One  part  of our  distress,  however,  I  had  like  to  have  forgot :  while  the  whale was  running  away  with  the  ship  she  sprung  a-leak,  and  the  water poured  in  so  fast  that  all  our  pumps  could  not  have  kept  us  from sinking  in  half  an  hour's  time.  It  was,  however,  my  good  fortune to  discover  it  first.  '  I  found  it  to  be  a  large  hole  about  a  foot in  diameter.  You  will  naturally  suppose  this  circumstance  gives me  infinite  pleasure,  when  I  inform  you  that  this  noble  vessel was  preserved,  with  all  its  crew,  by  a  most  fortunate  thought ; in  short,  I  thrust  myself  into  it,  and  completely  filled  it  with my  body,  without  taking  off  my  clothes ;  nor  will  you  be  surprised when  I  inform  you  I  am  descended  from  Dutch  parents.  My situation,  while  I  sat  there,  was  rather  damp,  for  the  water penetrated  my  not  very  stout  clothing;  but  the  carpenter's  art soon  relieved  me.

- Chapter 7