`` No , black and white . But I was going to tell you my troubles . My father was harpooned when I was very young , and I remember how bravely he died . The Rights usually run away when they see a whaler coming ; not from cowardice , -- oh , dear , no ! -- but discretion . The Sperms stay and fight , and are killed off very fast ; for they are a very headstrong family . We fight when we ca n't help it ; and my father died like a hero . They chased him five hours before they stuck him ; he tried to get away , and dragged three or four boats and sixteen hundred fathoms of line from eight in the morning till four at night . Then they got out another line , and he towed the ship itself for more than an hour . There were fifteen harpoons in him : he chewed up a boat , pitched several men overboard , and damaged the vessel , before they killed him . Ah ! he was a father to be proud of . '' Freddy sat respectfully silent for a few minutes , as the old bone seemed to feel a great deal on the subject . Presently he went on again : `` The Sperms live in herds ; but the Rights go in pairs , and are very fond of one another . My wife was a charming creature , and we were very happy , till one sad day , when she was playing with our child , -- a sweet little whaleling only twelve feet long , and weighing but a ton , -- my son was harpooned . His mamma , instead of flying , wrapped her fins round him , and dived as far as the line allowed . Then she came up , and dashed at the boats in great rage and anguish , entirely regardless of the danger she was in . The men struck my son , in order to get her , and they soon succeeded ; but even then , in spite of her suffering , she did not try to escape , but clung to little Spouter till both were killed . Alas ! alas ! ''
Here the poor bone creaked so dismally , XXXXX feared it would tumble to pieces , and bring the story to an end too soon .
Freddy Sperms Spouter day escape harpoons hour minutes whaleling whaler