“Nonsense! I saw them myself quite plainly; one of them was dragging itself out of the water.”
“Yes, I saw several do that. It is quite a large herd; but these are walrus—our sea-horses, sir.”
“Oh!” cried Steve, turning the glass in the direction of the herd. “Why, so they are. I can see the big tusks.”
“Yes, sir; there are some very fine ones among them. I thought they must have a haven somewhere up here, if it could be found. The captain has done well, and we shall have a tremendous hunting season.”
“Well?” came from the deck, “see any opening, Steve?”
“Yes, sir, two; and we’re not above a mile away from a great herd of walrus.”
“Seals, my lad—the little Jan Mayen seal.”
“No, sir,” said Johannes quietly; “they are walrus, and we’ve made our way up to their home. I have just seen another herd nearer the land.”
The men below heard this announcement, and gave a cheer, for the news promised work, excitement, and plenty of profit for all on board.
Just then there was a loud barking from Skene, who was up in his favourite place on the bows, just where he could look out well ahead.