As a necromancer, Algernon would of course have a close kinship with the dead and even Death herself, especially in order to gain her favor in his necromatic work. Naturally, this connection to Death also means Algernon too must lend his own favors to her, such as caring for the dead from time to time. Filling in as the Ferryman on occasion is one of such favors, and also helps as a reminder of just who and what his Necromancy is summoning into the world of the living to do his bidding. The dead were people once too, afterall...