“If I can help you in any way,” said Frank, “I shall be very happy to do so.”
“A thousand thanks. But now let me tell you my story.
“A dozen years ago I was upon the staff of a corps of naval engineers, sent by the Government to obtain soundings in these seas, and to make as accurate a survey as possible of the ocean bed at this point.”
Frank nodded in reply. The subject was getting more absorbing.
“We made soundings,” continued Captain Uriah, “and came in the course of our survey across a deep valley. At every rise of the sounding shaft there were brought up with the mud indications of a deposit of pearls of priceless value, as they were of the finest quality.
“We became satisfied that beneath us, and for the distance of a mile there existed a valley of pearls in which there lay a mighty fortune.”
Frank gave a start.
“A valley of pearls!” he exclaimed. “That is indeed wonderful. I am much interested, Captain Snow.”
“I knew that you would be. But to continue: As soon as the survey was completed of course our cutter was obliged to return home.
“We knew that we were leaving a mighty fortune behind us, but we could not help that.