"But we did not see Alfred," said Emma. "No, miss, because he was busy enough below, and I dare say no one told him. They have said that `all's well,' and that is sufficient; and now we must haul off again, for with such a heavy ship in tow, Captain Lumley will not thank me if I am always coming so close to him." "I am satisfied, Captain Wilson; pray do nothing that will displease Captain Lumley. We shall soon see Alfred, I dare say, with the spy-glass." "I see him now," said Mary Percival, "he has his telescope, and he is waving his hat to me." "Thank God!" replied Mrs Campbell; "now I am satisfied." The _Portsmouth_ cast off the French line-of-battle ship, as soon as they had jury-masts up and could make sail on them, and the convoy proceeded to the mouth of the Saint Lawrence. "Captain Wilson," said Percival, whose eyes were fixed on the water, "what animals are those, tumbling about and blowing,--those great white things?" "They are what are called the white whale, Percival," replied Captain Wilson; "they are not often seen, except about here." "Then what is the colour of the other whales?" "The northern whales are black--they are called the black whales; but the southern, or spermaceti whales, are not so dark in colour." Captain Wilson then, at Percival's request, gave him an account of how the whales were caught, for he had been several voyages himself in the northern whale-fishery. Percival was never tired of asking questions, and Captain Wilson was very kind to him, and always answered him. John, generally speaking, stood by when Captain Wilson was talking, looking very solemn and very attentive, but not saying a word. "Well, John," said Emma to him after the conversation had been ended, "what was Captain Wilson telling you about?" "Whales," replied John, walking past her. "Well, but is that all you can tell me, John?" "Yes," replied John, walking away. "At all events, Miss Emma, he keeps all his knowledge to himself," observed Captain Wilson, laughing. "Yes; I shall know nothing about the whale-fishery, unless you will condescend to tell me yourself, that is evident," replied Emma, taking the offered arm of Captain Wilson, who, at her request, immediately resumed the subject. In three weeks from the day of the action they had anchored off the town of Quebec. As soon as they had anchored, Alfred obtained leave to go on board of the _London Merchant_, and then, for the first time, his family knew that he had been wounded. His arm was still in a sling, but was healing fast. I shall pass over the numerous inquiries on his part relative to their capture and recapture, and on theirs, as to the action with the French ship. While they were in conversation, Captain Lumley was reported to be coming on board in his boat. They went on the deck of the vessel to receive him.