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Table of Contents
Chapter 39
FIRST
NIGHT-WATCH FORE-TOP
Ha! ha! ha! ha! hem! clear
my throat! --I've been thinking over it ever since, and that ha, ha's the
final consequence. Why so? Because a laugh's the wisest, easiest answer to all
that's queer; and come what will, one comfort's always left -- that unfailing
comfort is, it's all predestinated. I heard not all his talk with Starbuck;
but to my poor eye Starbuck then looked something as I the other evening felt.
Be sure the old Mogul has fixed him, too. I twigged it, knew it; had had the
gift, might readily have prophesied it --for when I clapped my eye upon his
skull I saw it. Well, Stubb, wise Stubb --that's my title --well, Stubb, what
of it, Stubb? Here's a carcase. I know not all that may be coming, but be it
what it will, I'll go to it laughing. Such a waggish leering as lurks in all
your horribles! I feel funny. Fa, la! lirra, skirra! What's my juicy little
pear at home doing now? Crying its eyes out? --Giving a party to the last
arrived harpooneers, I dare say, gay as a frigate's pennant, and so am I--fa,
la! lirra, skirra! Oh-- We'll drink to-night with hearts as light, To love, as
gay and fleeting As bubbles that swim, on the beaker's brim, And break on the
lips while meeting. a brave stave that --who calls? mr. starbuck? Aye, aye,
sir -- ( Aside) he's my superior, he has his too, if I'm not mistaken. -- Aye,
aye, sir, just through with this job --coming. ..
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