"And we're going to have it, too," observed another of the group, in a positive way.
Max had that queer feeling pass over him again; for it was Steve who made this half-angry remark.
What could it mean?
He had always believed Steve to be as honest as the day was long, his only faults being a hasty temper, and a desire to do things without sufficient preparation.
But that the boy would deliberately steal, simply because he happened to be fascinated by the beauty of the pearl, seemed beyond belief.
No wonder, then, that the bewildered Max sighed, and rubbed his eyes with his knuckles, as though hardly knowing whether he were awake or asleep.
As nothing more could be done, the five boys adjourned to the camp, where Owen quickly completed his preparations for lunch. They had decided to have the heavy meal, called dinner, in the evening, so that the work of the day might not be interfered with.
When those who had been off hunting shellfish had returned, tired with their labors, it would be nice to gather around, and take their time in enjoying the bountiful meal that had been prepared by the cook appointed for that day.
Each of them expected to take a hand at this necessary job. In anticipation of the opportunity to shine as a talented chef Bandy-legs had in secret been coaxing the hired girl at home to teach him a lot of things.
As his turn would come on the second day, he could hardly restrain his impatience. He surely calculated that when his chums saw what wonderful things real talent could accomplish, they would easily vote him a prize.