d that they resembled swallows: rapidly as they darted here and
there, now resting on the wing, now rising again in the air; uttering
their clamorous, piercing cries, as they flocked together in increasing
numbers.

"We shall have rough weather before long, or those birds would not
shriek so loudly," observed Jacob to Walter. "I don't mind a few of
them; but when they come in numbers about a ship, it is a sure sign of a
storm."

"We have had so much fine weather, that I suppose it is what we may
expect," answered Walter. "We cannot hope to make a long voyage without
a gale now and then!"

"It is not always the case," said the mate. "I have been round the
world some voyages with scarcely a gale to speak of; and at other times
we have not been many weeks together without hard weather."

Though the stormy petrel shrieked, the wind still remained moderate, and
the sailors continued their bird-catching and fishing.

Among those who most eagerly followed the cruel sport was Tom Hulk, the
boatswain's mate. He had got a long line and a strong hook, which he
threw overboard from the end of the main-yard.

"I don't care for those small birds," he cried out. "I have made up my
mind to have one of the big albatrosses. I want his wings to carry home
with me, and show what sort of game we pick up at sea."

Several of his messmates, who had a superstitious dread of catching an
albatross, shouted out to him not to make the attempt, declaring that he
would bring ill-luck to himself, or perhaps to the ship. Though not
free from superstition himself, he persevered from very bravado.

"I am not to be frightened by any such notions," he answered scornfully.
"If I can catch an albatross I will, and wring his neck too."

Before long, a huge white albatross, with wide-extended wings, which had
been hovering about the ship, espying the bait darted down and swallowed
it at a gulp, hook and all. In an instant it was secured, and the bold
seaman came running in along the yard to descend on deck; while the
bird, rising in the air, endeavoured to escape. Its efforts were in
vain; for several other men aiding Hulk, in spite of its struggles it
was quickly drawn on board. Even then it fought bravely, though
hopelessly, for victory; but its captor despatched it with a blow on the
head.

"It would have been better for you if you had let that bird enjoy its
liberty," said the boatswain with a growl. "I have never seen any good
come