Ishmael opens the chapter by poetically describing the present spring weather. He then transitions into a discussion of the sleeping habits of Ahab. Ishmael indicates the captain slept very little and would often spend his nights pacing the deck. Generally, those working on the deck at night would try to keep things quiet for those sleeping below; however, Ahab does not consider this. He often wakes the sleeping crew when he paces the deck because his ivory leg making a thumping, thudding noise on the planks each time he steps. Stubb suggests finding some sort of material to wrap the leg in to keep it from making so much noise, but Ahab curses Stubb violently at the suggestion.
As Stubb contemplates his unpleasant encounter with Ahab, he tries to decide how he should react......
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