now, ahab and his three mates formed what may be called the first table in the pequod’s cabin. after their departure, taking place in inverted order to their arrival, the canvas cloth was cleared, or rather was restored to some hurried order by the pallid steward. and then the three harpooneers were bidden to the feast, they being its residuary legatees. they made a sort of temporary servants’ hall of the high and mighty cabin.