“Don’t you ever take such risks again,” cautioned Mrs. Hopkins, and the boys promised they would not. But boys are very forgetful.
The Dartaway was now fully equipped “from anchors to apricots,” as Bob said. He had superintended putting aboard a quantity of provisions including the canned fruit which, he said, could be used in case of emergency.
One afternoon, as the boys were cruising near shore, they saw a fisherman’s boat come in. It was the kind of craft with a small engine, called a “kicker,” in it, to be used in case of calm.
As it tied up alongside of a small public dock, the boys could see, by the manner of the men, that something had happened. They were much excited.
“What’s the matter?” they heard several ask.
“There’s a whale off shore,” replied the captain. “We found our nets all ripped up, and, as we were wondering what did it, we saw a big whale spout, close by.”
“What’s that? A whale?” cried a hoarse voice, and the boys saw Salt Water Sam come rolling down to the dock. “A whale! Shiver my timbers, there she blows!” he cried, seeming to get excited at the mention of the name. “Let me get at him. Many a one I’ve harpooned!”