66 DICK SANDS, THE BOY CAPTAIN. Lastly, there is the Jubarte, commonly known as the Finback. It is provided with a dorsal fin, and in length not unfrequcntly is a match for the gigantic Right whale. While ît was impossible to décide to whîch of the three specîcs the vvhalc in the distance really belonged, the gênerai impression înclined to the belief that ît was a jubarte. With longing eyes Captain Hull and his crew gazed at the object of gênerai attraction. Just as irresistibly as it is said a clockmaker is drawn on to examine the mcchanism of every clock which chance may throw in his way, so is a whaleman ever anxious to plunge his harpoon înto any whalc that he can get within his reach. The larger the game the more keen the excîtement ; and no elephant- hunter's eagerness ever surpasses the zest of the whale- fisher when once startcd in pursuit of the prey. To the crew the sîght of the whale was the opening of an unexpectcd opportunity, and no wonder they were fired with the burnîng hope that even now they might do something to supply the deficiency of their meagre haul throughout the scason. Far away as the créature still was, the captain's practised cye soon cnabled him to detect various indications that satisfied him as to its true spccics. Amongst other things that arrcstcd his attention, he observcd a column of water and vapour cjected O-om the nostrils. "It isn't a right whale," hc said ; " if so, its spout would be smaller and it would rise hîghcr in the air. And I do not think it is a hump-back. I cannot hcar the hump-back's roar. Dick, tell me, what do you think about it ? " With a critical cye Dick Sands lookcd long and steadily at tlic spout. " It blows out water, sir," said the apprentice, " water, as wcll as vapour. I should think it is a finback. But it must be a rare large one." " Seventy fcet, at least ! " rejoîned the captain, flushing with his enthusiasm. " What a big fellow 1 " said Jack, catchîng the excitement ofh/s clders.
