"He's staying on board just to aggravate everybody, that's his little game. I want to be first in at this deal. I'll take a boat out to the schooner and risk the chance of being ordered away."
As the boat came alongside the "Heron," Barry Tuxford looked over the side and said, with a laugh, "What are you here for Silas? I am afraid we have nothing on board that will suit you."
"Will you let me have a look at the pearls?" asked Silas.
"It's against the rules, you must wait until we come ashore."
"I say, Barry, give me first chance, and I'll offer you a good price, upon my word, I will. I want a string of good pearls badly for a customer who is not particular how much he pays so long as he gets what he wants."
"That's the sort of man I like to get hold of," said Barry.
"They are difficult to find, but this is a cert, a real cert; let me come on board."
"I must ask the skipper," said Barry.
"You are the owner, that is sufficient," replied Silas.
"Phil Danks is in charge and it is only fair to ask his permission, but I will try and arrange it for you."