They returned at night with a better take than before, and many of the shells were of a considerable age, as could be seen by the encrustations upon the outer surface.
Jacob Rank had so far no cause to complain of Kylis and Miah. They were the best divers out of the lot and always came back with shells. They worked hard, and yet there was something about them he could not quite understand. He noticed they were always together, and kept apart from the other divers, as though considering themselves superior. He kept his thoughts to himself, but he fancied he saw some trouble brewing, although he could not define in what direction.
The day had been very hot, and the white men who had sat in the boats under the blazing sun, were tired out.
Kylis and Miah, however, were wide awake, and seated in earnest conversation at the stern of the schooner.
"This is the richest pearl fishing I ever saw," said Kylis, speaking in his native tongue.
"The whole bay is covered with shell," replied Miah. "It does not seem fair these white men should have it all."
"They will not have it all," said Kylis, with an ugly gleam in his eyes. "You know where they keep the pearls."
Miah shook his head and said they would not be easy to get at.
"There is nothing of great value yet," replied Kylis. "Wait until there is a big pearl, then we must have it."
"How? It will be dangerous."