The story
“Some people believe in signs; some believe in omens; and some in the sayings of soothsayers. But Sammy believed in everything. In most instances, he could tell offhand what counted for good or bad fortune and any time he had his doubts he had a book which contained all sorts of information on the subject. Perhaps Sammy was the exception which proves the rule, or else his good luck had the Indian sign on it. He spilled salt on the table and promptly threw some of it over his shoulder, but it cost him a cook, and it nearly cost the cook an eye. He found a four-leaf clover, but he lost some of his appreciation for it when a cow kicked him as he picked it. Perhaps that also was luck, but the book said nothing about it. It is good fortune to find a horse shoe or a pin. Sammy found them both, but unexpected sorrow came with them. Then he proposed to the young lady he admired and she accepted him. Sammy was sure it was because he had his stockings on wrong side out, and perhaps it was, or perhaps because he knelt on the right knee while pouring out his story of love. Anyway, she accepted him.
“Their first difficulty came over selecting the date for the marriage. Sammy objected to Thursday, remembering the old song, ‘Thursday Always Was My Jonah Day,’ and he shook with horror when she mentioned Friday. The ceremony was set for Saturday, but Sammy did not appear, explaining that a black cat had crossed his path and he had to turn back. The wedding guests were sent away. They returned on Sunday, only to face another disappointment. This time, Sammy had forgotten the ring, and every one knows you must not go back after anything, after once having left your house, without being prepared for bad luck. So the wedding guests were again sent away. On Monday, the matter was finally settled. Sammy received a letter from the young lady, in which she explained that it is unlucky for a bride to wait too long, so she annexed the best man and Sammy was no longer needed. This was a sad blow to the superstitious chap, but worse luck followed, when he smashed a mirror, which any one can tell you means seven years’ bad luck. The seven years have only started, so it is impossible to say what will happen in the future to superstitious Sammy.”
Summary from Reel Life · 13 September 1915
