OF THE SPERM WHALE. 
181 
and-green-looking vortex in the disturbed blue ocean, to 
mark the spot where his monstrous form so lately floated. 
A general huzza burst from the sternmost boats when 
they saw the issue of this chase, thinking now that 
another chance awaited them on the next rising of the 
whale, and they soon began to separate themselves a 
little, and to row onwards again in the course which they 
thought he had taken. Our captain, feeling irritated at 
the ill-success of the mate, now ordered his own boat to 
be lowered, intending to make one in the chase himself; 
but, just as he had parted from the ship, going down a 
little to leeward, a tremendous shout arose from the 
people in our own boats, joined with a loud murmuring 
from the rest of the boats’ crews ; for the whale, not 
having had all its “ spoutings out,” had now risen again 
to finish them, and was coming to windward at a quick 
rate, right towards our ship. The captain saw his favour- 
able situation in a moment, and passing quickly to the 
bows of the boat, he stood to waylay him as he came 
careering along, throwing his enormous head completely 
out of the water, for he was now quite “gallied.” He 
soon came, and caught a sight of the boat just as he got 
within dart ; the vast animal rolled itself over in an 
agony of fear, to alter its course ; but it was too late, the 
harpoon was hurled with excellent aim, and was plunged 
deeply into his side near the fin. 
As the immense creature almost flew out of the water 
from the blow, throwing tons of spray high into the 
air, shewing that he was “ fast,” a triumphant cheering 
arose from those in our own boats, as well as from those 
