Moby Dick Destroys Ahab’s Boat
Moby Dick bites the boat completely in twain, locking his jaws midway between the two floating wrecks. The crew scrambles to the stern-wreck, clinging to gunwales and oars. Ahab attempts to push the boat from the bite but falls flat-faced into the sea as the jaws slip away.
Ahab Left Adrift After Boat Destruction
Moby Dick churns the water vengefully, seeming to madness himself against the wreck. Ahab, half-smothered in foam and unable to swim properly, drifts helplessly as the whale circles. Other boats dare not enter the eddy to rescue him, fearing instant destruction. The Pequod bears down from the mast-heads, parting the whale from his victim.
Pequod Rescues Ahab, Chase Resumes
Ahab shouts to the ship but is dashed under by a wave. The Pequod breaks through and rescues the castaways. Dragged into Stubb’s boat, Ahab recovers quickly, demands the harpoon, and confirms all five men are accounted for. The boats make for the ship, which takes up the chase with stun-sails spread like wings.
Stubb Jokes About Wreck, Ahab Rebukes Him
Stubb approaches Ahab, who pauses before his wrecked boat on the quarter-deck, and jokes callously about the wreck. Ahab rebukes him for laughing before a wreck, declaring him soulless. Starbuck draws near, calling it a solemn sight and ill omen, but Ahab dismisses omens as old wives’ darkling hints, declaring he stands alone among millions.
Ahab Posts Doubloon Reward for Moby Dick’s Death
As night falls and the spout becomes invisible, Ahab addresses the crew at the doubloon. He declares the gold his until the White Whale is dead, then it will belong to whoever first raises him on the day he is killed. If Ahab himself raises the whale, ten times the sum will be divided among all.
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