To their consternation, they could soon perceive that Gruff was gaining on them, and would undoubtedly attempt to scramble on board, and so capsize the boat.
“Give way, men!” shouted Ingomar. “Pull for dear life!”
A whaler is not a racing-boat, but the sailors made her fly through the water for all that, and all in time they gained the ship’s side and got on board.
Next moment Gruff was alongside also, and on board too. He was so glad to see his wife again that he promptly knocked her into the lee-scuppers.
Then the two had a stand-up fight or a terrible wrestling match.
But bears are like the Lowland Scots, and biting and scratching is their method of making love.
* * * * *
Having made all the observations needed, the good ship once more pursued her way eastwards and by north towards her destination.
CHAPTER IV
IN FEATHER-LAND—A TERRIBLE ACCIDENT
“How are you, old man?”