Chapter 12 - Page 2

excitement created by his late exertions, he fully recognised the justice
of the other's remarks, and the injustice of his own claims. Still, it
seemed to him un-American, un-Vineyard, if the reader please, to "give
up;" and he clung to his error with as much pertinacity as if he had been
right.

"If you are fast, I am fast, too. I'm not so certain of your law. When a
man puts an iron into a whale, commonly it is his fish, if he can get him,
and kill him. But there is a law above all whalers' law, and that is the
law of Divine Providence. Providence has fastened us to this crittur', as
if on purpose to give us a right in it; and I'm by no means so sure
States' law won't uphold that doctrine. Then, I lost my own whale by means
of this, and am entitled to some compensation for such a loss."

"You lost your own whale because he led round the head of mine, and not
only drew his own iron, but came nigh causing me to cut. If any one is
entitled to damage for such an act, it is I, who have been put to extra
trouble in getting my fish."

"I do believe it was my lance that did the job for the fellow! I darted,
and you struck; in that way I got the start of you, and may claim to have
made the crittur' spout the first blood. But, hearkee, Gar'ner--there's my
hand--we've been friends so far, and I want to hold out friends. I will
make you a proposal, therefore. Join stocks from this moment, and whale,
and seal, and do all things else in common. When we make a final stowage
for the return passage, we can make a final division, and each man take
his share of the common adventure."

To do Roswell justice, he saw through the artifice of this proposition,
the instant it was uttered. It had the effect, notwithstanding, a good
deal to mollify his feelings, since it induced him to believe that Daggett
was manoeuvring to get at his great secret, rather than to assail his
rights.

"You are part owner of your schooner, Captain Daggett," our hero answered,
"while I have no other interest in mine than my lay, as her master. You
may have authority to make such a bargain, but I have none. It is my duty
to fill the craft as fast and as full as I can, and carry her back safely
to Deacon Pratt; but, I dare say, your Vineyard people will let you cruise
about the earth at your pleasure, trusting to Providence for a profit. I
cannot accept your offer."

"This is answering like a man, Gar'ner, and I like you all the better for
it. Forty or fifty barrels of ile shan't break friendship between us. I
helped you into port at Beaufort, and gave up the salvage; and now I'll
help tow your whale alongside, and see you fairly through this business,
too. Perhaps I