Читать книгу The Racer Boys; Or, The Mystery of the Wreck онлайн

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“Say, are you crazy?” demanded Frank, with some heat.

“Crazy? No; why?”

“Wanting to tackle a whale in these boats! We’d be swamped in a minute! We’d better pull out to one side. Most likely the whale will keep on a straight course, though he’ll be stranded if he goes much farther in. The tide’s out, and it’s shallow here. Pull to one side, Andy—the race is off. Pull out, I tell you!” and Frank swung his skiff around with sudden energy.

“I am not! I’m going to get a nearer view of the whale!” cried Andy. “Maybe he’s hurt, or perhaps there’s a harpoon with a line fast to it in him. We might get hold of it and—”

“Yes, and go to kingdom come. Nixy! Get out of the way while you’ve got time. Jinks! He’s coming on faster than ever!”

Frank’s manner so impressed his brother that the younger lad now began to swing his craft around. They could both see the whale plainly now, even while sitting down, for the great sea animal was nearer.

Then, whether it was some sudden whim, or because he saw the boats and took them for natural enemies, there was a sudden swirling of water and the whale increased his speed, heading straight for the two skiffs that were now almost touching side by side.