“We were under orders and in the service of the United States Government. Our orders had been to make soundings and a survey and then to report at once at San Francisco.
“But, nevertheless, we took careful bearings, and felt sure that we could return to the exact spot at some future day.
“Best-laid plans often fail, however. Before we could reach San Francisco, we were overtaken by a terrible storm. The cutter was not exactly seaworthy, and had ought to have been condemned before the cruise began. She sprang a leak, and we were obliged to take to the boats.
“Myself and Lieutenant Fish were the last to leave the vessel.
“We were left only the captain’s gig, but by the best of good fortune, it weathered the storm, and we were picked up four days later by a French brig.
“The other members of the cutter’s crew were never heard from. They doubtless perished.
“Fish died in ’Frisco of the effects of our four days on the sea, and I was the only living person possessed of the knowledge of the locality of the valley of pearls and its bearings.
“For several years I drifted about, striving to get enough together to procure a ship and crew and come hither. I have at last secured this stanch vessel, and here I am.”
Frank drew a deep breath.
“In what manner do you expect to recover the pearls?” he asked.