142 THE WUALE AND 



Novel Mode of Travel. The Beast seeks Company. 



ing off like a locomotive with an express." 

 They held manfully to the line, and with oars 

 peaked, ready to be seized in a moment, they 

 dashed along in the track of the whale. Had 

 they been fast yoked to a team of wild horses 

 on a plank road, their rate of traveling could 

 hardly have been quicker. Mile-stones, trees, 

 and rails were all one in their Gilpin race ; 

 and, Mazeppa-like, as they dashed along at the 

 heels of the monster, they could only see one 

 white bank of foam, which rolled up before 

 them higher than the bow of the boat, as if it 

 would momently rush aboard. 



The whale, in this instance, decided that 

 their ride should not be altogether barren of 

 variety, for they soon found themselves rushing 

 into the midst of loose whales, who, having 

 been disturbed by the other boats, were merrily 

 fluking and snorting all around, and playing 

 their mad antics and gambols. The other 

 boats had also fastened, and as their whale, too, 

 seemed to have a fondness for company, they 

 were all in a muss together. 



At length, as the first whale slackened his 

 speed, they hauled up to him, and the captain 

 darted his lance adroitly, which took effect 



