Sperm whales are not to be had.

We've been out now three years, and something or other must be got; for the ship is hungry for oil, and her hold a gulf to look into.

But cheer up my boy; once in the Bay of Kamschatka, and we'll be all afloat with what we want, though it be none of the best." Worse and worse! The oleaginous prospect extended into an immensity of Macassar.

"Sir," said I, "I did not ship for it; put me ashore somewhere, I beseech." He stared, but no answer vouchsafed; and for a moment I thought I had roused the domineering spirit of the sea-captain, to the prejudice of the more kindly nature of the man.
But not so.

Taking three turns on the deck, he placed his hand on the wheel, and said, "Right or wrong, my lad, go with us you must.
Putting you ashore is now out of the question.