Although we did not expect to meet with whales, men were always kept at the mast-heads on the look-out.  I shall not forget the excitement of the scene when, after we had been a week at sea, the cry was uttered from aloft, "There she spouts! there she spouts!"  In an instant everybody was alert.  "Where away? where away?" was asked.  The point where the whale had appeared was indicated.  The boats were lowered; the crews leaped into them.  The master went in one, two mates in others. Off they pulled in hot chase.  The whale sounded; the men lay on their oars.  In half an hour she rose again, throwing up a jet of sparkling foam into the air.  Again the boats dashed on.  The master's headed the rest.  His harpoon struck the monster.  One of the other boats got fast directly after.  Then off went the whale at a terrific speed, dragging the boats after her directly away from the ship.  Now she sounded, and all their lines were run out; but just as they would have to cut, up she came again.  We followed under all sail.