The drugging of Rowland

The captain and boatswain conspire to drug Rowland. The boatswain is instructed to drop a substance into Rowland's drinking pot while the port forecastle is empty. However, a fight breaks out in the forecastle during supper, and Rowland's tea is dashed from his hand before he has taken three swallows. He procures a fresh supply and finishes his supper, unknowingly consuming only a partial dose of the drug. The captain and first officer plan to have Rowland on the bridge lookout that night to observe his ravings and discredit his testimony. This partial dosing leads to Rowland's hallucinatory experience but also allows him to retain some lucidity.