Chapters 20-21 Summary

Ishmael details the process of getting the ship ready to sail. Bildad carries about a list of things needed for the mission and is in charge of the purchasing while Peleg keeps a watchful eye on the men working on the ship. Bildad's sister Charity helps around the ship running and fetching things that are needed. Charity gathers supplies ranging from food and office supplies to the mainstays of the whaling business such as lances and harpoons. Ishmael and Queequeg have yet to see Captain Ahab. In the back of his mind, Ishmael finds himself unhappy with the idea of sailing with a captain he has never met, especially with the words of Elijah so fresh in his head. As the chapter 21 closes, the ship is ready to sail.

Ishmael and Queequeg hurry through the early dawn to board the Pequod...