His knife was in the pocket of his drawers, and being unable to support himself with one hand, he could not get it out.

The whale, meanwhile, continued advancing along the surface of the water with great rapidity, but fortunately never attempted to dive.

While his comrades despaired of his life, the harpoon by which he held at length disengaged itself from the body of the whale.

Vienkes, being thus liberated, did not fail to take advantage of this circumstance.

He cast himself into the sea, and by swimming endeavored to regain the boats, which continued the pursuit of the whale.