The first mate’s boat still took the lead, and approached with less caution than usual. The apparently vanquished monster, as it saw her, without a moment’s warning whirled round its enormous tail, which, striking her, sent the boat flying into the air, scattering her crew on either side in the blood-stained water, when it rushed forward with open mouth to attack Mr Champion’s boat. He narrowly avoided the fierce assault, and then boldly steered to the assistance of his shipmates, who were struggling for their lives. Once more the whale turned, dragging the boat after it, swimming directly through the midst of the men in the water.
The accident had been clearly seen from the ship. Several had been picked up. Mr Champion then steered towards the whale, which was in its death struggle a short distance off. Another boat had been lowered to go to his assistance, under the command of Tom Hayes.
In a short time, the first mate’s boat having been righted, all three were seen returning.
“Any one hurt, Mr Gibson?” inquired the captain, as the whale was brought alongside.
“Sorry to say, sir, that Rob Burton has gone,” was the answer. “Either the whale or the boat struck him, and he went down like a shot.”
“Poor Rob Burton!” exclaimed several voices. “The gayest and best-hearted fellow aboard.”
“Dickey, you said he was likely to live as long as any of us,” remarked Harry, very much shocked. “I wonder whether he listened to what old Tom said to him?”
“It’s not a subject I like to think about,” answered Dickey. “I wish it had not happened.”
“So do I. But our wishes cannot bring poor Burton to life again,” observed Harry. “I cannot help thinking that old Tom must be right; and when he speaks to me I think I ought to listen to what he says.”
“Now, Harry, don’t let this thing make you turn Methodist!” exclaimed Bass, after a silence of some minutes. “It is very shocking, of course; but that’s no reason why we should mope and grow serious, and fancy that the same is going to happen to us. I don’t feel quite comfortable myself, I own; but we shall get over it in a few days, and all hands will be as merry as ever.”