"What do you require such a valuable pearl for? You could do a great
deal better with your money."
"I wished to send it home as a present to a great friend of mine."
"A lady, of course," said Barry smiling. "I see; it would be a very
valuable gift, and she ought to think a lot of it, if ever she receives
it."
"She would," replied Jack, "but more on account of my finding it than
for its actual value."
"I'll try and get it for you," said Barry, "and if I succeed, you shall
have it at a fair price. Ah, here's Silas, I thought he would not be
able to wait until my return."
Silas Filey walked anxiously about, waiting for Barry Tuxford, and as
the time passed, became impatient.
"He's staying on board just to aggravate everybody, that's his little
game. I want to be first in at this deal. I'll take a boat out to the
schooner and risk the chance of being ordered away."
As the boat came alongside the "Heron," Barry Tuxford looked over the
side and said, with a laugh, "What are you here for Silas? I am afraid
we have nothing on board that will suit you."
"Will you let me have a look at the pearls?" asked Silas.
"It's against the rules, you must wait until we come ashore."
"I say, Barry, give me first chance, and I'll offer you a good price,
upon my word, I will. I want a string of good pearls badly for a
customer who is not particular how much he pays so long as he gets what
he wants."
"That's the sort of man I like to get hold of," said Barry.
"They are difficult to find, but this is a cert, a real cert; let me
come on board."
"I must ask the skipper," said Barry.
"You are the owner, that is sufficient," replied Silas.
"Phil Danks is in charge and it is only fair to ask his permission, but
I will try and arrange it for you."