The Secret Sharer

by Joseph Conrad

"The Secret Sharer" by Joseph Conrad is a short story written in 1909. A young captain, commanding his first ship, discovers a fugitive clinging to his vessel at night—a first mate who has killed a crew member and escaped arrest. Recognizing the stranger as his mirror image in appearance and background, the captain hides him aboard, risking his command and credibility. As authorities search and his crew grows suspicious, he must execute a dangerous maneuver to help his double escape while proving himself as captain.