The younger man flushed; but he said steadily: "Yes. Afraid of losing Asa
Worthen's ship for him."
Mark chuckled unpleasantly. "I'm minded of what is written, here and
there, in the 'Log of the House of Shore,'" he said, half to himself. And
he quoted: "'All the brothers were valiant....' There's more to that,
Joel. 'And all the sisters virtuous.' I had not known we had sisters--but
it seems you're one, boy. Not valiant, by your own admission; but at
least you're fairly virtuous."
Joel paid no heed to the taunt. "Asa Worthen likes care taken of his
ship," he said, half to himself. "I'm thinking he would not think well of
this.... He's not a man to gamble...."
"Gamble?" Mark echoed scornfully. "He has no gamble in this. The pearls
are for you and me. He will know nothing whatever about them. A handful
for me, and a handful for you, Joel. For the taking...."
"You did not think to give him owner's lay?" Joel asked.
"No."
"Where is this island?"
Mark laughed. "I'll not be too precise--until I have your word, Joel.
But--'tis to the northward."
"Our course is west, then south."
"Since when has the _Nathan Ross_ kept schedule and time table like a
mail ship?"