Stubb and Flask Chase Right Whale, Avoid Ship Collision
Two boats under Stubb and Flask pursue sighted spouts until nearly invisible from the mast-head. They become fast to a whale that nearly rams the hull, diving under the keel with boats on the verge of destruction. The crew manages to gain ground ahead as the line scrapes beneath the ship, snapping and dripping like broken glass, until the whale circles round the stern with both boats in tow.
Right Whale Battle Circles Pequod, Sharks Feed On Blood
The two headsmen flank the whale on both sides with lances, circling the Pequod in battle. Sharks that had previously fed on the Sperm Whale’s blood now rush to drink from every new wound, eagerly consuming the fresh blood like Israelites at the rock.
Right Whale Killed After Tense Struggle
The whale’s spout grows thick, and with a frightful roll and vomit, he turns upon his back a corpse.
Stubb and Flask Chat While Securing Whale Flukes
As the headsmen secure cords to the flukes for towing, Stubb expresses disgust at having to deal with such an “ignoble leviathan” and wonders at Ahab’s purpose.
Stubb Mocks Right Whale As Inferior Leviathan
Stubb mocks the Right Whale as a lump of foul lard, reflecting his disdain for these creatures compared to the noble Sperm Whale.
Flask Shares Dual Whale Head Superstition
Flask relates an old superstition that a ship which has hoisted a Sperm Whale’s head on the starboard side and a Right Whale’s head on the larboard can never capsize. He learned this from the mysterious Fedallah, whom he distrusts, noting his snake-carved tusk.
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