
E-text prepared by Dave Morgan, Sjaani,
CHAPTER I.
CHAPTER II.
CHAPTER III.
CHAPTER IV.
CHAPTER V.
CHAPTER VI.
CHAPTER VII.
CHAPTER VIII.
CHAPTER IX.
A sturdy whaling ship, the Dolphin, slips away from bustling ports toward the frozen horizon, its deck alive with a mix of seasoned sailors and eager newcomers. Among them, the ever‑watchful John Buzzby keeps the helm steady, while the insightful Mrs. Bright offers sage counsel and the ship’s captain, Guy, sets a strict code for life on the ice. As the vessel pushes into the stark polar waters, towering icebergs loom, and the crew’s first glimpse of a mighty whale ignites a surge of excitement and danger.
The chase quickly turns into a fierce duel, with harpoons flashing and the whale’s massive tail thrashing against the frigid sea. Buzzby’s quick reflexes save both men and mast, and the crew learns the brutal rhythm of Arctic whaling—where bravery is tested by relentless cold and the ever‑present threat of the pack ice. Yet even in this harsh environment, moments of wonder emerge: dazzling auroras, curious seals, and the camaraderie that binds the Dolphin’s crew as they strive to survive and return home.
Language
en
Duration
~7 hours (438K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Release date
2004-03-01
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1825–1894
Best known for classic adventure stories such as The Coral Island, this Scottish writer drew on real travel and working life to give his tales energy, danger, and a strong sense of place. He wrote for young readers, but his stories still carry the pull of exploration and survival.
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