A big whale, as big as most whalemen ever see, the biggest Noll himself
had ever slain. A fitting thing; for old Noll Wing had driven his last
lance. He was tired; he showed it when Brander gave the whale to Willis
for towing back to the ship, and raced for the _Sally_ with Noll panting
in the bow. The fire was dying in the captain's eyes; he pulled
Brander's coat about his great shoulders and huddled into it. He scarce
moved when they reached the _Sally_. Brander helped him aboard. Dan'l
Tobey cried: "A great fight, sir. Six hours; and two stove boats.... But
you killed."
Noll wagged his old head, looked around for Faith, leaned heavily upon
her arm.
"Take me down, Faith," he said. "Take me down. For I am very tired."