Now was a chance of which the captain resolved to take advantage.
He gave his orders.

The Abraham Lincoln kept up half steam, and advanced cautiously so as not to awake its adversary.

It is no rare thing to meet in the middle of the ocean whales so sound asleep that they can be successfully attacked, and Ned Land had harpooned more than one during its sleep.

The Canadian went to take his place again under the bowsprit.
The frigate approached noiselessly, stopped at two cables' lengths from the animal, and following its track.

No one breathed; a deep silence reigned on the bridge.