Explore "A Master of Craft" by W.W. Jacobs on Textopian. Read with annotations and highlights.
Captain Barber walked to his house in thoughtful mood, and sighed as he thought of the uncertainty of life and the futility of earthly wishes. The blinds at his windows were all decently drawn, while the Union Jack drooped at half-mast in the front garden. He paused at the gate, with a strong distaste for encountering the subdued gloom and the wealth of womanly love which awaited him indoors, and bethinking himself of the masterless state of his craft, walked slowly back and entered the Thorn Inn.
"No news, I suppose, Captain Barber? " said the landlady, regarding him with great sympathy.