Joel was troubled and uncertain. “It’s—a black thing,” he said.
“They’ll not be after me, if that distresses you,” Mark promised him. “Curiosity does not go to such lengths in these waters.”
“You told no one?”
Mark laughed. “The pearls were—my own concern. You’re the first I’ve told.” He watched his brother. Joel frowned thoughtfully, shook his head.
“You plan to go back for them?” he asked.
“You and I,” said Mark casually. Joel looked at him in quick surprise; and Mark laughed. “Yes,” he repeated. “You and I. I am not selfish, Joel. Besides—there are plenty for two.”
Joel, for an instant, found no word; and Mark leaned quickly toward him. He tapped Joel’s knee. “We’ll work up that way,” he said quietly. “When we come to the island, you and I go ashore, and get them where they’re hid beneath the rock; and we come back aboard with no one any wiser.... Rich. A double handful of them, Joel....”
Joel’s eyes were clouded with thought; he shook his head slowly. “What of the blacks?” he asked.
Mark laughed. “They were brought down on us by the woman who got away,” he said. “Quint’s woman. I heard as much that day, saw her among them. But—they’re gone before this.”
Joel said slowly: “You are not sure of that. And—I cannot risk the ship....”