eir
oars, he stepped forward, waiting till the whale, a huge bull, came near
enough, when with unerring aim he struck his harpoon deep into its side.
The whale, smarting with pain, turned round, almost upsetting the boat,
and away it went dead to windward at a tremendous speed right against
the sea, which flew from the bows, covering her with showers of foam.

The second mate, who had gone away after another whale, observing the
course the first was taking as it came by, dashed up and fixed his
harpoon into the other side of the monster. Away went both the boats,
towed with undiminished speed, till in a short time neither could be
seen from the _Champion's_ deck. Scarcely had they disappeared when
several more whales were seen spouting at no considerable distance to
windward. The opportunity of catching them was not to be lost, and Mr
Shobbrok ordered the two remaining boats to be lowered,--he going in one
and the fourth mate in the other, leaving the ship in charge of the
surgeon.

Walter had long been anxious to see a whale actually caught; and not
allowing the mate time to refuse him, he jumped into his boat.

"Do let me go," he exclaimed. "The whales are not far off, and we shall
soon be back with a prize." The men in their eagerness had shoved off
and were giving way. Walter sprang aft to the side of the mate, who was
steering. "You won't be angry with me, Mr Shobbrok," he said; "I
promise not to come again, if you object."

"I trust that no accident will happen, my boy," answered the mate. "It
was for your own good alone that I wished you to remain on board,
otherwise I should have been glad of your company, and given you the
opportunity of seeing a whale caught."

A whole school of whales was in sight, several of them spouting
together. The mates steered for them, making sure of getting hold of a
couple at least. Some were spouting, others sounding, and others just
coming up again to breathe. Mr Shobbrok steered for one which had just
made its appearance above water; while the fourth mate's boat made way
towards another huge monster which had already been blowing for some
seconds.

The first mate's boat approached the whale he had selected. Stepping to
the bows, he plunged his harpoon into the creature's side; and then
taking one of the lances he thrust it deep into its body, singing out as
he did so, "Back off, all!"

At that instant Walter heard a cry from the direction of the other boat.
H