasm ; laurence could only with difficulty divert him to the task of assuring his own appearance : the talon-sheaths were brought out , and the breastplate polished , and under roland 's guidance a party of the sailors were formed into a line to carry water from the great fountain at the center of the courtyard to the dragons , and pour it over their backs .