Sperm whale, about two miles off.

There she blows!" Every man was at his station in a moment; for, after being some months out, we became so used to the work, that we acted together like a piece of machinery.

But our excitement never abated in the least.
"Sing out when the ship heads for her." "Aye, aye, sir." "Keep her away!" said the captain to the man at the helm.

"Bob Ledbury, hand me the spy-glass." "Steady," from the mast-head.
"Steady it is," answered the man at the helm.
While we were all looking eagerly out ahead we heard a thundering snore behind us, followed by a heavy splash.

Turning quickly round, we saw the flukes of an enormous whale sweeping through the air not more than six hundred yards astern of us.
"Down your helm," roared the captain; "haul up the mainsail, and square the yards.