“But I managed to make money enough, without selling the diamond, to fit out this expedition; and before I return I shall have made a fortune, for I know where the pearls lie in thousands.
“I know the natives and their customs, and manners too, right well, and though many islands are inhabited by cannibals, they are willing to work for coloured cotton and for beads; and so, dearies, you will see what you shall see.”
“And that awful Thug, sir, was he really a detective sent by the priests to murder you?”
“He was, boy. But—my day hadn’t come.
“And, look, here is the diamond.” So splendid a gem the boys had never seen before. They were amazed at its brilliancy, even in the sunlit saloon.
But Antonio took them into the dark storeroom, and here its lustre and gleam were increased tenfold.
“You see, boys,” he said, “I’m a little bit superstitious myself, and I believe that what brought luck to those priests has brought luck to me. And so I mean to keep it for a time.”
. . . . . .
He further informed the boys that they were not on any account to divulge what they had been told.
They promised, and faithfully kept their word. Now something curious occurred.