To me, this sufficiently accounted for the disaster; as it did, of course, to Mumford, who added`But there are many ignorant people who would scoff at such a matter, and call it superstition.

Tales are recounted of improbably dramatic missions in World War I. Others scoff at her as a "coal gaabbert", reflecting the origins of the puffers, but an indignant Para Handy is always ready to defend his boat, proudly comparing her speed and her looks with the glamorous Clyde steamers.