FASTENING TO A STRANGE FISH. 149 



We took to our oars, and the boat was soon 

 darting forward at good speed toward the place 

 where we had last seen the objects of our curiosity. 



" Stern all !" suddenly shouted the mate, as the 

 ooat brought up " all standing" against some object 

 which we had not been able to see on account of 

 the murkiness of the water, the collision nearly 

 throwing us upon our backs into the bottom of the 

 boat. As we backed off, an enormous beast slowly 

 raised his head above the water, gave a loud snort, 

 and incontinently dove down again, almost before 

 we could get a fair look at it. v 



"What is it?" was now the question which no 

 one could answer. 



" Whatever it is," said the mate, whose whaling 

 blood was up, "if it comes within reach of my 

 iron, I'll make fast to it, lads so pull ahead." 

 We were again under headway, keeping a bright 

 look out for the reappearance of the stranger. 



" There they are, a whole school," said the mate, 

 eagerly, pointing in shore, where the glistening 

 of white-water showed that a number of the 

 nondescripts were evidently enjoying themselves. 

 "Now boys, pull hard, and we'll soon try theli 

 mettle." 



" There's something broke water, just ahead/ 

 said the boatsteerer. 



"Pull easy lads I see him there way enougl 

 there's his back ! " 



" Stern all ! " shouted he, as he darted his iron 

 into * back as broad as a small sperm whale's. 



