with finger pointed and eye levelled at the pequod, the beggar-like stranger stood a moment, as if in a troubled reverie; then starting a little, turned and said:—"ye’ve shipped, have ye? names down on the papers? well, well, what’s signed, is signed; and what’s to be, will be; and then again, perhaps it won’t be, after all. anyhow, it’s all fixed and arranged a’ready; and some sailors or other must go with him, i suppose; as well these as any other men, god pity ’em! morning to ye, shipmates, morning; the ineffable heavens bless ye; i’m sorry i stopped ye."