Now came another boat from the ship, picked up the swimmers, and cautiously rescued those perched on the whale's back from their island of shuddering flesh.

The spirit of the monster was still undaunted.

Though six harpoons were sunk into his body and he was dragging 300 fathoms of line, he was still in fighting mood, crunching oars, kegs, and bits of boat for more enemies to demolish.

All hands made for the ship, where Captain Hunting, quite as dogged and determined as his adversary, was preparing to renew the combat.
Two spare boats were fitted for use, and again the whalemen started after their foe.

He, for his part, remained on the battle-ground, amid the debris of his hunters' property, and awaited attack.