"I know where it is, at least I am almost certain," said Barry. "An old scoundrel we both know at Shark's Bay has it. He put the black fellows up to stealing some of our pearls, and they happened to get the best. I mean Amos Hooker, he's the man."
"He has it!" exclaimed Silas. "I'd like to get it. He's a bad lot, is Amos. I hope I can do it for you, I think I can. I'll get into communication with him. He'll not be able to sell it in a hurry."
"You will have to be careful, or he'll be on his guard," said Barry.
"I have had dealings with him before, and he will not be at all suspicious of me. Are you quite sure you will not sell it? Do you know what such a pearl as you have described is worth?" he said, turning to Jack.
"I have no idea."
"Anything between three to seven thousand; it is worth the latter sum to a man who already possesses one."
CHAPTER EIGHTEENTH
ON HORSEBACK AGAIN
When the "Wild Cat" arrived in the bay the news of the sale of the pearls was at once told to Harry Marton, and he thought it a wonderful price to obtain for them. Barry Tuxford examined the shells and said they ought to bring about £150 a ton, if not more.