"Is that a black pearl you dropped in the boat?"
"Yes," answered Kylis.
"Where did you get it?"
"Stole it last night in accordance with your orders."
"I never told you to steal anything."
"What do you call it?" asked Kylis, grinning. "At any rate, I stole it
at the risk of my life, and if they find out it has gone before they
leave the bay there'll be a mighty row."
"How did you get it?"
Briefly Kylis told him how he abstracted the pearl from the case in Jack
Redland's belt, and Amos was surprised at the black's daring and
cleverness.
"And he has not missed it yet?"
"No, he thinks it is in the case."
"He may not miss it until after they have sailed."
"All the better for us."
"Let me look at it," said Amos.
"No."
"Hand it over, you dirty black thief, or I'll knock you out of the
boat," and he raised an oar.