The Mirror Of The Sea

On my first voyage as chief mate with good Captain MacW-------- I remember that I felt quite flattered and went blithely about my duties myself a commander for all practical purposes. Still whatever the greatness of my illusion the fact remained that the real commander was there backing up my self-confidence. . . . Until I was unlucky enough to catch my captain in the act of hasty cork-drawing. The sight I may say gave me an awful scare. I was well aware of the morbidly sensitive nature of the man. Fortunately I managed to draw back unseen and taking care to stamp heavily with my sea-boots at the foot of the cabin stairs I made my second entry. But for this unexpected glimpse no act of his during the next twenty-four hours could have given me the slightest suspicion that all was not well with his nerve