g from the speed looking as if the last ring
would soon be out and the whale dragging at the boat.

The captain was evidently of the same opinion, for he spoke to Johannes,
who was standing like a statue with his lance ready.

"Will he snap the line, do you think?"

"No, sir. If he runs all out, we shall have a sharp tug; but the rope
will hold."

"He won't pull us under water, will he?" cried Steve.

"Oh no, sir; no fear of that. He'll swim near to the top after this
run, and keep on coming up to breathe. He may give us a ride. Here he
comes again."

For the rope ceased running once more, showing how accurately the length
of line was calculated for giving the creatures the full extent of their
rush and no more.

Once more it was rapidly hauled in, and laid down in rings in the tub;
but before half was recovered there was a movement, which was seized
upon as a signal how to act, for the whale was not to have more line,
the latter being rapidly twisted round the block, after which there was
a tremendous jerk, and the boat's head was dragged down till it seemed
as if it must admit the water, but the next minute it was rushing
rapidly along sending a line of foam on either side. This lasted for a
time, and then ceased, the whale rising and curving over once more,
flourishing its tail in the air, and then apparently diving straight
down.

More line was gained and ringed this time, when the tension ceased, and
again the whale appeared, curved over, and dived down again. Then once
more there was the shock, and the boat was dragged along again. But
this was by no means so sturdy a tugging as the last, and before long
the rope slackened, the whale came up for breath, and dived slowly.

In a few minutes more there ceased to be any idea of danger, for the
captive was nearly exhausted, and the end was coming; for each dive was
shorter in depth as well as time. The whale then tried fresh tactics,
rising to the surface and rolling over and beating the water heavily
with its tail; but all in vain: it could not rid itself of the deeply
plunged harpoon, and lay for a few moments perfectly quiet.

All at once it seemed to become aware of the fact that the boat which
was approaching it rapidly had something to do with its trouble, and
diving suddenly it made a rush for it; but the oars were cleverly
managed, and its aim frustrated, while as it passed close by the bows
Johannes' great lance struck it full, penetrating