Moby Dick

[Old Thunder]

If there yet lurked any ice of indifference towards me in the Pagan's breast, this pleasant, genial smoke we had, soon thawed it out, and left us cronies.

 

[Old Thunder]

He seemed to take to me quite as naturally and unbiddenly as I to him; and when our smoke was over, he pressed his forehead against mine, clasped me round the waist, and said that henceforth we were married; meaning, in his country's phrase, that we were bosom friends; he would gladly die for me, if need should be.

 

[Old Thunder]

In a countryman, this sudden flame of friendship would have seemed far too premature, a thing to be much distrusted; but in this simple savage those old rules would not apply.

 

[Old Thunder]

After supper, and another social chat and smoke, we went to our room together.

 

[Old Thunder]

He made me a present of his embalmed head; took out his enormous tabacco wallet, and groping under the tobacco, drew out some thirty dollars in silver; then spreading them on the table, and mechanically dividing them into two equal portions, pushed one of them towards me, and said it was mine.

 

[Old Thunder]

I was going to remonstrate; but he silenced me by pouring them into me trowsers' pockets.

 

[Old Thunder]

I let them stay.

 

[Old Thunder]

He then went about his evening prayers, took out his idol, and removed the paper fireboard.

 

[Old Thunder]

By certain signs and symptoms, I thought he seemed anxious for me to join him; but well knowing what was to follow, I deliberated a moment whether, in case he invited me, I would comply or otherwise.

 

[Old Thunder]

I was a good Christian; born and bred in the bosom of the infallible Presbyterian Church.