“‘No one that I know of.’
“‘But there is, sir, there’s a stranger there.’
“‘A stranger? Why, man, you must be dreaming! You must have seen the steward there, or the second mate. Who else would venture down without orders?’
“‘But, sir, he was sitting in your arm chair, fronting the door, writing on your slate. Then he looked up full in my face; and if ever I saw a man plainly and distinctly in the world I saw him.’
“‘Him! Who?’
“‘Heaven knows, sir; I don’t! I saw a man and a man I have never seen in my life before.’
“‘You must be going crazy, Mr. Bruce. A stranger, and we nearly six weeks out!’
“The captain descended the stairs, and the mate followed him. Nobody in the cabin! They examined the staterooms. Not a soul could be found.
“‘Well, Mr. Bruce,’ said the Captain, ‘did not I tell you that you had been dreaming?’
“‘It’s all very well to say so, sir; but if I didn’t see that man writing on the slate may I never see home and family again!’