THE GREAT SEA SERPENT. 253 



good luck. "We expected to arrive at Cape Cod by 

 daybreak, and as soon as possible after starting every 

 sporting hero began to make his arrangements for 

 the nightj — in hammocks and bunks, and some upon 

 benches and upon the floors, — ^just as they could 

 manage. 



Gradually the flow of talk grew slower and slower, 

 and all grew still on board. Nothing was to be seen 

 but the binnacle light and the lamps over the paddles. 

 All around was as dark as Erebus. On deck, where 

 I remained to the last with my friend the editor, the 

 darkness was so profound that we could not see two 

 feet before us, so we lighted up our promenade by 

 the light of our cigars. After this we repaired to 

 the state-room, which had been set apart for us, and 

 I went to sleep dreaming of the Sea-serpent and of 

 all the American Eeguluses who, in a few hours, 

 were about to dispute with me the honour of the 

 victory. The dawn surprised me filled Avith these 

 thoughts, and as soon as our toilet could be com- 

 pleted, my friend and I were on deck, with a rifle in 

 one hand and a telescope in the other, sweeping the 

 horizon, which was still veiled in fog. 



Gradually the deck became crowded, and nothing 

 was wanted but ladies to render the festivity com- 

 plete. Two hours passed in dire impatience, and we 

 had not even sighted the smallest cachalot whale, the 

 most diminutive porpoise, or the most insignificant 

 bonito, when suddenly a voice cried out, " I see him ! 



