Now, this plan of Queequeg's or rather Yojo's, touching
the selection of our craft; I did not like that plan at all.
I had not a little relied on Queequeg's sagacity to point out
the whaler best fitted to carry us and our fortunes securely.
But as all my remonstrances produced no effect upon Queequeg, I was
obliged to acquiesce; and accordingly prepared to set about this
business with a determined rushing sort of energy and vigor,
that should quickly settle that trifling little affair.
Next morning early, leaving Queequeg shut up with Yojo
in our little bedroom--for it seemed that it was some sort
of Lent or Ramadan, or day of fasting, humiliation, and prayer
with Queequeg and Yojo that day; how it was I never could
find out, for, though I applied myself to it several times,
I never could master his liturgies and XXXIX Articles--
leaving Queequeg, then, fasting on his tomahawk pipe,
and Yojo warming himself at his sacrificial fire of shavings,
I sallied out among the shipping. After much prolonged sauntering,
and many random inquiries, I learnt that there were three ships
up for three-years' voyages--The Devil-Dam the Tit-bit,
and the Pequod. Devil-dam, I do not know the origin of;
Tit-bit is obvious; Pequod you will no doubt remember,
was the name of a celebrated tribe of Massachusetts Indians;
now extinct as the ancient Medes.
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