“Sounds just like Sam,” laughed the captain. “Who did he say the Jonah is?”
“Petersen, the man who went up the mast with Fred.”
“Because he’s a Finn?” asked Captain Dodge.
“Yes,” said Grant. “What’s the matter with Finns anyway?”
“Why,” said Captain Dodge, “there’s an old superstition among sailors that they bring bad luck. I had almost forgotten it, but as soon as you said that Sam suspected Petersen I remembered that he is a Finn and that Sam would probably believe in the old story.”
“I hope it’s not true,” said John Clemens.
“I guess we needn’t worry about it,” said the captain, smiling. “It doesn’t bother me any but if you boys want to go ashore it isn’t too late yet.”
“We don’t feel as bad about it as that,” laughed Grant. “I guess we’ll risk it.”
“I’m all right anyway,” exclaimed Pop Sanders. “I’ve got my compass.”
“What do you think of him, captain?” exclaimed John. “He always carries a compass on a string around his neck.”