When he rose to the surface, he found himself confronted by a dozen angry seals, and for some time a lively fight ensued.
The sea was stained with blood, and Jack received some bites, more or less severe, but not serious enough to disable him.
At length, by a dexterous thrust, he killed the huge seal he had at first singled out as his prey.
It keeled over, and grasping one of its fins, he dragged it laboriously to the shore, swimming with one hand.
"By thunder!" said Captain Blower, "I reckoned those critters would have chawed him up."
"It's his good luck they did not," replied Mr. Foster, lowering his opera-glass.
Clarence Holt had been one of the spectators of this singular scene.
"You are five hundred dollars out," he remarked.
"Oh, I don't care for that. A friend of mine, Mr. Smith, gave it me to speculate with," replied Captain Blower, smiling significantly.
Clarence was much surprised at this declaration.