DEAD WHALE. 169 



sail, steering to the northward, in company with 

 the ships they had fallen in with the day be- 

 fore the Orion being about five miles distant, 

 broad off on the weather bow, and the Lupin 

 about three points under the lee not more than 

 two or three miles off. Being in the north-east 

 trade winds, and standing along to the north- 

 ward, they all, of course, had the starboard 

 tacks on board. 



On board the Cremona, said her Captain, in 

 giving this account, we had our mast heads 

 doubly manned ; and at the main- top -gallant- 

 head was stationed Webquish, a smart, active 

 Gay Head Indian, who was a faithful sentinel on 

 such occasions, with a restless eye, and a keen- 

 ness of vision seldom surpassed by any of his 

 race. All hands were on deck, and expectation 

 was exhibited in the grave demeanor and semi- 

 smiling countenances of the crew. 



It was about nine o'clock in the forenoon 

 that Webquish, the Indian, who had been look- 

 ing steadily in one direction for some minutes, 

 called out that he saw some object afloat away 

 to windward. It was bobbing up and down, 



