There was considerable excitement on the dock. The news soon spread that one of the monsters of the deep had been sighted off the beach, and a number of boats were gotten ready to go out for a glimpse of the whale.
“Here’s our chance,” said Ned. “Why can’t we go out and have a look at him? I never saw a whale in the ocean.”
“Neither did I, nor anywhere else,” Jerry replied. “I guess we can go.”
“Hi there!” hailed a voice, and the boys saw the old sailor beckoning to them. “Avast! I want to speak to you. Avast! Belay!”
“Shall we see what he wants?” asked Jerry.
The old man was dancing about on the dock, hitching his trousers up so often that Bob remarked he would wear them out in a short time at that rate. His one eye was rolling about trying to see in half a dozen directions at once.
“Can’t do any harm to learn what he wants,” Ned replied. “Put her over, Jerry.”
Accordingly the Dartaway was steered toward the dock, on which there were quite a number of persons. Several were getting boats ready to go off and get a view of the big creature.
“Steady now, my hearties!” exclaimed the old sailor. “That’s the way to do it! Couldn’t have done it any better myself!” as Jerry brought the boat up alongside of the dock without hitting the string piece.