Whoever harms one is certain to bring misfortune upon himself and possibly his companions.

A prudent traveler would be careful not to offend this or any other nautical superstition.

In case of subsequent danger the sailors might remember his misdeed and leave him to make his own rescue.
Nearing the Asiatic coast we saw many whales.

One afternoon, about cigar time, a huge fellow appeared half a mile distant.

His blowing sounded like the exhaust of a western steamboat, and sent up a respectable fountain of spray.