At length, towards noon, upon the final dismissal of the ship’s riggers, and after the Pequod had been hauled out from the wharf, and after the ever-thoughtful Charity had come off in a whale-boat, with her last gift — a night-cap for Stubb, the second mate, her brother-in-law, and a spare Bible for the steward — after all this, the two Captains, Peleg and Bildad, issued from the cabin, and turning to the chief mate, Peleg said:

“Now, Mr. Starbuck, are you sure everything is right? Captain Ahab is all ready — just spoke to him — nothing more to be got from shore, eh? Well, call all hands, then. Muster ’em aft here — blast ’em!”

“No need of profane words, however great the hurry, Peleg,” said Bildad, “but away