Arriving upon the island of Nantucket, Ishmael and Queequeg search for the inn that was recommended to them by the owner of the Spouter-Inn: his cousin Hosea's place called the Try-Pots, which is famous for its chowder. After much searching, the two come upon the inn. The entrance is decorated with two giant black pots and what looks like a gallows. Ishmael reflects upon the morbid signs that he keeps encountering: The owner of the Spounter-Inn was named Coffin, tombstones greeted him in the Whalemen's Chapel, and now a gallows at the Try-Pots! Nevertheless, the two companions enter the Inn and are greeted by Mrs. Hosea Hussey, who serves them the most delicious clam chowder they have ever tasted. Then they turn in for the night.
