At 8 a.m.that morning I noticed the ringed penguins mustering in orderly fashion close to the water's edge, and thought that they were preparing for the daily fishing excursion; but presently it became apparent that some important move was on foot.

They were going to migrate, and with their departure much valuable food would pass beyond our reach.

Hurriedly we armed ourselves with pieces of sledge-runner and other improvised clubs, and started towards the rookery.

We were too late.

The leaders gave their squawk of command and the columns took to the sea in unbroken ranks.
Following their leaders, the penguins dived through the surf and reappeared in the heaving water beyond.