line-of-battle ship could hardly keep him under then. In the Shore Whaling, on soundings, among the Bays of New Zealand, when a Right Whale gives token of sinking, they fasten buoys to him, with plenty of rope; so that when the body has gone down, they know where to look for it when it shall have ascended
It was not long after the sinking of the body that a cry was heard from the Pequod ’s mastheads, announcing that the Jungfrau was again lowering her boats; though the only spout in sight was that of a Finback, belonging to the species of uncapturable whales, because of its incredible power of swimming.
Nevertheless, the Finback’s spout is so similar to the Sperm Whale’s, that by unskilful fishermen it is often mistaken for it. And consequently Derick and all his host were now in valiant chase of this unnearable brute.
The Virgin crowding all sail, made after her four young keels, and thus they all disappeared far to leeward, still in bold, hopeful chase.
Oh! many are the Finbacks, and many are the Dericks, my friend.