The story follows the misadventures of a young sailor, Tom, who is sent over the side of a ship to retrieve a bucket that has been lost overboard. Tom is a superstitious man, and he is convinced that the bucket contains a mermaid's treasure. He dives into the sea, and is soon confronted by a giant octopus. After a fierce battle, Tom manages to escape with the bucket, and is rewarded with a large sum of money. The story is a humorous take on superstition and the power of the sea. It is a classic example of Jacobs' writing style, which often combines elements of the supernatural with everyday life.
By W. W. Jacobs · First published 1943 · Genre: Humor, Fiction, Adventure