To these questions
they would answer, that he was getting better and better, and was
expected aboard every day; meantime, the two Captains, Peleg and Bildad,
could attend to everything necessary to fit the vessel for the voyage.
If I had been downright honest with myself, I would have seen
very plainly in my heart that I did but half fancy being committed
this way to so long a voyage, without once laying my eyes on the man
who was to be the absolute dictator of it, so soon as the ship
sailed out upon the open sea. But when a man suspects any wrong,
it sometimes happens that if he be already involved in the matter,
he insensibly strives to cover up his suspicions even from himself.
And much this way it was with me. I said nothing, and tried
to think nothing.
At last it was given out that some time next day the ship
would certainly sail. So next morning, Queequeg and I took
a very early start.
CHAPTER 21
Going Aboard
It was nearly six o'clock, but only grey imperfect misty dawn,
when we drew nigh the wharf.
"There are some sailors running ahead there, if I see right,"
said I to Queequeg, "it can't be shadows; she's off by sunrise,
I guess; come on!"
"Avast!" cried a voice, whose owner at the same time coming
close behind us, laid a hand upon both our shoulders, and then
insinuating himself between us, stood stooping forward a little,
in the uncertain twilight, strangely peering from Queequeg to me.
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