Chapters 22-25 Summary

The Pequod sets sail around noon that day after Charity brings her final gifts of a nightcap for Stubb and a spare Bible to the crew. Captains Peleg and Bildad are still in charge of the ship and give orders. Captain Ahab has not yet made an appearance. The crew says Ahab has been sick and is not yet completely recovered, that is why he does not leave his quarters. Orders are given to take down the tent Peleg has occupied on the deck of the ship, and raise the anchors. Peleg orders about the ship in such a fashion that Ishmael involuntarily stops working in shock and leans for a moment on his handspike. At this point, Peleg kicks Ishmael in the rear and asks him if that was how he worked on the merchant ships. Peleg continues around the...