The New Bloomfield, Pa. times. (New Bloomfield, Pa.) 1877-188?, 1878-11-19

Its mark.
Much of his life had been spent among
the icebergs; he was familiar with their
strange floating, and knew when to
sail past one and when to keep his dis
tance. Good service entitled him to pro-
motion, but he had steadily refused it.
preferring to remain the Pover's second
mate.
The first CLEANS of day were flushing
the east and silvering the waters OF New
Bedford's bay, when the Plover, with
sails well trimmed, sailed slowly east
ward. There was lively commotion
on her decks, for many of her crew were
leaving families behind, and they
wanted last, longing look at the
whaler's nest" as the old place was
called.
But the spires soon disappeared, and
the Plover found her real journey in
augurated. The north seas were her
destination, and the breezes seemed
eager to bear her thither
Without accident the Plover reached
the whaling grounds, and the prey, dis
covered in great numbers, betokened
short stay there.
AT the beginning of the hunt, one of
the best harpooners was taken sick, and
the captain feared that his place could
not be supplied. But at that moment,
| Cyrus Parton offered to fill the vacancy,
and, through the second mates en-
treaties, he was selected.
David Maynard and his rival had not
been on terms of familiarity with each
other during the voyage but he was
prompt to note that Parton was good
whaler and an adept with the har-
poon.
He did not dream that the new sailor
was his rival; but he had early decided
that he was not an honest man.
The situation craved by Parton was
thus obtained through the man hated
by him from the bottom of his heart,
and it caused him much delight
elf you but knew me, David May
nard, you would have kept poor Cos
nold's harpoon from my hands ~ Par
ton muttered, after receiving the ap-
pointment. 81 did not ship in the
Plover for the purpose of striking the
whale. Nol l am going to strike Dor
othea Kyle's heart, even in the northern
waters. And the blow shall put an end
to the disappointments of one mad wild
life"
1t was on the afternoon of a cold clear
day when the lookout sighted monster
sperm whale off the starboard bow. AS
it was supposed to be the giant which
had lately eluded the Plover's boats, the
excitement speedily became intense, and
the best harpooners were commissioned
to give the fish battle.
These men were David Maynard and
Cyrus Parton.
Each in a strong whale boat, we'll
manned, they put off in pursuit of the
leviathan. But the whale became furi-
Gus, and forced the mates boat to leave
a harpoon in his blubber, while the
rope was cut to save the crew. In his
anger the monster lashed the sea into
foam, and threatened to destroy the
boats. But the rivals determined to
win the contest
AT critical moment the whale found
himself between the boats, which rapid
ly and fearlessly advanced to the charge.
The harpooners stood erect, and the
sturdy tars believed that the coup de
grace was about to be. given.
David MAYNARD cast his harmon with
his usual precision, and the rope attach
ed to it was hidden by the foam. But he
knew that he had struck the whale in q
vital part.
The next moment, as wave lifted
his boat upon its white crest, he saw
Cyrus Parton with harpoon poised in
his hand. The mans face was stamped
with dark villainous expression, and
his flashing eyes seemed to be regarding
him, and not the whale.
A moment later the harpoon left the
rascal's hands. Like an arrow it flew
over the whales back, and, struck by
the keen point, David Maynard stagger-
ed back with a shrek, and fell into the
arms of his men.
Secure the whale ~ he gasped, but a
hatchet severed the ropes, and the fish
dived into the sea tinged with his
blood.
Both boats pulled rapidly towards the
ship, and the stricken mate was lifted
gently over the side.