elong sweep that threshes the
bit of shining red through the water, making it irresistibly attractive
to a struggling horde of ravenous fish. One by one, as swiftly as the
rod can be wielded, the lithe forms drop off the barbless hook into the
boat, till the vigorous arm can no longer respond to the will of the
fisherman, or the vessel will hold no more.

Such were the goodly proportions of this first Solander whale of ours
that, in spite of the serious loss of the case, we made thirteen and a
half tuns of oil. When the fifteen huge casks containing it were stowed
in their final positions, they made an imposing show, inspiring all of
us with visions of soon being homeward bound. For the present we were,
perforce, idle; for the wind had set in to blow steadily and strongly
right up the Straits, preventing any attempts to get out while it
lasted. The time did not hang heavy on our hands, for the surrounding
country offered many attractions, which we were allowed to take full
advantage of. Spearing eels and flounders at night by means of a cresset
hung out over the boat's bow, as she was slowly sculled up the long,
shallow creeks, was a favourite form of amusement. Mr. Cross, the
resident, kindly allowed us to raid his garden, where the ripe fruit was
rotting by the bushel for want of consumers. We needed no pressing;
for fruit, since we left Vau Vau, of any kind had not come in our
way; besides, these were "homey"--currants, gooseberries,
strawberries--delightful to see, smell, and taste. So it came to pass
that we had a high old time, unmarred by a single regrettable incident,
until, after an enforced detention of twenty days, we were able to get
to sea again.

Halfway down the Straits we sighted the CHANCE, all hands ripping
the blubber off a sizeable whale in the same "anyhow" fashion as they
handled their ship. They were in high glee, giving us a rousing cheer as
we passed them on our westward course. Arriving on the ground, we found
a goodly company of fine ships, which I could not help thinking too many
for so small an area. During our absence, the TAMERLANE had been joined
by the ELIZA ADAMS, the MATILDA SAYER, the CORAL, and the RAINBOW; and
it was evident that no whale venturing within the radius of the Solander
in the daytime would stand much chance of escaping such a battery of
eager eyes. Only three days elapsed after our arrival when whales
were seen. For the first time, I realized how numerous those giganti