ptain Lumley. We shall soon see Alfred, I dare say, with the
spy-glass."

"I see him now," said Mary Percival, "he has his telescope, and he is
waving his hat to me."

"Thank God," replied Mrs. Campbell; "now I am satisfied."

The Portsmouth cast off the French line-of-battle ship, as soon as they
had jury-masts up and could make sail on them, and the convoy proceeded
to the mouth of the St. Lawrence.

"Captain Wilson," said Percival, whose eyes were fixed on the water,
"what animals are those, tumbling about and blowing,--those great white
things?"

"They are what are called the white whale, Percival," replied Captain
Wilson; "they are not often seen, except about here."

"Then what is the color of the other whales?"

"The northern whales are black--they are called the black whales; but
the southern, or spermaceti whales, are not so dark in color."

Captain Wilson then, at Percival's request, gave him an account of how
the whales were caught, for he had been several voyages himself in the
northern whale fishery.

Percival was never tired of asking questions, and Captain Wilson was
very kind to him, and always answered him. John, generally speaking,
stood by when Captain Wilson was talking, looking very solemn and very
attentive, but not saying a word.

"Well John," said Emma to him after the conversation had been ended,
"what was Captain Wilson telling you about?"

"Whales," replied John, walking past her.

"Well, but is that all you can tell me, John?"

"Yes," replied John, walking away.

"At all events, Miss Emma, he keeps all his knowledge to himself,"
observed Captain Wilson, laughing.

"Yes; I shall know nothing about the whale-fishery, unless you will
condescend to tell me yourself, that is evident," replied Emma, taking
the offered arm of Captain Wilson, who, at her request, immediately
resumed the subject.

In three weeks from the day of the action they had anchored off the town
of Quebec.

As soon as they had anchored, Alfred obtained leave to go on board of
the London Merchant, and then, for the first time, his family knew that
he had been wounded. His arm was still in a sling, but was healing fast.

I shall pass over the numerous inquiries on his part, relative to their
capture and recapture, and on theirs, as to the action with the French
ship.

While they were in conversation, Captain Lumley was reported to be
coming on board in his boat. They went on the deck of the vessel to
rec