_A CLEVER THIEF_
The "Heron" was a faster sailer than the "Wild Cat," and soon left her
far behind; as they were both bound for Fremantle this did not matter.
The "Heron" was to put in at Shark's Bay, to land the two divers, and
this would give the other schooner time to get on terms with her.
Kylis had had no opportunity of attempting to steal any of the pearls so
far, and they were nearing Shark's Bay. If he was to succeed there was
no time to be lost. The black pearl was his object, but the difficulties
to be overcome in endeavouring to secure it were almost unsurmountable.
Jack Redland always carried it with him, and slept with his belt on; he
was, moreover, a match for such a man as Kylis, being strong and active.
In his cabin the whole of the pearls were kept securely locked up, and
as Kylis had no excuse for being in that part of the schooner suspicion
would at once be aroused if he was seen there.
Now that the chief part of their work was over there was a certain
amount of laxity and freedom on board. The crew were allowed more
liberty, although Phil Danks took care the schooner should be thoroughly
looked after. Jacob Rank was on board, and this relieved Phil from some
responsibility, as he was as good a sailor as himself. Jacob often took
charge while Phil rested, and this arrangement suited both, as the
former did not care to be always idle.
In consequence of this free and easy style of managing the "Heron,"
Kylis and Miah had very little difficulty in roaming about where they
liked, although if they ventured near Jack Redland's cabin, and Jacob
caught sight of them, they had to beat a speedy retreat.
Kylis knew the coast well, and saw they would be in Shark's Bay with a
fair wind in another four-and-twenty hours. He became desperate, and
without telling Miah of his purpose, determined to try and get the black
pearl that night.
He was a swimmer of great endurance, and could remain in the water for
hours, covering long distances. He knew that about midnight, or shortly
after, the "Heron" would pass a spot called Swan Point, and that she
would not be more than four or five miles distant from it. Swan Point
was a peculiar shaped rock, standing in solitary grandeur, about two
miles from the shore, with a deep channel between. Sometimes vessels
passed through the channel, but only in daylight. Kylis thought out his
plan cleverly. If successful in his attempt, he could slip overboard,
swim to Swan Point, remain there and rest, and then swim to the shore.
There were sharks about, but he had his knife, and had come off best in
a tussle with one of these monsters. If he failed he could still jump
overboard, and escape.
Jacob Rank was somewhat hilarious that night, having prevailed upon Phil
to let him have a bottle of liquor, some of which he shared with one or
two of the crew, who were as lively as himself. A hand at cards being
suggested, Phil joined in "just to keep order," he said, and added, "but
I do not think it fair to win your money under such circumstances."
"You are welcome to all you can get out of me," said Jacob, "and a game
of euchre is what I want. If you win so much the better for you, but I
mean to have my game whether you join in or not."
Jack Redland left them to it, and turned in. Euchre was a game he knew
very little about, although he had taken a hand on board the "Golden
Land" once or twice.
"You fellows look like making a night of it," he said. "As we shall be
in Shark's Bay to-morrow I think I had better have a camp, I mean to go
ashore."
"All serene," shouted Jacob. "Remember me in your dreams, and don't try
and swallow that black pearl in mistake for a pill."
Kylis watched Jack go to his cabin and then, leaving Miah, strolled
towards the players. Miah watched him, feeling glad he had gone alone,
for he knew there was some devilry afoot.
Jacob being in a good humour--he held a fine euchre hand, looked up and
saw Kylis standing near.
"Come here, you black thief, and I'll show you how to play euchre,"
roared Jacob.
"He probably knows how to handle the cards as well as any of us,"
laughed Phil. "Can you play euchre, Kylis?"
The black grinned, and said he had often played with Amos Hooker and
others at Shark's Bay.
"I told you," said Phil. "Let him play your hand, Jacob."
"I'm dashed if I do, it's too good for a nigger to handle."
"Joker, right and left bower, eh?" asked Phil smiling.
"Not quite so good as that, skipper, but it's tarnation near it."
"Then go ahead, you go alone, I suppose?"
They were playing partners, Phil with one sailor, Jacob with another.
"Yes, I'm going alone," said Jacob, and his partner put down his cards.
Jacob played the joker, and trumps went round, then he played the right
bower, the knave of diamonds, and the left bower, the knave of hearts
fell on it from Phil. Jacob gave a whoop as he said--
"You can't beat me now, I have the lot," and he threw down the ace, king
and queen of diamonds.
"Whew! What a hand," said Phil. "How did you manage it, Jacob?"
"Dry up, no chaff, you dealt," he said.
"And turned it down, worse luck. I might have got through, as yours were
all reds."
"Very good hand," said Kylis.
"Oh, oh, my black bird, you think so, do you?" laughed Jacob. "I don't
often treat a nigger, but after that hand you shall have a tot, here you
are."
He handed the glass to the black, Phil grunting his disapproval, and
remarking that it was throwing good stuff away.
Kylis saw they were fixed up for a long sitting, and this favoured his
plans. He watched the game for some time and then sneaked away
unobserved. In case anyone chanced to see him he went in the opposite
direction to Jack's cabin; he returned, crawling along the deck silently
and swiftly. In his hand he had one of the big knives used for opening
pearl shells. He paused when he neared the cabin, listening, and the
steady breathing denoted Jack Redland was sound asleep. The night was
not dark, and Kylis had seen the dim outline of Swan Point in the
distance before he left the card players. Again he crawled forward until
his head reached the door, which was open. Looking in he saw Jack lying
half dressed on his bunk, the belt with the case in round him. Kylis
could have stabbed him as he slept, and probably would have done so had
he not seen the end of the case, in which the black pearl lay, peeping
out of the inner side of the belt. For once Jack had evidently been
careless, and not fastened it securely in the belt. If he could obtain
the case without awaking the sleeper there would be no need for
violence.
Kylis crept like a cat to Jack Redland's side, then his big, black hand
went slowly up and gently drew out the case. It was locked, but with a
quick twist with the point of his knife the black opened it, slipped out
the pearl, closed the case, pressed the broken spring in as far as he
could, and noiselessly put it back in its place.
Jack Redland slept soundly and did not stir. Kylis did his work cleverly
and with marvellous quickness. The black, never losing his caution, or
hurrying in any way, glided out of the cabin and along the deck, the
pearl in his mouth. If Jack Redland did not discover his loss he was
safe, and Kylis determined to take the risk. If there was any danger of
discovery he would go overboard with the pearl, no matter where they
were.
Luck favoured the black. When Jack Redland got up in the morning the
schooner was entering Shark's Bay. He fastened the belt, pushing the
case into its place without examining it; he was not likely to suspect
the pearl had been abstracted while he slept.
Jacob Rank and his fellow card players were somewhat seedy after their
all night sitting, but they soon shook off the effects, and intended
going ashore to stretch their legs for an hour or two on land.
Kylis was anxious to get away, but did not show it. He and Miah had been
paid, and Phil said they could go ashore in the first dinghy.
However, before a boat was lowered, Amos Hooker put out from the shore,
eager to learn what their luck had been, and Phil said the divers might
go back with him.
This did not suit Kylis, who was well aware if Amos got on board he
would remain as long as they would have him. He must speak to him,
quietly, and tell him he had important news, which was better told
ashore, out of earshot of anyone on board.
"Safely back," said Amos, as his boat came alongside. "By all the
powers, if it's not Jacob Rank!" he exclaimed as he caught sight of him.
"Yes, I'm alive and well," replied Jacob, "but no thanks to the devils
who left me in the lurch."
"It was a dirty trick to play you," said Amos.
"And they shall pay for it if ever I lay hands on them," he replied.
Amos was anxious to hear what Kylis and Miah had to report, and as they
looked over the side of the schooner he caught sight of them and said--
"I suppose you wish to go ashore?"
"Yes," replied Kylis, eagerly.
"Then jump into the boat and I'll take you, and come back to hear the
news."
They dropped from the schooner into the boat, and as Kylis landed, the
pearl fell out of his loin cloth, where he had concealed it, into the
bottom of the boat. Amos Hooker saw it, and Kylis, with a feeling of
rage sweeping over him, knew he had seen it. A glance upwards showed him
no one on board the schooner had observed it. He picked it up,
concealing it again, and Amos pushed off hurriedly from the schooner.
Kylis knew he must make the best of the situation, Amos Hooker would
think he had stolen the pearl, according to his instructions, and he
must drive the best bargain he could with him. After all it might be the
best way of parting with it, because he would have great difficulty in
disposing of it. A black man in possession of such a pearl would be an
object of suspicion, he knew that well enough. If he got a fair sum from
Amos, and handed the pearl over to him there would not be much danger to
himself; it would not be found in his possession if search was made for
it, and at the same time the knowledge that Amos Hooker had it would
give him a hold over the man.
Miah stared at it in surprise, aghast at Kylis's cleverness, for he had
no idea the pearl had been stolen. He was glad no harm had been done to
Jack Redland. Cunning as his mate, although not so treacherous, he
commenced to think it was due to himself to have a share in the pearl.
If Kylis and Amos objected, he could treat with the other side.