terwards take two whales, for I felt
as much interest in her success as in that of our own ship. Twice we
were becalmed when close together, and Medley and I got leave to pay a
visit to our friends. I need not say that we were most kindly received.
It seemed to us like going out of the rough world into a small paradise
when we entered the pretty neat cabin, and were seated at the table with
Mary and good Mrs Bland. Medley had a talent for drawing, and used to
make pictures of ships and scenes descriptive of whale-catching for
Mary, which we thought very good and true to nature. Among them were
two--one of a ship leaving port, another of one returning.

"I wish this was the `Lady Alice,'" said Mary, taking up the last. "It
will be truly a happy day when we get back with dear father safe."

"I hoped that you were enjoying your cruise, and would be in no hurry to
have it over," I observed.

"So I do on many accounts," she answered. "But I am always anxious when
I see father go out to attack a huge whale. Two of our men were killed
by one, and father might share the same fate. Sometimes his boat is a
long, long way out of sight of the ship, and we cannot tell what is
happening."

"You must just trust in God, Miss Bland," observed Medley. "He is doing
his duty, and you can pray that he may be protected."

"I always try to do that; but still, you know, the danger is great, and
that makes me wish to be safe at home again, though I fear that you will
be there so long before us that you will have sailed again to some
distant part of the world perhaps, and we may never see you more."

"Perhaps the `Lady Alice' will be more fortunate than you expect, and
may soon get filled up," I answered, wishing to restore her spirits,
which, for some reason, were unusually low. Was it on account of some
unseen danger threatening us?

For several weeks we continued in company, both ships being tolerably
successful; but the "Lady Alice" certainly killed more whales than we
did, simply, I believe, because a better look-out was kept. Yet Captain
Bland never sent the boats away on a Sunday, while all days were alike
to Captain Hake. I judged by his remarks that he was somewhat jealous
of the better fortune of his brother commander. At last we lost sight
of the "Lady Alice." Whenever I could manage it I went aloft to look
out for her, but though I strained my eyes gazing round and round the
horizon, I searched in vain. In what