118 THE SEA-SEKPENT. 



face, there arc some keen-sighted sportsmen aboard^ 

 who aver that they spy a hole in his jacket, and a 

 piece of blubber fat sticking out of the orifice ! 



Meanwhile, the whales began to move at increased 

 speed toward the sea, raid it became doubtful 

 whether St. Patrick could retain his position so as 

 to continue the action. 



" Come," said Captain George, " they must not 

 escape us. I'll go in the skiff, and tackle them 

 with my devil-fish harpoon. Who'll steer the 

 skiff? I'll take two boys to row." 



"But, maussa," said Pompey (who was one of the 

 skiff hands), "I can't go close dat ting in maussa 

 new boat anyhow. He tail strong as steam engine, 

 and he knock the boat all to shivers." 



" Don't want you, Pompey ; another hand will 

 do as well, or better." 



So off they start ; Captain George, staff in hand, 

 at the bow, while two hands pulled vigorously at 

 the oars. The ripple caused by the motion of the 

 fish against the current, showed their direction, 

 even while they were submerged. So, rowing 

 parallel to the shoal, the whale had no sooner 

 emerged, than the boatmen were ordered to pull 

 right in for his head. The boat actually touched 

 him, when Captain George struck the harpoon into 

 his head, and as he seemed stunned or insensible, 



