The Olneyville times. (Olneyville [Providence, R.I.]) 1887-1917, 1905-03-17
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Pluck, Romance +
and AdVenture. k
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FIGHT WITH A WHALE.

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9 n 9 Nova Scotia, but occasion
4 "A ally one gets astray ANA
Ho~ makes a tour OF the eastern
coast, and he generally comes to grief.
A ,irge, lone tnback was sighted of
the coast OF Maine by a whaling
steamer, and Of course preparations
were promptly made 10 capture him.
& 4 boat was lowered, and manned
with the captain, his mate and four
sailors. The captain. with a large,
heavy whalegun. in which was an ex-
piosiye bomb-lance, took the bow OF
the boat. while the mate steered. Upon
approaching the whale, II was seen
that be would be an ugly customer 10
deai with. as he showed no inclination
60 run, but kept slowly milling around,
evidently waiting TO be attacked.
Then ensued some maneuyering, and
finally the captain fired. but the motion
OF the boat impaired the aim. and the
whale. although badly wounded, was
not hit in a vital part. says W. Alya,
who tells the story in Golden Days.
lie made for the boat. and passing un-
der it, struck it with his flukes, tossing
IL quite thirty feet into the air with its
crew. throwing the men out. AS the
boa descended the whale again struck
il with bis tai. and completely demol-
ished il.
While the whale was destroying the
boat, the crew fortunately secured an
oar apiece and swan OUT OF danger.
On board the steamer the mishap was
a
the men were picked up and taken on
board, much exhausted.
Nothing daunted. everything was got
In readiness. Two guns were loaded,
each with an explosive lance, the cap
tain taking one and the ma te the other,
and. taking their positions on the bow
OF the steamer, word was given to 90
shead.
The whale, in the meantime, was
lying still among the debris OF the
wrecked boat, occasionally throwing it's
flukes into the air. AS the ship neared
ihc monster, be left the wrecked boat
aud made for the steamer, with the
evident intention of striking her on
thc port bow. BY a quick turn OF the
rudder, the steamer cleared him by a
few feet. with no chance FOR a shot
The whale then turned and again
made for th- steamer, coming down
from the windward for about midships
OF the vessel Seeing that the whale
evidently intended to breach the yes
sci, word was given to go ahead al full
speed.
As the whale reared its huge body
iutO the air, the little steamer forged
ahead. and the whale fell into the
water with a terrible noise. and just
cleared the steamers stern by few
feet. When the whale struck the water
IL made such a heavy swell that the
men were unable to stand on the deck.
Seeing that it was impossible to get
n shot at the levlathan without great
risk to the steamer and crew, another
plan was resorted 10. A large, strong
water cask, holding $50 gallons, was
emptied of its contents and then
bunged tightly.
The steamer WIS once more headed
for the fighter. and as she approached
him he again came TO the attack. The
clsG was thrown overheard to attract
O. a safe distance.
The whale instantly went for the
cask. throwing it high in the air with
his fiukes, but such was its strength
and buoyancy no damage was done
t. -
After several futile attempts to
smash the cask with his Aukes, he com
mouced to swim slowly around it, oc-
c3S.onally striking it with his head and
trying TO bite Il, evidently forgetful
Of the ship, the captain and crew Of
which were watching his every move
mcut closely.
Here was the captains chance. md
silently but swiftly the little steamer
Giidad up behind the whale, and be-
fore he was aware of its approach he
received the contents of both the whale.
guns.
The steamer sheered off TO a place of
safety, the whale swan about 100
yards. and commenced TO break and
lash the sea into foam I'm his frenzy
ana dying struggles. After about five
minutes furry, no commenced to slow
ly mill around. and finally, giving one
last breach into the air. came down on
Ia. s'da daqT