"The First Mate: The Story of a Strange Cruise" by Harry Collingwood is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story follows Walter Leigh, a young man who becomes the third mate on the luxurious yacht Stella Maris, owned by Mrs. Cornelia Vansittart. As Walter embarks on this adventurous cruise, he faces challenges including relationships with the spoiled young boy Julius, the crew, and encounters with pirates. The opening portion of the novel introduces Walter as he seeks a ship for employment and quickly establishes his connection with Mrs. Vansittart, who offers him the position of third mate on her yacht after a conversation at the docks. Leigh's first impressions reveal the grandeur of the Stella Maris and Mrs. Vansittart's authoritative yet warm personality. The dynamics of the crew, including the disdainful treatment from Julius, set the stage for future conflicts, while the promise of adventure and danger, such as the potential for pirate attacks and harsh sea conditions, lingers in the air as they prepare to sail. (This is an automatically generated summary.)