"
"He waxes brave, but nevertheless obeys; most careful
bravery that!" murmured Ahab, as Starbuck disappeared.
"What's that he said--Ahab beware of Ahab--there's something there!"
Then unconsciously using the musket for a staff, with an iron
brow he paced to and fro in the little cabin; but presently
the thick plaits of his forehead relaxed, and returning the gun
to the rack, he went to the deck.
"Thou art but too good a fellow, Starbuck," he said lowly to the mate;
then raising his voice to the crew: "Furl the t'gallant-sails,
and close-reef the top-sails, fore and aft; back the main-yard;
up Burtons, and break out in the main-hold."
It were perhaps vain to surmise exactly why it was, that as respecting
Starbuck, Ahab thus acted. It may have been a flash of honesty
in him; or mere prudential policy which, under the circumstance,
imperiously forbade the slightest symptom of open disaffection,
however transient, in the important chief officer of his ship.
However it was, his orders were executed; and the Burtons were hoisted.
CHAPTER 110
Queequeg in His Coffin
Upon searching, it was found that the casks last struck into the hold
were perfectly sound, and that the leak must be further off.
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