he swam, unsuspicious of evil, through the calm waters of the deep.
Away flew the boats, urged on by rapid strokes, in hot pursuit. The
captain took the lead. We who were left behind felt that we were
accompanying them in heart and spirit. The foam bubbled and hissed
round the bows of the boats as they clove their way through the water.
Not a moment was there to lose--the distance was great--the whale had
been for some time breathing, and might go down, and perhaps be lost
altogether, before the boats could get up to her, or they might have to
chase her for many miles before they could again reach her. Meantime,
the wind being fair, the ship was kept almost in the wake of the boats.
Away they flew; each was anxious to strike the first whale, but the
captain's took the lead, and maintained it. As they got nearer the
monster, it was necessary to be careful, lest he should take the alarm,
and, seeing his pursuers, go down to escape them. The men bent to their
oars even more energetically than before; the captain stood up, harpoon
in hand; his weapon was raised on high; we thought that the next instant
it would be buried in the monster, when up went his small--the enormous
flukes rose high in air--"Back of all!--back of all!" we cried; not that
our voices could be heard. If not, that terrific stroke it is giving
will shiver the boat in atoms. The boat glided out of the way, but just
in time, though her crew were drenched with spray. Down went the
whale--far, far into the depths of the ocean.

Nothing is to be had without trying for it--our captain knew this well.
All eyes were now turned to watch where the whale would next rise, for
rise, we knew, he before long must, and in all probability within sight;
so the boats paddled slowly on, the men reserving their strength for the
moment when it would be required; while we on board shortened sail, that
we might have the ship more under command, to follow wherever they might
lead. Every one was watching with intense eagerness; the four boats
were separated a short distance from each other; now and then the
officers would stand up to see if the monster had risen, and then they
would turn their gaze towards the ship for a signal from the look-out
aboard. Still the time passed away, and no whale appeared.

An hour had elapsed, when again the inspiriting shout was heard of
"There she spouts! there she spouts!" the look-outs pointing, as before,
over the starboard-bow, whe