Chapters 10-12 Summary

Ishmael returns to The Spouter Inn where he finds Queequeg alone. Queequeg seems to be counting the pages of a book. As Queequeg counts, Ishmael studies Queequeg and finds he thinks the man reminds him of George Washington. It is at this point he decides to make friends with the pagan. Ishmael approaches Queequeg and attempts to teach him about the book and the pictures found inside. Soon the two engage in a sort of conversation about the things they had seen in town that day. The two share a smoke from Queequeg's tomahawk pipe and then Queequeg presses his forehead against Ishmael's. Queequeg then hugs Ishmael around the waist and declares the two are bosom friends. In Queequeg's culture, this friendship means the savage would die for Ishmael if needed. After supper, Queequeg gives Ishmael an embalmed head as a...