The Phantom Death, etc.

"The Phantom Death, etc." by William Clark Russell is a compilation of maritime stories set in the late 1800s, immersing readers in the exciting and often eerie world of sailing. These stories highlight the dangers and supernatural events that can happen on the open ocean. The first story introduces Captain Joyce, who dies suddenly from a strange sickness while traveling, sparking questions about what caused his death. The collection begins on the ship "Lord of the Isles," where Mr. West joins as the only passenger where the captain falls ill quickly and mysteriously, leading the crew to believe he was poisoned or had a disease from Brazil. As the story moves forward, both the captain and the first mate die in similar ways. Mr. West feels a strong sense of suspense and wonders if there is a supernatural danger on the ship, suggesting there are deeper mysteries to solve in this fascinating sea adventure.