And let’s continue… While Ishmael and Queequog wait for the ship to sail, Queequeg fasts and meditates for a day and a night. Such a religious man, but his spiritual fortitude sort of freaks Ishmael out.
And speaking of freaky, Ishmael and Queequog are approached by a strange man who has ill omens about the Pequod and Captain Ahab. Nothing specific, but he hints of how Ahab nearly died on the Cape Horn of Africa, and the tale of how he lost his leg to a giant, white whale. Ishmael and Queequog dismiss this odd man chalking him up to having breathed a bit to much of the salty sea air.
Meanwhile, preparations for the Pequod continue – it takes a lot of packing for a 3 year voyage. Luckily, Captain Bildad’s sister makes sure the creature comforts of pickles, quills and flannel are packed in.
Finally, just as they’re about to board in the early morning, that strange prophet approaches them again. (PS – his name is Elijah. Coincidence? I think not.) He warns them of some strange, ghostly men that looked like they boarded the ship, but then disappeared. Odd, but the men shrug it off.
And they’re off to sea! It’s December and it’s wicked cold, but Ishmael is right where he wants to be.
After a slight diversion wherein Melville reminds us how important whaling is (lamp oil! exploration! art and literature!) we are introduced to the crew. I won’t spend too much time here, but let me tell you of one sailor, the chief mate Starbuck. That way, you’ll be able to smile knowingly too, every time you see the familiar green mermaid logo..
Starbuck is a Quaker, like many of the sailors. He’s long and lean, uncommonly conscientious and deeply reverent with a healthy respect for the whales he hunts. He’s good at what he does. (And maybe, just maybe, he has a fine taste for delicious and overpriced coffee!)
