Rigger Wakes and Reveals Ahab’s Presence
The pipe smoke filling the confined forecastle space eventually disturbs the sleeper. He breathes heavily, his nose troubles him, and after revolving over once or twice, he sits up and rubs his eyes. Upon discovering the two smokers, he asks who they are. Ishmael answers that they are shipped men and inquires when the ship sails. The rigger confirms she sails that day and reveals that Captain Ahab came aboard the previous night. When Ishmael begins to ask further questions about Ahab, a noise on deck interrupts them. The rigger identifies it as Starbuck stirring and describes him as a lively chief mate and good pious man before heading on deck.
Crew Assembly and Ahab’s Seclusion
By the time Ishmael and Queequeg emerge onto deck, it is clear sunrise. The crew begins arriving in small groups while riggers busy themselves and the mates engage actively in preparations. Various shore people bring last-minute supplies aboard. Throughout all this activity, Captain Ahab remains invisibly enshrined within his locked cabin, nowhere to be seen despite the bustle surrounding the Pequod’s imminent departure.
第二十二章 Merry Christmas
This chapter, titled “Merry Christmas,” documents the final departure of the whaling ship Pequod from Nantucket on Christmas Day, as it begins its long voyage under the command of Captain Ahab, with port pilots Peleg and Bildad overseeing the initial departure process.
Pre-Departure Checks and Initial Orders
After the ship’s riggers are dismissed, the Pequod is hauled away from the wharf, and Bildad’s sister Charity delivers final gifts to crew members (a night-cap for second mate Stubb, her brother-in-law, and a spare Bible for the steward). Peleg and Bildad emerge from the cabin, and Peleg confirms with chief mate Starbuck that all departure preparations are complete before ordering him to call all hands aft, with Bildad advising against using profanity even in the rush of departure.
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