154 OLD WHALING DAYS. 



gunshot of them, and soon shewed us a clean pair of 

 heels. This day proved very boisterous, and we dare not 

 venture far from the land, so therefore kept under the lee of 

 the island. A swell on the rocks prevented us from landing 

 to keep a look-out. 



As evening drew to a close, the signal was given for the 

 boats to return to the ship. We were then about five miles 

 away, and the wind was blowing a gale out of the harbour. 

 After pulling four hours, we came within a quarter of a 

 mile from the vessel, but could not get any nearer, being 

 too exhausted and drenched with the spray. Buoys were 

 streamed from the ship with lines attached to them, but 

 they were ineffectual, so we had to abandon all hope of 

 being on board that night, and returned under the lee of 

 the island until daybreak. 



It was a most miserable night. All were wet through, 

 and as we could not land, we rode with our grapnels as 

 close as possible to the rocks and laid in a row, a boat's 

 length apart. Each rigged their mast with a sail to form a 

 tent to shelter them from the pitiless storm. The snow fell 

 heavily, and only half the boat's crew could be sheltered by 

 the small tent or sail. Never did a night appear to be of so 

 long duration. We did all we could to cheer each other, 

 and, notwithstanding our serious predicament, we jested 

 upon the comfortable time we were having. 



In the darkest hour an incident occurred which threw us 

 into a state of commotion. A loud roar warned us that a 

 bear was amongst the boats. We could not see Bruin, but 

 had our rifles ready to receive him. In a little while we 

 heard another roar on the rock close by. Snap went the 

 guns in that direction. Whether we had wounded or 

 frightened the brute could not be ascertained, but we heard 

 him no more. 



This occurrence kept us on the alert all night, and every- 

 body was glad when daylight appeared. The weather had 



