"He's gone in for pearling, that's rather out of his line, is it not?
What is his little game?"
"His little game, as you call it, is pearls, and he means to have some,
or rather we intend to find them for him. I am sure you will recognise
the fact that it will be far better for you to help us than put
obstacles in our way."
"He's a clever man, but he's made a mistake this time; there's precious
few pearls to be found here now, and what we do get are not worth much,
they are the wrong colour."
"Never mind about that, we will take our chance. What I wish to know is,
will you stand by us and persuade your mates to be peaceable?"
"It's more than I can do without some recompense."
"I'll see to that, or rather these gentlemen will, and you can depend
upon it you will be gainers and not losers," said Danks.
"Who told you about the 'Mary Hatchett'?" asked Amos, who had helped
himself to liquor freely.
"That is of no importance, but I know the whole story, and it is lucky
for you that you are at Shark's Bay and not at Fremantle; they would
never think of looking for you here."
"And you will keep it dark?" asked Amos.
"Certainly, if you do as we wish, and keep your mates quiet."
"And what about the money?" said Amos, with a leer.
"You shall have ten pounds for yourself if it comes off," said Phil
Danks.
"That's not much."
"It is plenty, and you are not entitled to any. You can easily concoct
some yarn to please the others."
"Very well, I'll see about it, but I'm going to make a night of it here,
I don't often get the chance. I suppose you have no objections?"
"None at all," said Jack, as Amos appealed to him. "You are quite
welcome to anything we have on board."