while the half stolid half ferocious stare, with which it regarded us,
contributed to render it one of the most strange beings of earthly mould on
which I had ever set my eyes.

While I was making these observations, we were rapidly advancing towards
the object of them, which, seemingly in doubt whether to take our visit in
enmity or friendship, continued to gaze at our approach as it lay (standing
not being one of its faculties) at its full height upon a block of ice,
about eight feet above the surface of the sea. It must have climbed this
elevation by crawling up one side of the frozen mass, which was shelving
and easy of access, by means of its tusks and flippers; but, whatever was
its way of mounting the acclivity, it quickly showed us how it managed to
descend; for, upon a couple of bullets passing through its neck, it gave
itself a heave backward, rolled overhead and heels down the slope of the
hummock, and was launched violently into the water by the precipitate rush
of its heavy body. No sooner did it find itself in its most natural
element, than it prepared to dive; but this manoeuvre had been foreseen,
and the stern of the boat was on its back at the moment it was about to
disappear, and the captain exerting all his force, after striking the
weapon with a sudden plunge against its tough hide, drove the harpoon
through its skin, and allowed it to make its vain attempt at escape. It
then dived and took out several fathoms of line like a whale, but it soon
rose to the surface, and reared its frightful head and shoulders above the
waves, with the most threatening aspect of deadly warfare. Evidently eager
to revenge itself upon its enemies, the morse began to take hasty strokes
towards us, yet in a state of hurry and confusion which impressed us with a
belief that the balls had inflicted desperate, if not immediately mortal
wounds. Nevertheless, it displayed determination enough to enter into close
conflict with its foes, and came on, puffing and snorting, with a savage
though bewildered look. Seeing this disposition to assail us, we backed