“The boat’s crew were thus engaged when suddenly a thrilling thing occurred.
“It was a catastrophe wholly unlooked for and resulted most seriously for at least one member of the crew.
“This was Albert Tucker, the first mate, who was thrown far from the boat by a sudden shock. Some heavy body struck the boat and smashed it. In an instant the crew were struggling in the water.
“All but Tucker succeeded in getting upon the overturned long boat, and were rescued later by a relief party from the ship.
“Tucker’s fate was fearful. He was struggling in the water one hundred yards to leeward, and every man on the wrecked boat could see him, when an immense white body rose from the water.
“It was a tremendous whale of the very rare silver or white species. It rose close to the swimming man. We saw its huge mouth open, and then—Tucker disappeared from view.
“Now, the white or silver whale, so called, is really a tremendous species of shark.
“Of course all knew that Tucker had been swallowed by the monster. They feared for themselves, but the creature did not venture to attack them.”
Frank had listened to the narrative with interest, but he said:
“That is a thrilling story. But how can we do Tucker any good now?”