“Sing out! Sing out every time!”
“Aye, aye, sir! There she blows! There—there—thar’ she blows—blowes—blo-o-o-s!”
“How far off!”
“Two miles and a half!”
“Thunder and lightning! so near! Call all hands! Clew up the fore-t’gallant-sail—there! belay! Hard down your wheel! Haul aback the main yard! Get your tubs in your boats! Bear a hand! Clear your falls! Stand by all to lower! All ready?”
“All ready, sir!”
“Lower away!”
Down went the boats with a splash. Each boat’s crew sprang over the rail, and in an instant the larboard, starboard and waist boats were manned. There was great rivalry in getting the start. The waist-boat got off in pretty good time; and away went all three, dashing the water high over their bows. Nothing could be more exciting than the chase.
The larboard boat, commanded by the mate, and the waist-boat, by the second mate, were head and head.