Sounding him carefully, Stubb further perceived that the Guernsey-man
had not the slightest suspicion concerning the ambergris.
He therefore held his peace on that head, but otherwise was quite
frank and confidential with him, so that the two quickly concocted
a little plan for both circumventing and satirizing the Captain,
without his at all dreaming of distrusting their sincerity.
According to this little plan of theirs, the Guernsey-man, under cover
of an interpreter's office, was to tell the Captain what he pleased,
but as coming from Stubb; and as for Stubb, he was to utter any nonsense
that should come uppermost in him during the interview.
By this time their destined victim appeared from his cabin.
He was a small and dark, but rather delicate looking man
for a sea-captain, with large whiskers and moustache, however;
and wore a red cotton velvet vest with watch-seals at his side.
To this gentleman, Stubb was now politely introduced by
the Guernsey-man, who at once ostentatiously put on the aspect
of interpreting between them.
"What shall I say to him first?" said he.
"Why," said Stubb, eyeing the velvet vest and the watch and seals,
"you may as well begin by telling him that he looks a sort of babyish
to me, though I don't pretend to be a judge.
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