"We'll have a fine long row to get back," observed Andy.
"Yes, towing the whale, too," added his brother.
"Maybe we'd better take a chance and make fast," suggested Bob. "I think I can get my anchor line over that harpoon I see sticking out and then we can begin towing."
"Nixy on that!" exclaimed Andy quickly. "We don't tackle any live whales. We'll wait for this one to die."
"I wish it would hurry up about it then," grumbled Frank. "I don't want to stay out here a night."
Suddenly, as he spoke there was a flurry of water about the dying monster of the deep.
"Look out!" yelled Andy. "It's coming for us."
"Back water!" shouted Bob.
They bent to the oars with a will, Andy taking up his discarded ones. But they need not have been alarmed. It was the last move the whale was destined to make. Rearing itself partly up out of the water the monster suddenly sank, making such a commotion that the boat of the boys was tossed about like a chip in the surf.
"He's sounded again!" shouted Andy.