A RACE. 143 



since witnessed. We were yet about A boat's 

 length astern. Both crews were pulling with all 

 the strength at their command. 



At the measured strokes of the oars, the slen- 

 der boats seemed almost to leap clear of the wave, 

 M*d fly through the air. Their dull roll in the 

 rollocks, their regular dip in the water, the rush 

 of the boat's bow, as it came in contact with the 

 waves, the quick, loud breathing of the men at 

 the oars, and the half smothered voices of the 

 boatheaders urging their respective crews on to 

 renewed exertions, all proclaimed a race in which 

 not only a fish, but the honor of the two ships was 

 thought to be at stake. 



The whales were yet unaware of our approach. 

 They were going slowly round in a large circle, 

 as is often their habit, and their present course 

 was of material advantage to us, as it forced both 

 boats so to alter their course as in a short time to 

 bring us abreast of our opponents. A whispered 

 shout testified onr appreciation of this advantage. 

 But we had no breath to waste in shouting. 

 Every bit was needed for the contest. 



" Will you halve the chances, Mr. Swain ? " 

 asked our mate, seeing our present advantage, 

 and yet feeling that withal, a new boat's crew 

 might be beaten, and willing to make sure of 

 half a whale, rather than run the risk of gaining 

 none. 



"No," was the quick and somewhat haughty 



