CHAPTER VI
DANGEROUS WORK
However foolhardy the proposition, the boys were determined, and then they were in the majority, so they overruled the captain. A chance like that was not to be permitted to slip. They had hunted bears, mountain lions, Indians, outlaws, ducks and much other game, but never had whales come within range before, and at least they were going to try to make their preliminary acquaintance.
“Well, boys, as I ain’t responsible to your parents, yer might jest as well end yer lives by the flap of a whale’s tail as go on to be hung, because that, in my opinion, will come to you sooner or later, being so reckless.” But down in his heart the old fellow was pleased with their enterprise and pluck.
“Better come along and take care of us, Captain,” urged Jim, “so these fellows won’t bite us.”
“All the fishing I’ll ever do now will be for minnows over the rail,” replied the captain. “My whaling days are over.”
“The only whaling I know about,” remarked Jo, “was what I used to get in school.”