"I don't know what Mr. Houston could have to tell me about it," began Hank.
"That's all right. He had nothing to tell you. You know the place where you found the pearl, and if you are wise you will keep still about it. Nobody has any right to find out where it is."
"I'll keep still about it," said Hank with a laugh. "I don't know that I can find others like it, but I can find out. Good-bye."
Hank opened the door and went out, and the jeweller leaned on the counter and looked at Sam.
"What did you have to tell him about that pearl?" said he.
"I was going to ask him where he got it," replied the clerk.
"And then what did you intend to do?" continued Mr. Vollar. "You were going to become a pearl-hunter, were you?"
"Yes, I was. I think it is mighty queer that a boy who does nothing can stumble onto a lot of money like that. I think I have as much right to it as he has."
"Well, if you want that berth you can give up the one you hold here in the store," said the jeweller, straightening up and putting his hands into his pockets. "You won't make a cent at it, I can tell you that much. But I believe you will make as much as you do here."
"Are you not satisfied with my work?" asked Sam.