As he said this, Ahab advanced upon him with such overbearing terrors in his aspect, that Stubb involuntarily retreated.

“I was never served so before without giving a hard blow for it,” muttered Stubb, as he found himself descending the cabin-scuttle.

“It’s very queer. Stop, Stubb; somehow, now, I don’t well know whether to go back and strike him, or — what’s that? — down here on my knees and pray for him? Yes, that was the thought coming up in me; but it would be the first time I ever did pray. It’s queer; very queer; and he’s queer too; aye, take him fore and aft, he’s about the queerest old man Stubb ever sailed with.

How he flashed at me! — his eyes like powder-pans! Is he mad? Anyway there’s