Moby Dick

Chapter 10

"A Bosom Friend"

When Ishmael got back, he found Queequeg carving his idol's nose. Queequeg then went over to a large book on the table and began to count the pages, apparently running out of numbers at fifty, wistling in amazement, and starting over at one. Ishmael watched with interest while pretending to be looking out the window, and came to the conclusion that Queequeg was a fine honest man, even if he was a cannabal. He decided to befriend the cannabal. They were soon looking over the book, and trading puffs on Queequeg's tomahawk. They went up to the room and soon Queequeg began to set up to worship his idol, clearly wishing Ishmael to join him. Ishmael thought it over for a moment, and decided that it would be best to join Queequeg, and do unto him as Ishmael would have liked him to do unto Ishmael. And so he worshipped the idol with Queequeg, and then they retired to bed.
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References:
"and with a jack-knife": a large, strong clasp knife for the pocket [Webster's]
"at the storm from the casement": a window with a particular kind of sash
"like the dyspeptic old woman": dispepsia is similar to indigestion
"us silent, solitary twain": couple or pair
"took out his enormous tobacco wallet": a bag for carring misc. articles while travelling [Webster's]