One pearl especially did Antonio covet.
Never had he seen such a gem before. It was pink, of immense size, perfectly round, and without a flaw.
Its value, Antonio knew, was so great, that only a European queen, an emperor, or a millionaire would have cared to buy it.
The king said it was found in a conch-shell far away in the Bahamas, a hundred years ago, and captured from the ship that ran aground on this very island. His great-grandfather was then king, he told Antonio.
“All de sailor kill,” he continued. “Agoo! dey make nicee food for de warriors, but dat pearl, he bes’ of all, and—dere she lie!”
The pearl had a piece of the pink shell itself attached to it. This was perfectly circular, and as large as a small saucer. From the centre rose the gorgeous gem, which Antonio believed he could sell for at least £20,000.
For a long time Mlada would not hear of parting with it. So Antonio said no more about the matter just then.
It came into his possession, however, in a very strange way indeed.
Miss Leona proved to be a young lady whose chief happiness consisted in doing good to others. She had plenty of time; and no sooner did she arrive on the island, than she set herself to study the manners, and customs, and language of the islanders.
Not being English, she picked up the language of the cannibals in two or three months. It was by no means a difficult one, but simple and sibilant, yet most expressive.