Such were the different weapons which were carefully disposed in the front of the boat.

Howik and the four sailors only waited for the order to let go the rope.

A single place was vacant in the prow of the whale-boat—­that which Captain Hull would occupy.

It is needless to say that the “Pilgrim’s” crew, before quitting her, had brought the ship’s sails aback.  In other words, the yards were braced in such a manner that the sails, counteracting their action, kept the vessel almost stationary.

Just as he was about to embark, Captain Hull gave a last glance at his ship.  He was sure that all was in order, the halliards well turned, the sails suitably trimmed.  As he was leaving the young novice on board during an absence which might last several hours, he wished, with a good reason, that unless for some urgent cause, Dick Sand would not have to execute a single maneuver.

At the moment of departing he gave the young man some last words of advice.

“Dick,” said he, “I leave you alone.  Watch over everything.  If, as is possible, it should become necessary to get the ship under way, in case we should be led too far in pursuit of this jubarte, Tom and his companions could come to your aid perfectly well.  After telling them clearly what they would have to do, I am assured that they would do it.”

“Yes, Captain Hull,” replied old Tom, “and Mr. Dick can count on us.”

“Command! command!” cried Bat.  “We have such a strong desire to make ourselves useful.”

“On what must we pull?” asked Hercules, turning up the large sleeves of his jacket.

“On nothing just now,” replied Dick Sand, smiling.

“At your service,” continued the colossus.

“Dick,” continued Captain Hull, “the weather is beautiful.  The wind has gone down.  There is no indication that it will freshen again.  Above all, whatever may happen, do not put a boat to sea, and do not leave the ship.”

“That is understood.”

“If it should become necessary for the ‘Pilgrim’ to come to us, I shall make a signal to you, by hoisting a flag at the end of a boat-hook.”

“Rest assured, captain, I shall not lose sight of the whale-boat,” replied Dick Sand.

“Good, my boy,” replied Captain Hull.  “Courage and coolness.  Behold yourself assistant captain.  Do honor to your grade.  No one has been such at your age!”

Dick Sand did not reply, but he blushed while smiling.  Captain Hull understood that blush and that smile.

“The honest boy!” he said to himself; “modesty and good humor, in truth, it is just like him!”

Meanwhile, by these urgent recommendations, it was plain that, even though there would be no danger in doing it, Captain Hull did not leave his ship willingly, even for a few hours.  But an irresistible fisherman’s instinct, above all, the strong desire to complete his cargo of oil, and not fall short of the engagements made by James W. Weldon in Valparaiso, all that told him to attempt the adventure.  Besides, that sea, so fine, was marvelously conducive to the pursuit of a cetacean.  Neither his crew nor he could resist such a temptation.  The fishing cruise would be finally complete, and this last consideration touched Captain Hull’s heart above everything.