t, for the three men lately killed lay stark and stiff on
the deck, which was sprinkled in many places with blood; while three
others severely wounded were under the doctor's hands. Besides this, a
portion of the bulwarks was knocked away; and, what was of still more
consequence, two of her boats were almost irretrievably damaged.

A boat was lowered, and the first mate pulled away to board the prize.
The damage she had received was severe; besides which, a number of her
crew had been killed and wounded. The captain and two of his officers
had also lost their lives. The prize was of less value than was
expected, as she had only a small assortment of articles on board, for
the purpose of trading with the natives. Captain Tredeagle's own crew
would of necessity be weakened to carry her into port; the nearest to
which he could send her being Sydney in New South Wales. Some time must
also be spent in rigging jury-masts and refitting her for the voyage: so
that, whatever others might have thought, he very much regretted having
fallen in with the brig, the battle proving, as in most instances when
nations or people fall out, a loss to both parties. He gave the command
to the third mate and six hands, all that could be spared; and they
would have, besides navigating the brig, to look after the prisoners,
most of whom remained on board.

Fortunately the weather remained calm, though even then it took three
days to prepare the brig for the voyage. A third of her crew were
received on board the _Champion_, they having volunteered to join her.
Both vessels then made sail, the _Champion_ accompanying the prize.
They had not got far, however, when the lookout at the masthead gave the
welcome cry of "There they spout! there they spout!"

"Where away?" asked the captain.

"On the weather bow," was the answer.

The captain made the signal for the brig to proceed on her voyage, and
ordered the _Champion's_ sails to be braced sharp up, to stand towards
the whales which were seen to windward. There was a fresh breeze, which
seemed likely to increase. After making a couple of tacks the ship was
hove-to, and the captain ordered two boats to be lowered,--he going in
one, and the second mate in the other. Away they pulled after the
whales, which, however, caught sight of them, and went off in all
directions. The captain made chase after one, which, taking several
turns, at length came towards him. Ordering his men to lie on th