90 THE WHALE AND 



There goes Flukes! Stand by and Lower. 



yet, sir. There's three or four of 'em ; and 

 they're going quick to windward." 



Presently there sings out one from the fore- 

 top-gallant yard, " There goes flu-u-u-kes 

 flukes." This is always decisive, for the right 

 whale, after breathing or blowing a few mo- 

 ments on the surface, pitches down head fore- 

 most into the deep, and as the head descends, 

 the tail or flukes rise with a graceful curve 

 above the water, and for a moment are seen in 

 nearly a vertical position, and then slowly dis- 

 appear. All now in your ship is eagerness 

 and engrossment in the motions of your game, 

 and every man is intent at his station. The 

 tubs of lines have just been put into the boat ; 

 the harpoons and lances adjusted in their proper 

 places, ready for action. 



" Lower away !" at length cries the mate, 

 and every boat is instantly resting on the wa- 

 ter, manned by their respective crews. " Give 

 way, my lads !" is the next you hear, and the 

 boats are leaping as if alive toward the point 

 where the whale was last seen. All orders are 

 now given in a low tone ; every man is doing 

 his utmost, and the boats are springing over the 

 smooth swells, each striving to be headmost in 



