.

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 night-cap 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." How now! Here upon the very point of starting for the voyage, Captain Peleg and Captain Bildad were going it with a high hand on the quarter-deck, just as if they were to be joint-commanders at sea, as well as to all appearances in port.

And, as for Captain Ahab, no sign of him was yet to be seen; only, they said he was in the cabin.

But then, the idea was, that his presence was by no means necessary in getting the ship under weigh, and steering her well out to sea.