It only came in short puffs.
Most certainly, the "Pilgrim" would have some trouble in joining the whale-boat, if indeed she could reach it.

Meanwhile, as they had foreseen, the jubarte had returned to the surface of the water to breathe, with the harpoon fixed in her side all the time.

She then remained almost motionless, seeming to wait for her young whale, which this furious course must have left behind.
Captain Hull made use of the oars so as to join her again, and soon he was only a short distance from her.
Two oars were laid down and two sailors armed themselves, as the captain had done, with long lances, intended to strike the enemy.
Howik worked skilfully then, and held himself ready to make the boat turn rapidly, in case the whale should turn suddenly on it.
"Attention!" cried Captain Hull.

"Do not lose a blow! Aim well, boys! Are we ready, Howik ?" "I am prepared, sir," replied the boatswain, "but one thing troubles me.

It is that the beast, after having fled so rapidly, is very quiet now." "In fact, Howik, that seems to me suspicious.