# Now the men
The word "Now" does not mean "at this moment," but is used to draw attention to the important point that follows.
# for any sign from Ahab
"Sign" is metonymy for an action that gives a meaning. Alternate translation: "for any action from Ahab that would show them that Ahab wanted to be merciful" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-metonymy]])