I will not dwell on the scenes which ensued on board the whaler.  They were disgraceful to civilised beings, and to men calling themselves Christians.  Cousin Silas, and the doctor, and Ben, did all they could to counteract the evil,--the latter by exercising his influence forward, and the others in endeavouring to check the officers, who seemed inclined to imitate the example of the master.  Cousin Silas had charge of one watch, and he got Jerry and me placed in another, and he told us instantly to call him should we see anything going wrong.  Thus three or four weeks passed away.  We managed during the time to kill two whales, and to get them stowed safely on board; and this put the captain into rather better humour.  However, the ship was often steered very carelessly, and a bad look-out was kept.