Mrs Morley appeared much concerned on hearing of Ensign Holt's illness, though he was no favourite of hers or her daughters'. The day wore on, the doctor working at his still, and the rest of those on board employing themselves in a variety of ways. Paul Lizard had stood for some hours, harpoon in hand, hoping that a porpoise or dolphin might rise near the boat. The creatures were seen in numbers at a distance, but it seemed as though they were aware of the visitors to their realms, and purposely kept away from them. Still Paul persevered, his keen eye looking as if it could pierce down to the bottom of the ocean. Now he let his weapon rest at his feet, now he raised it again, ready to strike. At length it was seen flying from his hand with tremendous force. "Get a running bowline ready," he shouted out--"one for the head, and another for the tail. Be sharp, lads! We must make the creature fast, or it will get away from us." The line was flying out as he spoke. "It's a big fish, at all events," he exclaimed; "we must take care it doesn't get away." As the rope approached the end, he secured it round the bits, and away went the boat, towed by the monster. "Hilloa," shouted Bollard, "I wish we had been fast to you, to see the sport. Out oars, lads!" The crew of the cutter obeyed the order, and pulled away after the launch. Now Paul began to haul in on the line. Suddenly it slackened. "It will drown itself if it doesn't come up to breathe," he shouted. "We shall soon have it lads!" Captain Twopenny had got his rifle ready; the line was hauled rapidly in. Presently a huge black mass rose alongside. "Give it a shot in the head, sir," cried Paul, "and the creature will be ours." The seamen had got the ropes ready, and now dexterously slipped a running bowline over the head and another over the tail. The creature, which appeared to be a small sort of whale, was evidently much exhausted; a rifle-shot sent through its head contributed yet further to weaken it; but even as it was, its struggles so violently shook the boat that Harry was afraid he should be compelled to order it to be cut loose. After, however, giving two or three violent lashes with its tail, which sent the water flying over the boat, it remained perfectly quiet. "This is a prize!" cried the doctor exultingly. "If we can secure the blubber we shall be no longer in want of fuel."