There was much excitement on board the Valkyrie that night when the result of the day's work was made known to those who had remained on the boat. The next day four boats were sent out and over a hundred pearls, many of good size and but few small enough to be of little value, were brought back as a result of the day's efforts.
"Begorra an' we'll all be millionaires in a few days at this rate," Pat declared as he gazed at the pile of pearls as they formed a little heap on the cabin table.
"If there's only enough of them," Bob warned him.
"Well, the ocean's big enough ter hold a whole lot of 'em," the mate shot back.
The boys as well as the others, who had taken part in the work, were tired enough to go to bed almost as soon as supper was over and, before nine o'clock, all was quiet on board. But it was some time before the two boys went to sleep. The disappearance of the man, Josh Kelley, had given them matter for much thought and they realized that, fortunate as they had been in many respects, yet a grave danger threatened them. That Josh was in league with someone against them was almost a certainty and, then again, the creature, man or beast, that had made the attack on Pat, was another cause for anxiety.
"Something seems to tell me that we're going to hear from Josh before many moons," Bob said as he turned out the light.
"Oh, quit hanging crepe," Jack growled as he turned over.
But, a moment later he reopened the subject and, for nearly an hour, they talked in low tones. But, finally, they fell off to sleep and, it seemed to Bob, who was a light sleeper, that it was but a moment later when he awoke to hear the sound of voices just outside the door. He listened a moment and had no trouble in recognizing the deep tones of Captain Ole. Who he was talking with he could not tell as the other's voice was too low to carry distinctly.
"It's coming this way," he heard the captain say.
"He could not hear the reply to the statement but, a moment later the captain spoke again.