The unknown [Night watches, Part 7.]

"The Unknown" by W. W. Jacobs is a humorous short story written in the early 20th century. The narrative centers on the experiences of a night-watchman and his interactions with Captain Bill Smithers, a handsome and somewhat oblivious sailor, and his overbearing widow. The story delves into themes of jealousy, miscommunication, and the often ridiculous nature of romantic relationships, particularly from a comedic viewpoint. In this tale, the night-watchman concocts a prank involving a fake love letter meant for Captain Smithers that is signed with the fictitious name "Dorothy." As the night-watchman watches the ensuing chaos unfold, he finds himself amused by the captain's misguided attempts to engage in a romantic encounter, while his overbearing wife closely monitors all his movements. The plot thickens when both the captain's and the night-watchman's wives become involved, leading to a series of misunderstandings and comical situations. Ultimately, the story showcases the absurdity of romantic entanglements and the chaos that can arise from jealousy and secrecy among couples.

The unknown [Night watches, Part 7.], by W. W. Jacobs. Republished by OpenStories from Project Gutenberg eBook #12157.