"There are all kinds of trades," said Jack, laughing.
"And this is profitable; I know a man who has made a heap of money at it," replied Jacob.
"And so you think the black pearl needs no faking?"
"None at all, the merest attempt would spoil it."
"And do you think I had better carry it on my person?"
"Certainly, I had no idea you had secured such a gem. We must be careful how we part with it, but Barry will see to that, he knows the value of most things," said Jacob.
Jack had forgotten for the moment that the pearl was not his property, that he had only a share in it, and he felt keenly disappointed. This black pearl would have been the very one to send to Winifred, that was his first thought when he found it in the shell.
"Where is the case Barry gave you?" asked Jacob.
"Here," replied Jack, handing him a green leather case with a lock and clasp.
"This looks all right," said Jacob, "will the pearl go in? I see there are compartments, you will have to knock two or three into one for it."