eft.
Doctor, you pick out one in the centre."

The boats drew nearer and nearer; the seals began to show that they
suspected their visitors. No one moved in the boat, for fear of
frightening the creatures. Again the animals began to move.

"They will be into the water if we don't take care," whispered the
doctor. A few more strokes of the oars were given, and the seals
nearest the edge began to move towards it. Captain Twopenny fired; the
doctor followed his example, aiming at an animal some way from the edge;
Harry, less accustomed than his companions to the use of a rifle, was
afraid that he had missed his game. The boat now darted on, Paul Lizard
standing with harpoon poised ready to strike. The seals, frightened at
the noise, came rushing over the ice, and splashing into the water;
fierce-looking fellows they were, too, with their huge tusks, long
manes, and big beards. Instead of taking to flight, they came roaring
angrily round the boat, apparently with the intention of attacking her.
The women screamed as they saw the savage-looking animals surrounding
them. "Load again quickly," cried Harry, "and drive these creatures
off." One big fellow, the leader of the herd probably, came swimming up
with grinning teeth, as if intent on mischief. He looked fully capable
of ripping a plank out of the boat; and such seemed his purpose. Paul's
harpoon flew from his hand, burying itself in the monster's head. The
seal swam off, dragging out the line. Paul called two of the men to his
assistance, and while they were hauling away at the animal, who was
fast, the other men were engaged with their oars in keeping the rest of
the infuriated herd at bay. Two seals lay on the ice dead, brought down
by the captain and doctor. Three more were shot, but scarcely had the
bullets entered their brains than down they sank, and were lost to
sight. The remainder of the herd, having sufficient sagacity to know
that the fate of their companions might be theirs, suddenly diving, with
loud splashes disappeared. They rose again at some distance, blowing
loudly, and looking as if they were about to make a fresh attack on the
boat. After, however, they had continued for some time swimming rapidly
to and fro, uttering their fierce cries, they seemed to have arrived at
the conclusion that "discretion is the better part of valour," and away
they went till they were lost to sight in the distance. In the
meantime, Paul Lizard had succe