"Very shocking.

And you actually entertained no alarm for yourself ?" "None in the least.

To tell you the truth, I am armed against contagious illnesses, by a conviction I have that I am not doomed to die of any disease.

A prophecy"-- and here a cloud crossed his features--"an odd prophecy was made about me when I was born, which, whether it comes true or not, prevents me from panic in days of plague." "Indeed!" I said, with interest, for this was news to me.

"And may one ask what this prophecy is ?" "Oh, certainly.