exclaimed the sailor, who no longer spoke in whispers,
since such would no longer avail. "Anything but that. Quick, Snowy,--
quick, Will'm! Back down to the deck o' our craft. Let's make all
speed, and cast off from the karkiss o' the whale. There be time enough
yet; and then it'll be, who's got the heels. Don't be so bad skeeart,
Snowy. The ole _Catamaran_ be a trim craft. I built her myself, wi'
your help, nigger; an' I've got faith in her speed. We'll outsail 'em
yet."

"Dat we will, Massa Brace," assented Snowball, as, close following the
sailor, he glided down the rope on to the deck of the _Catamaran_, where
little William had already arrived.

It was the work of only a few minutes to cut the tiny cable by which the
little embarkation had been attached to the fin of the _cachalot_, and
push the craft clear of its moorings.

But, short as was the time, during its continuance the sun had produced
a wonderful change in that oceanic panorama.

The floating fog, absorbed by his fervid rays, had almost disappeared
from the deep, or at all events had become so dissipated that the
different objects composing that strange tableau in the proximity of the
dead _cachalot_ could all be seen by a single _coup d'oeil_; and were
also in sight of one another.

There was the huge carcass itself, looming like a great black rock above
the surface of the sea. Just parting from its side was the little
_Catamaran_, with its sail set, and its crew,--consisting of two men and
a boy,--the little Portuguese girl appearing as a passenger,--the two
men energetically bending to the oars while the boy held hold of the
rudder.

Scarce a hundred yards astern was the larger embarkation,--supporting
its score of dark forms,--some seated, and straining at the oars,--some
steering,--others attending to the sail; and one or two standing by the
head, shouting directions to the rest,--all apparently in wonder at the
tableau thus suddenly disclosed, and uncertain what to make of it, or
what course to pursue!

The occupants of the great raft were infinitely more astonished than
those of the _Catamaran_. On the part of the latter there was no longer
any astonishment. On recognising the voices taking part in that
ceremonious inquest they had comprehended all. The surprise they had at
first felt was now changed into terror.

The men on the raft were still under the influence of astonishment; and
no wonder. The apparition that had so