[EXTREME Forum Game] Count to 50,000!

13802

And where but from Nantucket, too, did that first adventurous little sloop put forth, partly laden with imported cobblestones—so goes the story—to throw at the whales, in order to discover when they were nigh enough to risk a harpoon from the bowsprit?

 

13803

 

13804

Now having a night, a day, and still another night following before me in New Bedford,

 

13805

ere I could embark for my destined port, it became a matter of concernment where I was to eat and sleep meanwhile.

 

13806

It was a very dubious-looking, nay, a very dark and dismal night, bitingly cold and cheerless.

 

13807

 

13808

I knew no one in the place.

 

13809

 

13810

With anxious grapnels I had sounded my pocket, and only brought up a few pieces of silver,

 

13811

 

13812

—So, wherever you go, Ishmael, said I to myself, as I stood in the middle of a dreary street shouldering my bag,

 

13813

and comparing the gloom towards the north with the darkness towards the south—

 

13814

 

13815

wherever in your wisdom you may conclude to lodge for the night, my dear Ishmael, be sure to inquire the price, and don’t be too particular.

 

13816

With halting steps I paced the streets, and passed the sign of “The Crossed Harpoons”- but it looked too expensive and jolly there.

 

13817

 

13818

Further on, from the bright red windows of the "Sword-Fish Inn," there came such fervent rays, that it seemed to have melted the packed snow and ice from before the house, for everywhere else the congealed frost lay ten inches thick in a hard, asphaltic pavement,—rather weary for me, when I struck my foot against the flinty projections, because from hard, remorseless service the soles of my boots were in a most miserable plight.

 

13819

Too expensive and jolly, again thought I, pausing one moment to watch the broad glare in the street, and hear the sounds of the tinkling glasses within. But go on, Ishmael, said I at last; don't you hear? get away from before the door; your patched boots are stopping the way.

 

13820

 

13821