260 THE WHALEMAN'S ADVENTUKES. 



anxiety being unnecessarily scared, for want of 

 that wise and considerate prudence which, under 

 the circumstances, was peculiarly needed to 

 temper and direct their excited zeal. At length, 

 however, after a variety of mortifying failures, a 

 harpoon was ably struck; and, though the 

 boat received a desperate heave, and some of its 

 oars were projected high into the air, happily no 

 accident ensued. 



" The excess of ardour among the men was 

 now in full demand, being appropriately drawn 

 off by the vigour with which the wounded 

 monster vainly struggled for its liberty and life. 

 Outstripping the utmost speed of its pursuers, 

 in the beginning of the chase, it obtained shelter 

 amid a compact accumulation of numerous 

 masses of ice, where it was most difficult to 

 reach, and from whence it seemed next to im- 

 practicable to be dislodged. After encountering 

 however, a variety of little adventures, as well 

 as some very threatening obstacles, all of which 

 were safely overcome, or spontaneously gave 

 way, as the pursuit and lancing advanced, we 

 succeeded in subduing the powerful animal; 



