Chapters 73-75 Summary

Now that the men have captured their first sperm whale, it is made know to them that if the opportunity presents itself, they are to also kill a right whale even thought these animals were thought to be below the sperm whale. It isn't long before spouts are spotted and Stubb and Flask's boats are lowered to go after the whales. The boats soon move out of sight from the ship, but are then suddenly seen being pulled by the whale toward the ship at a very fast pace. It is only a bit of luck the whale doesn't plow into the ship. Stubb and Flask lance the whale and soon the battle is over.

As the two mates tie cords to the whale, they discuss why Ahab wanted them to kill a right whale. Flask informs Stubb it is because...