The line and line-tub, however, were on ship-board.
And here it may be mentioned, that to prevent the strain upon the boat when suspended to the ship's side, the heavy whale-line, over two hundred fathoms in length, and something more than an inch in diameter, when not in use is kept on ship-board, coiled away like an endless snake in its tub.

But this tub is always in readiness to be launched into the boat.

Now, having no use for the line belonging to our craft, we had purposely left it behind.
But well had we marked that by far the most important item of a whale-boat's furniture was snugly secured in its place.

This was the water-tight keg, at both ends firmly headed, containing a small compass, tinder-box and flint, candles, and a score or two of biscuit.

This keg is an invariable precaution against what so frequently occurs in pursuing the sperm whale--prolonged absence from the ship, losing sight of her, or never seeing her more, till years after you reach home again.