"That's right," agreed Bob. "Now let's make this line fast to the harpoon handle, and we'll tow him ashore."
"Why, there are two harpoons in him!" cried Frank, as a second shaft was visible.
"There was only one when he tackled us," declared Andy. "Someone else must have had a try at killing him since he smashed my boat."
The other lads agreed that this was very probable, but there was no time to speculate on it. The anchor line was quickly made fast, and being attached to the stern of the boat the work of towing the whale to the beach was begun.
It was hard work, and it might seem that three boys could not accomplish it. But it is well known that once a large and heavy body is started in motion in water, a slight force will keep it going. It was so in this case.
At first the three lads tugged and strained on the oars to little advantage. The whale did not move. But finally persistance told, and the inert body began to slide through the waves. After that it was but a matter of keeping at it.
"Oh, we'll get home before dark I guess," remarked Andy, when they had rowed in silence for half an hour.
"If we don't we'll be in for it when we do arrive," prophesied Frank half dubiously. "Let's see if we can't get up a little more steam."
They quickened their strokes, and soon the coast line came into view, having been hidden by mist. Then they headed for the stretch of sand of their home town.
"Where shall we land it?" asked Frank, nodding at the whale, floating astern.