THE WHITE WHALE «i 
“Both,” says I : a and let’s have a. couple of smoked herring by way 
of variety.” 
CHAPTER XVI 
THE SHIP 
Ih bed we concocted our plans for the morrow. But to my surprise and 
no small concern, Queequeg now gave me to understand that he had been 
diligently consulting Yojo — the name of his black little god — and Yojo 
had told him two or three times over, and strongly insisted upon it every 
way, that instead of our going together among the whaling-fleet in har- 
bour, and in concert selecting our craft; instead of this, I say, Yojo 
earnestly enjoined that the selection of the ship should rest wholly with 
me, inasmuch as Yojo proposed befriending us ; and, in order to do so, 
had already pitched upon a vessel, which, if left to myself, I, Ishmael, 
should infallibly light upon, for all the world as though it had turned 
out by chance; and in that vessel I must immediately ship myself, for 
the present irrespective of Queequeg. 
I have forgotten to mention that, in many things, Queequeg placed 
great confidence in the excellence of Yojo’s judgment and surprising 
forecast of things; and cherished Yojo with considerable esteem, as a 
rather good sold of god, who perhaps meant well enough upon the whole, 
but in all cases did not succeed in his benevolent designs. 
How, this plan of Queequeg’s, or rather Yojo’s, touching the selection 
of our craft ; I did not like that plan at all. I had not a little relied 
upon Queequeg’s sagacity to point out the whaler best fitted to carry us 
and our fortunes securely; but as all my remonstrances produced no 
effect upon Queequeg, I was obliged to acquiesce; and accordingly pre- 
pared to set about this business with a determined rushing sort of energy 
and vigour, that should quickly settle that trifling little affair. 
Hext morning early, leaving Queequeg shut up with Yojo in our little 
bedroom — for it seemed that it was some sort of Lent or Ramadan, or 
day of fasting, humiliation, and prayer with Queequeg and Yojo that 
day; how it was I never could find out, for, though I applied myself to 
it several times, I never could master his religion leaving Queequeg, 
then, fasting on his tomahawk-pipe, and Yojo warming himself at his 
