344 THE CRUISE OF THE " CACHALOT:' 



almost entirely to the local knowledge he possessed, 

 gained in many years' study of the immediate neigh- 

 bourhood. He declared that, as far as the technical 

 duties of whale-fishing went, all the Americans could 

 beat him hollow ; but they ought to realize that some- 

 thing else was needed here which no man could hope 

 to have unless he were content to remain on the 

 coast altogether. With which words of wisdom our 

 skipper cordially agreed, bearing in mind his own 

 exploits in the bygone time around those rugged 

 shores. 



The strong breeze which brought Paddy and his 

 whales home died down that night, enabling us to start 

 for the grounds again — a concession gratefully received, 

 for not the least of the hindrances felt there was the 

 liability to be " wind-bound " for a long time, while fine 

 weather was prevailing at the fishing grounds. 



We made a fine passage down the Straits with a 

 leading wind, finding our two late companions still 

 cruising, having managed to get their whales aboard 

 without mishap, and being somewhat inclined to chaff 

 our old man for running in. He gave a wink full of 

 wisdom, as he replied, "I'm pretty ole whale myself 

 naouw ; but I guess I ain't too old to learn ; 'n wut I 

 learn I'm goin' ter use. See ? " Of course the fine 

 weather did not last long — it never does ; and seeing the 

 gloomy masses of violet-edged cumuli piling up on the 

 southern horizon, we hugged the Solander Eock itself 

 pretty close, nor ventured far to seaward. Our two 

 consorts, on the contrary, kept well out and on the 

 northern verge, as if they intended the next gale that 

 blew to get north, i/they could. The old man's object 

 in thus keeping in was solely in order that he might be 

 able to run for shelter ; but, much to his delight and 



