t six feet long, ringed at the top with iron, and furnished with a
sharp hook, or gaff; and lowering their little craft, the four paddled
stoutly after the fleet of boats, whose wild crews tore the water into
foam with their oars, as each strove to reach the floes, and to "win the
first blood."

Sixty men, besides La Salle's party, swept across the pool, almost flung
their light boats upon the safe ice, and prevented from slipping by
their spiked crampets, charged at full speed upon the frightened seals,
who filled the air with their clamorous roars and whining. Crick, crack!
fell the heavy clubs on every side, and seldom was the stroke repeated;
but sometimes an "ould hood" would elevate his inflated helmet, and the
heavy club would fall upon it, producing a hollow sound, that boomed
high above the noise of the conflict. Then the officer in charge of that
gang would step up, present his carbine, and the brave seal, shot
through the brain, would fall back dead, as the report rattled among the
ice-peaks.

Having disposed of the adults, a regular butchery took place among the
young seals, who were easily despatched by a blow on the nose, or a kick
with the heavy heel of a sealer's boot on the spinal vertebrae. Then
followed the "sculping," or skinning, which was despatched with
marvellous rapidity. At its close the men, covered with blood and oil,
gathered to their boats, and leaving the floe crimsoned with gore, and
horrible with bloody and skinless carcasses, hastened to another field
to continue the work of death.

Such for two days were the scenes presented to the eyes of the
companions, who received many commendations for their assistance, but
who rejoiced beyond measure when the word was passed through the ship
that she was "full," and that they were to sail at once for St. John's.

[Illustration]

Once more the black funnel poured forth its cloud of smoke, and casting
off the lines which attached her to the surrounding ice, the Mercedes
pressed boldly into the pack, and soon our adventurers gazed for the
last time on the fading outlines of the Deadman's Berg.

Two days later, as the steamer rounded Cape Race, the captain, worn and
weak, but evidently in his right mind, appeared at the table. On being
introduced to La Salle, he seemed somewhat agitated, but soon assumed an
overbearing and despotic demeanor. To Mr. Blake he was particularly
insulting.

"I'll have you know, sir, that I am captain now; ay, and