now
came clearer and clearer. There were her heavy quarter-davits, her
hoisting gear, and whale-killing gear; her long, sharp boats, lashed so
carefully, some to her davits, others athwart her quarter-deck frames;
and about all of which there was a mysterious interest. These whale
ships were at that day an object of distrust in the minds of the honest
Dutchmen along the banks of the Hudson, who never saw them go to sea
without shaking their heads and predicting all sorts of disasters, such
as would be sure to bring ruin on the men unwise enough to risk their
money in such enterprises.

As the ship neared Nyack a group of ten or a dozen persons were seen
near the landing, with a boat and two men to take Tite off. There was
Hanz, old and grey; and Angeline, her eyes filled with tears, but her
face as full of sweetness and tenderness as it was twenty years ago.
Tite had been the joy and hope of her life. And now he was going to
leave home and sail to the other side of the world, among strange
people, and would have to brave dangers of the worst kind.

[Illustration: Who could tell what might befall her in the eventful
voyage she was bound on? Page 60]

There, too, was Doctor Critchel, and the good Dominie, and Titus Bright,
the inn-keeper; the first wearing his old brown coat, and looking as
snuffy as on the stormy night when he assisted in bringing Tite into the
world. They had all come to see Tite off, to say God speed, and to give
him some little token of their affection to carry with him on his voyage
after whales.

And now that time which so tries a mother's heart had come. "Good bye,
mother, good bye, and may God be with you and protect you," said Tite,
throwing his arms around his mother's neck, and kissing her wet cheek.
"I will come back safe, and never go to sea again." Then he took leave
of his father, and each of his friends in turn. In another minute the
boat in which he stood waving his handkerchief was pulling swiftly
toward the ship. There was not a dry eye in that little group as each
figure in it stood gazing out upon the calm waters, and watching the
object so dear to the hearts of all in it. And now the boat has reached
the ship, men are seen in the gangway, a line was thrown to the men in
the boat, the ship luffed a little, and in another moment Tite mounted
the ladder and was on deck. The first officer welcomed him, for there
was something in his appearance that indicated respectability and true