"Holloa! Starbuck's astir," said the rigger. "He's a lively chief
mate that; good man, and a pious; but all alive now, I must turn to."
And so saying he went on deck, and we followed.
It was now clear sunrise. Soon the crew came on board in twos and threes;
the riggers bestirred themselves; the mates were actively engaged;
and several of the shore people were busy in bringing various last
things on board. Meanwhile Captain Ahab remained invisibly enshrined
within his cabin.
CHAPTER 22
Merry Christmas
At length, towards noon, upon the final dismissal of the ship's riggers,
and after the Pequod had been hauled out from the wharf, and after the
ever-thoughtful Charity had come off in a whale-boat, with her last gift--
a nightcap for Stubb, the second mate, her brother-in-law, and a spare
Bible for the steward--after all this, the two Captains, Peleg and Bildad,
issued from the cabin, and turning to the chief mate, Peleg said:
"Now, Mr. Starbuck, are you sure everything is right?
Captain Ahab is all ready--just spoke to him--nothing more
to be got from shore, eh? Well, call all hands, then.
Muster 'em aft here--blast 'em!"
"No need of profane words, however great the hurry, Peleg," said Bildad,
"but away with thee, friend Starbuck, and do our bidding.
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