one , nobody knew that she was missing . she found a dressing gown and shrugged into it , then knelt over the cold hearth . three boats had closed to within fifty yards of the giant whale that seemed unaware or unconcerned of their presence , but that was about to change . he also does n't make any quick move to pay . i kicked at a stick that sent dirt up onto my shoe . i almost lost him before i even had him `` was that the last mission ? '' 