Stubb Claims Fedallah Is Disguised Devil, Recounts Anecdote
Stubb declares Fedallah to be the devil in disguise, planning to throw him overboard given a dark night opportunity. He describes Fedallah’s strange habits—stuffed boot toes, sleeping in rigging coils—claiming the devil hides his tail coiled in his pocket. Stubb theorizes Ahab is making some bargain with this devil to surrender Moby Dick.
Stubb and Flask Debate Fedallah’s Great Age
Stubb claims Fedallah’s age exceeds countless hoops from the hold strung alongside the mainmast, questioning who could have seen him die. Flask challenges whether harming an immortal being serves any purpose, prompting Stubb to advocate repeatedly ducking him.
Stubb Threatens To Dump Fedallah Overboard, Jokes About His Tail
Stubb threatens to seize Fedallah by the neck if he witnesses suspicious behavior, forcibly extract his tail at the capstan, and sell it for an ox whip. He dismisses the notion of fearing the devil, criticizing the governor who signs bonds with him.
Right Whale Head Hoisted Opposite Sperm Whale Head, Ship Regains Balance
The whale is brought alongside on the larboard side and the Right Whale head hoisted opposite the Sperm Whale head, restoring the ship’s even keel. A philosophical digression notes that like trimming minds, adding counterweights on both sides brings equilibrium.
Right Whale Carcass Processing Notes
Describes standard procedures for processing Right Whale carcasses, involving separate removal of lips and tongue with the black bone. In this case, neither whale has been processed—the heads merely hang like a mule’s overburdening panniers.
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