king's canoes appeared to be as terrified as were the enemy, for they
also turned and fled towards the shore. So we had the satisfaction of
seeing the opposing fleets flying from each other without blood being
shed.

Having thus brought matters to a satisfactory conclusion, and fulfilled
our agreement with the young king to drive off the enemy fleet, we
continued our voyage, well satisfied with our first transaction.



CHAPTER XII

THE SEA SERPENT


For some days after leaving Cortes' island the weather continued fine
and the sea calm, but a strong breeze then springing up from the
north-west made it necessary to shorten sail. While so engaged we
sighted a number of whales, which swam to meet us. Never before had I
seen so strange a spectacle. Their vast numbers, their great bulk, and
their quick evolutions impressed me with wonder.

The whales in these parts are fearless of man. They have not yet
learned to regard him as an enemy. This fearlessness, however, although
remarkable, was not to our liking, for some of the whales came so close
to us that our decks were often deluged by the water which they spouted
upon them.

One day, some little time after this adventure, the weather having