i 3 4 HUNTING THE SEA OTTER. 



banish from the mind that feeling of depression brought 

 on by the contemplation of elements at once so grand in 

 their conflict, so stern in their resistance, so implacable in 

 their persistent onslaught. Long ere their chief descent 

 had been accomplished, such little streams as leapt from 

 the cliffs were dissolved into thin, misty vapours that hung 

 about the bare surface, swaying to and fro under the 

 changing influence of air-currents, and throwing out soft 

 rainbow colours, as though intent on toning down the grim 

 blackness of the fireborn rock. 



Fortunately there was no scarcity of otters ; indeed, 

 they generally herded here, probably because the atrocious 

 weather secures them from the hunters' attacks. They 

 were well acquainted with their human foes, as they 

 invariably made for the tide-rip as soon as they became 

 aware of our presence. The first one sighted fairly beat 

 us; and although a number of bullets fired at long range 

 splashed around him whenever he rose to take breath, we 

 never once succeeded in turning him or arresting his 

 headlong flight. We lost him in the tide-rip, from which 

 we were only too glad to emerge wet and disappointed. 

 The other otters we chased were either not so strong or so 

 knowing, though most of them adopted the same tactics ; 

 but by keeping a couple of the boats well outside, and all 

 far apart, and by being careful not to close in too soon, 

 before their diving powers became somewhat exhausted, 

 we had six full-grown otters in the boats by three in the 

 afternoon. There was every prospect of getting another 

 half-dozen, for the sky was still cloudless, and the sun, 

 which had long ago dried our wet clothes and restored us 

 to comparative comfort, was still shining as bright and as 

 cheerful as ever. 



Such signs as in other parts would have lulled to rest the 

 apprehensions of the most weather-beaten mariner were 

 no trustworthy prognostic in Roku Bay. This inhospitable 

 roadstead had little ways of its own, and a reputation a 

 very bad one to keep up. 



