"Too much," Barry whispered to Jack. "Not at all," he replied. "I shall be glad to get it at that price, less my share." Silas handed it over with sundry groans and protestations. "It'll be wasted, fairly wasted," he moaned. "You don't know where to plant it. I have a customer for it. He's got one black pearl and would give a small fortune for this. Let me have it, and I'll deal fairly with you." Barry handed it to Jack, saying-- "It is your property, will you let him have it?" "No," thundered Jack, "and as for it's being wasted, let me tell you, you old humbug, that it will adorn the fairest and best woman in England. My only regret is that you ever polluted it with your touch." Silas Filey glared at him angrily as he said-- "Hard words, master, I am only a pearl buyer, and it is my business to secure the best I can for my clients. I have done the pearl no harm, and my hands are as clean as most folks." Jack knew he had spoken hastily and soothed the old man's feelings by saying-- "If ever I want to part with it, Silas, you shall have first refusal." Silas nodded, but he knew it was a very remote probability. It took Barry some time to arrange affairs to his satisfaction, and eventually it was decided to float the Redland-Barry Mine in London, as he had had some experience in this line before. Harry Marton was to be left in sole charge at Perth, with a power of attorney to act, and the pearling was to continue as usual. The "Falcon" duly arrived at Fremantle, with Agnes Dixon on board, and her wedding with Harry Marton was celebrated, Jack acting as best man, Barry giving a great feast in honour of the occasion. It was generally acknowledged that Mrs. Harry Marton would be a decided acquisition to Perth society. Captain Seagrave was jubilant when he learned Jack Redland and Barry Tuxford were to be passengers on the homeward voyage. Jack had not informed Winifred of their intended departure for the old country, as he wished to give her a surprise. "The shock will be too much for her," said Barry, "you ought to warn her, it's not fair." The night before they were to sail, Jack sat on the verandah of Barry Tuxford's house thinking over all that had happened during the past few years. Fortune had indeed favoured him, and the words of the gypsy woman had come true. Very few men he knew had done so much, or met with such success in so short a time. His meeting with Harry Marton in London, appeared to him like a direct intervention of Providence in his favour, and then came Barry Tuxford, a crowning blessing upon his career. Jack Redland was grateful for all his good luck, and felt that he ought to be thankful all his life.