It was a whole cargo of barrels of oil that was floating within reach of their hands.

To hear them, without doubt there was nothing more to be done, except to stow those barrels in the "Pilgrim's" hold to complete her lading.

Some of the sailors, mounted on the ratlines of the fore-shrouds, uttered longing cries.

Captain Hull, who no longer spoke, was in a dilemma.

There was something there, like an irresistible magnet, which attracted the "Pilgrim" and all her crew.
"Mama, mama!" then cried little Jack, "I should like to have the whale, to see how it is made." "Ah! you wish to have this whale, my boy?
Ah! why not, my friends ?" replied Captain Hull, finally yielding to his secret desire.