"
"There is some sneaking Temperance Society movement about this business,"
he suddenly added, now approaching Starbuck, who had just come
from forward. "Will you look at that kannakin, sir; smell of it,
if you please." Then watching the mate's countenance, he added,
"The steward, Mr. Starbuck, had the face to offer that calomel
and jalap to Queequeg, there, this instant off the whale.
Is the steward an apothecary, sir? and may I ask whether this
is the sort of bitters by which he blows back the life into
a half-drowned man?"
"I trust not," said Starbuck, "it is poor stuff enough."
"Aye, aye, steward," cried Stubb, "we'll teach you to drug it harpooneer;
none of your apothecary's medicine here; you want to poison us, do ye?
You have got out insurances on our lives and want to give way with
their oars, and pocket the proceeds, do ye?"
"It was not me," cried Dough-Boy, "it was Aunt Charity that brought
the ginger on board; and bade me never give the harpooneers any spirits,
but only this ginger-jub--so she called it."
"Ginger-jub! you gingerly rascal! take that! and run
along with ye to the lockers, and get something better.
I hope I do no wrong, Mr. Starbuck. It is the captain's orders--
grog for the harpooneer on a whale.
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