OF THE SPERM WHALE. 
169 
I watched them with the glass until I could no longer 
trace them, even in the most indistinct manner, and 
I then called to those on deck, that they might take 
the bearing by compass, of the direction in which I had 
lost sight of them, that we might continue to “ beat” 
the ship up to that quarter. 
It was now within half-an-hour of sunset, and there 
was every appearance of the coming on of an “ugly 
night,” as a seaman would say ; indeed the wind began 
to freshen every moment, and an “ awkward bubble ” of a 
sea soon began to make. I remained aloft until I saw the 
sun dip, angry and red, below the troubled horizon, and 
was just about to descend when I was dreadfully shocked 
at hearing the loud cry of “ a man overboard ” from all 
upon deck. I immediately looked astern, and saw one 
of our men, of the name of Berry, grappling with the 
waves and calling loudly for help. The ship was soon 
brought round ; but in doing so she unavoidably passed 
a long way from the poor fellow, who still supported 
himself by beating the water with his hands, although 
he was quite unacquainted with the proper art of swim- 
ming. Several oars were thrown overboard the moment 
after he fell, but he could not reach them, though they 
were near to him ; and directly the ship was brought 
up, a Sandwich islander, who formed one of the crew, 
leaped overboard and swam towards him, while at the 
same time the people on the deck were lowering a spare 
boat, which is always kept for such emergencies. I 
could be of no service, except to urge their expedition 
by my calls, for it was all only the work of a few 
i 
