"ever since i started in to monkey with that darned mervo," he said sadly, "there ain't a thing gone right. i haven't been able to turn around without bumping into myself. everything i touch turns to mud. i guess i can still breathe, but i'm not betting on that lasting long. of all the darned hoodoos that island was the worst. say, i gotta close down that casino. what do you know about that! sure thing. the old lady won't stand for it. i had a letter from her." he turned to betty. "you got her all worked up, betty. i'm not blaming you. it's just my jinx.