What, sir! you would go again?" said the great amiable-looking fellow,
smiling.

"Of course."

"And run risks?"

"Oh, I hope there would not be any risk; but you wouldn't have me play
the coward always because we were in danger once?"

"No, no, sir, of course not," said the Norseman, patting the boy on the
shoulder. "Well, what if we go after the white whale again? I was
trying to make out a school with the glass when you spoke and made me
jump. Their oil is so fine and valuable."

"Yes, I know," said Steve impatiently; "but if we do go after a school
again, I want you to let me try and harpoon one."

There was not much room to move, but Johannes, as he smiled in his big,
solemn way, managed to take hold of the boy's arm, and gave the biceps a
firm grip.

"Shut your hand tight and double up your arm," he said; and Steve
obeyed. "Good; that will do. Now take hold of mine."

He imitated the boy's action, and Steve imitated his, taking hold of a
huge mass of muscle that stood right out like a partially compressed
ball.

Steve coloured a little at the man's quiet way of showing him the
tremendous difference between them in the point of force.

"Well," said Johannes, smiling, "do you still think that you would like
to try?"

"Yes. I know I'm only a boy, and can't pretend to have a man's
strength; but I should like to try. Don't laugh at me, please."

"No, I was only smiling, my lad. Why should I laugh at one who is young
because he wishes to try to be brave and manly and shows a desire to
learn?"

"Oh, thank you!" cried Steve eagerly; "that is what I do feel, but
people are so ready to banter and laugh at me."

"It is foolish of them," said Johannes, "unless it is when a boy is what
you call conceited and self-satisfied, and thinks that he is a man too
soon."

"I don't do that, indeed!" cried Steve.

"You need not tell me so," said Johannes; "I can see that in your eyes,
and I know it, my boy, from your words."

"And you don't think it absurd of me to want to try and use the
harpoon?"

"Oh no. It is not so much an act of strength to dart a harpoon into a
soft thing like a white whale, but of practice and knack. The shaft of
the harpoon is so long and heavy, that if it is directed well and with
good aim it curves over and falls with its own weight as well."

"Then you will let me try!" cried Steve eagerly.

"If the captain is willing, of course you shall. I could sooner teach
you to stri