He quickly ordered a third boat launched, supplied with gear, and the best oarsmen on board to hold themselves ready to man it.
"Thar'll be a fight when that ar whale rises," he muttered, rather than spoke.

"Wants a lance in the right place, and a man to put it there.

Mr.
Higgins ain't the man for that work." The boat's speed began to slacken.

The sharp, whizzing sound, caused by the rapid paying-out of the line and its great tension, gradually subsided.

It was evident the whale was coming up to blow, perhaps change his course, perhaps attack his assailants.