Jo Erickson

Rum Runner's Reef Jo Erickson

The cook stopped singing and looked at her in surprise, "You're done already? My! My! What a fine help you are! No, I don't need any more help today." He smiled widely at her and then said "For your help, I'll give you one piece of advice: If you see any gold pieces on the ship - throw them to the dolphins, never the sharks. Always throw them to the dolphins." He turned back to his stove and she stood silently puzzled, before asking him "Why wouldn't I keep a gold piece instead of throwing it in the sea?" The cook spun suddenly around with a wild and frightened look in his eye "Never! Never keep one! They are cursed, you understand? Never keep one! Throw them to the dolphins always! There - I have said too much - go now, quickly!" He spun back to his stove and continued working, singing once more, and she turned quietly and left the galley.