Sketches From Oldest America 



seemed altogether too insignificant an instrument 

 to defend himself with against such a huge monster; 

 yet in his dilemma it was the only chance he had. 

 Grasping the spear with a hand rendered firm by 

 despair, he awaited the right moment, and just as 

 the animal was about to close its massive jaws to 

 crush him and his frail kyak (aiming down the 

 throat, his fright lending strength to the action) he 

 cast the spear with great force. The aim had been 

 good and the throw a powerful one. The creature 

 instantly dove remaining down for quite a while, 

 then floated to the surface, dead. Upon examining 

 the body, it was found to be as large as that of a 

 whale, at the same time resembling that animal in 

 appearance, but in addition it had four legs. The 

 mystery had been solved and Ahvooyoolacha at last 

 knew the fate of his three brothers. 



The Whales of Alaska 

 There are two varieties of the whale much sought 

 for on account of the baleen they yield. The Right 

 Whale of the Behring Sea, as well as of other waters, 

 and the Bow-head that makes its summer run along 

 the American coast as far as the Arctic Archipelago. 

 In September it strikes westward to Herald Island, 

 27 



