The understudy [Night watches, Part 3.]

On a fog‑laden night aboard the Henry William, a weary night‑watchman wrestles with a noisy mongrel that has taken up residence in the ship’s cabin. The dog’s unflinching eyes and eager demeanor stir up stories among the dockworkers, who view the animal as both a nuisance and a curiosity. When the watchman’s complaints echo through the harbor, a trio of regulars from a nearby public house—Sam, Ginger, and Peter—encounter the same canine in a cramped tavern, where it promptly wins their attention with a sudden bout of affection.

The three men, each with their own motives, debate the dog’s ownership and the promise of a reward that could ease their tight‑purse lives. As they share drinks and barter over who will keep the animal safe, a stranger’s sudden interest adds a layer of suspicion and opportunity. Their uneasy alliance hints at both comedy and conflict, setting the stage for a night where loyalties are tested and a simple stray may prove more valuable than anyone expected.