For the first two or three days, when the sloop approached, the monster would rise on his flippers, bellow and dive off into the sea.

Following his plans, Boyton made no attempt to molest him; but brought the sloop close under the island where the men would either sleep or spend their time at fishing.

In a few days the lion became so accustomed to the sloop, that instead of diving he would lay on the rock and watch curiously.

If he did go off, he returned again after satisfying his hunger.

When it was thought he had lost all fear of them, Paul gave orders to the men one morning to stand by with carbines ready to fire as soon as the word was given.