_A STAB IN THE DARK_
The friends separated, Harry Marton going to the bay with the augmented
pearling fleet, Jack and Barry Tuxford journeying to Sydney by one of
the mail steamers, taking Lucky Boy with them. Before following their
fortunes in New South Wales it will be interesting to learn how Amos
Hooker managed to secure the black pearl.
When they reached the shore from the schooner "Heron," Amos kept good
control over his temper and said no more about the pearl to Kylis. He
was anxious to see the "Heron" leave the bay without the loss being
discovered. He thought it better to remain on shore and not return to
the boat.
The following morning he looked across the bay from his tent, and saw
the "Heron" had put out to sea. This suited his purpose, and he set out
to hunt up the blacks, putting a revolver in his pocket in case it was
wanted. Amos Hooker had risked his own life too often to have much
regard for the lives of others, and shooting an odd black or two would
not trouble his conscience. Kylis and Miah were useful to him, and he
had no wish to harm them, but he meant having the black pearl, and at
his own price. The divers had a good trip and were paid well, he got
them the job, and it was only fair he should have the pearl.
Kylis saw him coming, and prepared for a row, he knew Amos feared him
more than any other man, but possession of the black pearl was much in
his favour; he said to himself he would smash it sooner than let Amos
have it for a mere trifle.
"The schooner has gone," said Amos. "They have not discovered the loss
of the pearl."
"They may put back when they do," replied Kylis.
"No fear of that, they are not certain we have it."
"They can form a good idea," said Miah.
"Look here," replied Amos, "you had better dry up, you are out of this
deal."
"Am I, ask him?" he said, pointing to Kylis, "we talked it over during
the night, and I am to have my share."
"It won't be a large cut in," replied Amos.
"If you are fair and square, you shall have it," said Kylis. "I want
some money down, and more when it is sold."
"How much do you want?"
"Twenty pounds each," said Kylis.
Amos swore they should have no such sum. "Forty pounds!" he exclaimed,
"I may not get that for the pearl."
"You'll get a big lump for it," said Kylis.
"Hand it over and let me look at it."
The black laughed, and shook his head.
"Where is it?" asked Amos.
"Safe, you cannot find it."
"I have not come here to kick up a row, but I mean to handle that pearl;
if you do not give it me I'll drive you out of the settlement; I can
easily do it, most of them would rather have your room than your
company."
"Much good it would do you," replied Kylis, "because the pearl would go
with us."
"Will you hand it over?"
"For twenty pounds each, and twenty more when you sell it."
"I'll not give it. Hand it over," said Amos, savagely, drawing his
revolver.
"If you shoot you will never find it," said Kylis.
Amos levelled the weapon at him, and Miah slunk back to the other side
of the tent.
Kylis did not quail, he was certain Amos would not shoot.
"If you don't put the revolver down I'll smash the pearl," said the
black.