Here the captain turned a quick look upon the speaker and for the first time his eyes lost their dull expression. But he made no remark and Uncle John continued:
"This man Le Drieux found several choice pearls in the possession of Mr. Jones, which he claims are a part of the stolen collection. Hence he obtained your master's arrest. Jones says he brought the pearls from Sangoa, his home, where they were found. No one here knows anything of Sangoa, so they regard his story with suspicion. Now, sir, we believe that through you we can prove he has told the truth, and so secure his release. Here is the important question: Will you help us?"
"Willingly, sir," replied the captain.
"Are you forbidden to tell us where Sangoa is, or anything about the island?"
"Yes, sir; I am forbidden to do that, under any circumstances," was the ready answer.
"Have you been to Sangoa since you landed Mr. Jones in San Francisco, some fifteen months ago?"
"Yes, sir."
"And did you bring back with you, on this trip, any pearls?"
"Yes, sir."
"Have you already disposed of them?"