The Secret Sharer #319144

"The Secret Sharer" by Joseph Conrad is a gripping short story that follows an unnamed young ship captain. During a night watch, he discovers a mysterious stowaway, Leggatt, clinging to a rope off the ship's side. Moved by Leggatt's plight, the captain decides to hide him in his cabin, even though harboring a fugitive poses risks to his own position and reputation. As the story unfolds, the captain finds an uncanny connection with Leggatt, seeing himself mirrored in the desperate man. Struggling with the duality of his identity and the consequences of his decision, the captain becomes consumed by guilt and paranoia.