The harpooned sea serpent surfaced near the aft portion of the frigate, the thickset rope dangling from its underbelly. Its enormous head was as wide as the ship and its back was covered with thick round scales. It sprouted above the crew and spread its pectoral fins like wings as it rolled to one side and glared down at the seamen. Now that the sea serpent was before him, Thomas was in awe of its massive proportions and devilish appearance. Certain that today would be his last, he hid behind the barrels of tobacco freight, praying he would survive.

The sea serpent brought its head down in the direction of the ship, intent on smashing it to smithereens. It crashed into the sea instead, as the harpoon rope attached to the weighty float pulled the beast away from the ship moments before impact. The splash brought forth a wave that washed over the crew, tossing Thomas and two of his shipmates overboard. Thomas came to the surface gasping for air and swam toward the floating barrels.