“Me tink him will,” said Bumble.
“No go,” remarked Nikel Sling sadly.
“That was near,” said the first mate eagerly, as the bird made a bold swoop down towards the bait, which was skipping over the surface of the water.
“No, he’s off,” cried Mr Markham in despair.
“Cotched! or I’m a Dutchman!” shouted. Gurney.
“No!” cried Jim Scroggles.
“Yes!” screamed Ailie.
“Hurrah!” shouted Tim Rokens and Tarquin in a breath.
Dick Barnes, and the doctor, and the captain, and, in short, everybody, echoed the last sentiment, and repeated it again and again with delight as they saw the gigantic bird once again swoop down upon the bait and seize it.
Glynn gave a jerk, the hook caught in its tongue, and the albatross began to tug, and swoop, and whirl madly in its effort to escape.