The Pequod Meets the Rachel

Ahab's thoughts on the coffin: "Here now is the very dreaded symbol of grim death by a mere hap made the expressive sign of the help and hope of most endangered life" The pequod was making good speed through the water. But as the broad winged windward stranger shot nigh to her, the boastful sails all fell together as blank bladders that are burst and all life fled from the smitten hull. Ahab negatively answered this unexpected question, and would then have fain boarded the stranger. 'Will ye never have done carpenter with that accursed sound? I go below. Let me not see that thing here when i return again'