280 WHALE-FISHERY. 



empty boats, were reserved by the ship. Having, 

 however, fortunately line weather, and a fresh breeze 

 of wind, we immediately gave chase imdcr all sails ; 

 though, it must be confessed, v*ith the insignificant 

 force by us, the distance of the fish, and the rapidi- 

 ty of its flight considered, we had but very small 

 hopes of success. At length, after pursuing it 

 five or six miles, being at least nine miles from the 

 place where it was struck, we came up with it, and 

 it seemed inclined to rest after its extraordinary 

 exertions. The two dismantled or empty boats ha- 

 ving been furnished with two lines each, (a very 

 inadequate supply,) they, togctlier with the one in 

 a good state of equipment, now made an attack up- 

 on the whale. One of the harpooners made a blun- 

 der ; the fish saw the boat, took the alann and agam 

 lied. I now supposed It would be seen no more ; ne- 

 vertheless, we chased neail)'^ a mile in the direction 1 

 imagined it had taken, and placed the boats, to the 

 best of my judgment, in the most advantageous si- 

 tuations. In this cp.se v.e were extremely fortunate. 

 The fish rose near one of the boats, and was imme- 

 diately harpooned. In a few minutes two more har- 

 poons entered its back, and lances were plied against 

 it with vigour and success. Exhausted by its amaz- 

 ing exertions to escape, it yielded itself at length 

 to its fate, received the piercing wounds of the lan- 

 ces without resistance, and finally died without a 

 struggle. Thus terminated with success, an attack 



