The ark is built of labyrinthine passages of hallways and cages, with four living quarters for humans and the “[w]ell of darkness” in the middle (197). When the earth bursts open with geysers of water, the ark shakes violently. Noah calls out for Yaweh to fix the matter and, when he does not, calls for Hannah. Soon, the sky opens and the ark floats.

It is revealed that Mrs. Noyes has successfully smuggled both Mottyl and Crowe into the ark in her apple-filled aprons. To her surprise, Lucy and Ham ally themselves with Mrs. Noyes and assist her in hiding them. Meanwhile, Japeth is now frequently doing his best impression of the members of the ruffian gang, in order to intimidate everyone. Easily distempered, Japeth overreacts to anything he perceives as a slight, becoming embarrassed and irascible. 

During a family meeting, Dr. Noyes gives himself a new title, “Most Reverend Doctor Noyes,” and intentionally divides the family into two classes (210). Shem, Hannah, Japeth, and himself are given the best rooms on the upper deck and Mrs. Noyes,

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