238 WHALING A.ND PISHING. 



other boats were carefully filled, in readiness to 

 be placed in the one destined to carry us. 



" On the third night, about two o'clock, we fas- 

 tened the cabin doors as well as we could without 

 noise, and then, all things being in readiness, 

 clothing and provisions fairly stowed away, and 

 oars ready for instant use, we rapidly lowered 

 away the boat, and jumping in, put off from the 

 ship. 



" The noise we made in lowering away roused 

 the officers, and by the time we were half a dozen 

 Bhips' lengths from the vessel, we were hailed by 

 the captain, who called on us to return, threaten- 

 ing all sorts of vengeance if we refused. 



" * Pull away, lads,' said one of our number, 

 1 we have no breath to waste.' 



" We were momentarily increasing our distance, 

 and would soon be safe from all pursuit, should 

 such be made in the boats j but now came a shot, 

 tfhich struck the man at the steering-oar. On 

 seeing the blood, one or two of our number grew 

 scared, and proposed to return. 



" * Pull ahead,' said the wounded man, sternly. 

 as he tied his neckhandkerchief about his wounded 

 thigh. 



" A few strokes more and we were out of reach 

 of tho shot which were still sent after us; and 

 soon a projection of the land hid the ship from 

 our view. We now set up the compass with which 

 every whaleboat is furnished, and hoisting our 

 ail, put the boat on her course for the mainland 



