'Cook is one of the right sort, after all,' one of the fishermen declared as he returned his empty mug to Charlie, and the others assented by nods and grunts. But before long Charlie was again in hot water. As he was assisting to haul in the net he sneezed loudly. In a moment one of the fishermen placed his big, dirty hand over his mouth and effectually prevented him from sneezing on the net again.
The skipper, looking down from the bridge, broke into loud abuse.
'What harm is there in sneezing?' Charlie answered, angrily.
'None of your back answers, or I'll clap you in irons.'
'If you do, you'll have to pay for it dearly when we get back to Grimsby. I insist upon knowing what harm I have done.'
'It is thought very unlucky to sneeze on a trawl,' the mate explained quietly, anxious to save Charlie from any further bullying. 'It is supposed to bring bad luck to the trawler. Now, grab hold of the net.'
Charlie again tugged at the net, and, when the catch was emptied into the pound, it was found that it was an exceedingly small one.
'That comes of having you aboard!' the skipper declared, pointing at Charlie.
'I don't see how my sneezing could have affected this catch,' Charlie answered, 'considering that it was almost on board when I sneezed.'
'But how about your sou'-wester last night? That was what ruined this catch, and your sneezing will spoil the next one.'