"When I started to write that order this morning--just as I was putting pen to paper--in came Sloan with the message from the doctors saying that Beatrice was in a critical situation.

It may be, captain, that this message is bad luck for me, eh ?" "Nonsense," said McTee easily, gripping his hand with rage, while he fought to control his voice.

"You mustn't let superstitions run away with you." "So! So!" frowned Henshaw.

"You're a young man to give me advice, McTee.

I've followed superstitions all my life.