This done, he marshalled the planks and his tools, and to work.
When the last nail was driven, and the lid duly planed and fitted,
he lightly shouldered the coffin and went forward with it,
inquiring whether they were ready for it yet in that direction.
Overhearing the indignant but half-humorous cries with which
the people on deck began to drive the coffin away, Queequeg,
to every one's consternation, commanded that the thing should
be instantly brought to him, nor was there any denying him;
seeing that, of all mortals, some dying men are the most tyrannical;
and certainly, since they will shortly trouble us so little
for evermore, the poor fellows ought to be indulged.
Leaning over in his hammock, Queequeg long regarded the coffin
with an attentive eye. He then called for his harpoon,
had the wooden stock drawn from it, and then had the iron part
placed in the coffin along with one of the paddles of his boat.
All by his own request, also, biscuits were then ranged round
the sides within; a flask of fresh water was placed at the head,
and a small bag of woody earth scraped up in the hold at the foot;
and a piece of sail-cloth being rolled up for a pillow,
Queequeg now entreated to be lifted into his final bed,
that he might make trial of its comforts, if any it had.
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