120 THE SEA-SERPENT. 



after a short struggle, to rid himself of the har- 

 poon. 



"My turn is come again," said Captain George: 

 and, planting himself a second time in the bow of 

 the skiff, he struck his harpoon deeply, this time, 

 in the body of the fish. Again were witnessed the 

 furious plunges and contortions of the whale : 

 again the harpoon tore out, and the baffled sports- 

 men, on the failure of this, their third cast, had to 

 confess to themselves, that their tackle was inade- 

 quate to the capture of a whale. The wind now 

 veered to the east, and a rain-storm set in, so that 

 it was necessary to draw off from the enemy, 

 and make a harbor for the security of the boats, 

 and especially of that which was burdened 

 with a piece of artillery, which was accordingly 

 done. 



The next day was Sunday, and our sportsmen 

 did not follow the example of the commanders of 

 modern Christian armies, who apparently select 

 that day for an engagement. They staid at home, 

 and retook their positions on Monday, with better 

 knowledge, better equipments, and in every way 

 better prepared for success. But all too late the 

 enemy had fled! The captain of a coaster met 

 them on their retreat, as they left the harbor ; and 

 nothing more was heard of them, except that rumor 



