"And I don't believe one of them has thought of the coincidence," returned the latter; "and probably never will, unless you put it into their heads. You're not afraid to go yourself, are you?"
"Well, no, I'm not exactly afraid, but I think we'd feel more comfortable all around if we should choose some other day. You know sailors are terribly superstitious, and if, while we are in the boat, some one should mention the three queer facts (although I give you my word it won't be me), all the pleasure for some of the girls would be spoiled."
"Oh, don't you believe it!" cried Graham. "I'm sure Hatty, for one, has too much sense to make herself miserable because of a mere silly old wives' tale, so don't put it off on her account. Besides, there'll be more than thirteen in the party, which fact of itself ought to calm the fears of the most timid."
George said no more on the subject; everybody went on making preparations for the long-anticipated expedition to Forest Island; and when the day arrived, no more beautiful one could have dawned. By ten o'clock the Burds' tiny wharf was crowded with the young summer residents of Seamere, who were transferred, amid much laughter, chatter, and playful shrieks, to Ralph Wicksley's handsome Whitehall row-boat.
"It's too bad the Maxtons can't go, isn't it?" remarked Hatty, as the boys pushed off, and good-byes were waved to fathers and mothers on the lawn. "Their cousin Jack arrived from South America last night, and as he can only stay with them one day, of course they didn't like to leave him."
"Yes, I had the other boat all ready to bring along," added Ralph; "but as the party was thus reduced by four, I thought it would be pleasanter for us all to keep together."
"Why, I do declare," exclaimed Albertina Brown, a few moments later, "there are just thirteen of us! It's lucky we're to eat on the grass and not at a table."
"And to-day's Friday!" cried Fanny Ray.
"And the 13th of the month!" added her sister Helen.
"And my thirteenth birthday!" finished Hatty, whereupon a chorus of dismal "Oh! oh! ohs!" arose from all the girls, while Ralph cast a despairing glance toward Graham, and George Hendon smiled the least bit triumphantly at them both.