The Eye of the Hurricane

Summary

Barclay, a writer and newcomer to Hamnavoe, becomes a tenant in Captain Stevens' house. He is asked to collect rum for Captain Stevens, who has a drinking problem. Miriam, the house cleaner, warns Barclay about Captain Stevens' binges and advises him not to buy alcohol for the captain. Captain Stevens' behaviour becomes increasingly erratic, and he threatens to evict Barclay. As Barclay deals with writer's block, Miriam's warnings persist. Captain Stevens becomes a drunken mess, imagining they are at sea in a hurricane. After Captain Stevens' passing, Barclay finds solace in religious music and spots Miriam among Salvationists, radiant under the street lamps.