nd went a "gamming," as it is termed, on board the other
schooner.

Each of these little vessels was well provided with boats, and those of
the description in common use among whalers. A whale-boat differs from the
ordinary jolly-boat, launch, or yawl--gigs, barges, dinguis, &c. &c.,
being exclusively for the service of vessels of war--in the following
particulars: viz.--It is sharp at both ends, in order that it may 'back
off,' as well as 'pull on;' it steers with an oar, instead of with a
rudder, in order that the bows may be thrown round to avoid danger when
not in motion; it is buoyant, and made to withstand the shock of waves at
both ends; and it is light and shallow, though strong, that it may be
pulled with facility. When it is remembered that one of these little
egg-shells--little as vessels, though of good size as boats--is often
dragged through troubled waters at the rate of ten or twelve knots, and
frequently at even a swifter movement, one can easily understand how much
depends on its form, buoyancy and strength. Among seamen, it is commonly
thought that a whale-boat is the safest craft of the sort in which men can
trust themselves in rough water.

Captain Daggett received his guest with marked civility, though in a
quiet, eastern way. The rum and water were produced, and a friendly glass
was taken by one after the other. The two masters drank to each other's
success, and many a conventional remark was made between them on the
subject of sea-lions, sea-elephants, and the modes of capturing such
animals. Even Watson, semi-deserter as he was, was shaken cordially by the
hand, and his questionable conduct overlooked. The ocean has many of the
aspects of eternity, and often disposes mariners to regard their
fellow-creatures with an expansiveness of feeling suited to their common
situations. Its vastness reminds them of the time that has neither
beginning nor end; its ceaseless movement, of the never-tiring impulses of
human passions; and its accidents and dangers, of the Providence which
protects all alike, and which alone prevents our being abandoned to the
dominion of chance.

Roswell Gardiner was a kind-hearted man, moreover, and was inclined to
judge his fellows leniently. Thus it was that his "good evening" at
parting, to Watson, was just as frank and sincere as that he bestowed on
Captain Daggett himself.

Chapter IX.

"Roll on, thou deep and dark blue ocean--roll!
Ten thousand fleets s