Chapters 13-14 Summary

After settling his and Queequeg's bill at the Inn, Ishmael and Queequeg set off to meet the ship that will carry them to Nantucket. They carry their things in a wheelbarrow, a circumstance that brings to Queequeg's mind the first time he met a wheelbarrow. Misinterpreting its use, he tied his clothes chest to the wheeled tool, and then carried both upon his shoulder. Ishmael contends Queequeg should have known better, a statement that brings on another story from Queequeg. This story is about a ship captain who accepts an invitation to a wedding feast on the island of Kokovoko. The captain mistakes the sacred punch bowl of coconut milk as a place to wash his hands. In both instances, both the captain and Queequeg were laughed at because they were unaware of the customs of the people they visited with...