A truckman had arrived with their luggage from the hotel. The boys, excepting Browning, went on deck and brought the stuff aboard.
As Frank was settling with the truckman, the latter said:
"I wish you good luck, young man, but I doubt if you'll have it taking a cruise in that craft."
"Why is that?" asked Merry. "What is the matter with that craft?"
"Well, sir, they do say as how she is hoodooed."
"Indeed!"
"Yes, sir. Everybody as has owned her in the last two years has had hard luck."
"This is interesting."
"I hauled her first load of provisions, and I have known her a long time. On her trial cruise she capsized before she got out of the harbor."
"Is that all?"