You should not have gone out
of the bay. I left your mother in grievous trouble.'
`Indeed, father, I had no idea of passing out of sight, but once in the
current, I was carried along, and could not help myself. Then I came on
a herd of walruses, and I did so long to make a prize of one that I
forgot everything else, and made chase after them when beyond the
influence of the current, until I got near enough to harpoon this fine
fellow. He swam more slowly, and I struck him a second time; then he
sought refuge among these rocks, and expired. I landed, and scrambled
to where he lay; but I took care to give him the contents of my pistol
before going close up, having a salutary recollection of the big
serpent's parting fling at you, Jack.'
`You ran a very great risk,' said I. `The walrus is an inoffensive
creature; but when attacked and wounded, it often becomes furious and,
turning upon its pursuer, can destroy, with its long tusks, a strongly
built whale boat. However, thank God for your safety! I value that
above a thousand such creatures. Now what's to be done with him? He
must be quite fourteen feet long, although not full grown.'
`I am very glad you followed me, father,' said Fritz, `but our united
strength will not move this prodigious weight from among these rocks;
only do let me carry away the head, with these grand snow-white tusks!
I should so like to fasten it on the prow of the cajack, and name it
the Sea-horse.
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