"Never mind about that, we will take our chance. What I wish to know is, will you stand by us and persuade your mates to be peaceable?" "It's more than I can do without some recompense." "I'll see to that, or rather these gentlemen will, and you can depend upon it you will be gainers and not losers," said Danks. "Who told you about the 'Mary Hatchett'?" asked Amos, who had helped himself to liquor freely. "That is of no importance, but I know the whole story, and it is lucky for you that you are at Shark's Bay and not at Fremantle; they would never think of looking for you here." "And you will keep it dark?" asked Amos. "Certainly, if you do as we wish, and keep your mates quiet." "And what about the money?" said Amos, with a leer. "You shall have ten pounds for yourself if it comes off," said Phil Danks. "That's not much." "It is plenty, and you are not entitled to any. You can easily concoct some yarn to please the others." "Very well, I'll see about it, but I'm going to make a night of it here, I don't often get the chance. I suppose you have no objections?" "None at all," said Jack, as Amos appealed to him. "You are quite welcome to anything we have on board." CHAPTER TENTH _THE TWO BLACK DIVERS_ Amos Hooker went ashore taking with him several bottles of spirits with which to propitiate the pearl fishers. The men were down on the beach to meet him, and the sight of the bottles put them in a good humour; it was not long before they emptied two or three, and then commenced to talk freely. "Spent a jolly night on board, Amos?" asked one man. "Yes, they are real good fellows, two new chums, and you can take my word for it they'll do us no harm with their fishing." "We made up our minds last night there's to be no pearling here, or there'll be a row." "Tom Case, you are a fool," replied Amos. "Let 'em try their luck, and it's long odds they find nothing. While they are messing about here we shall have a plentiful supply of liquor, food stuff, and tobacco from the schooners. They are well provisioned, and that will be a change, you'll allow." "There's sense in that," said one of the men, "and as Amos says, it's long odds they pick up nothing. I say, leave 'em alone; what's your opinion, mates?" "If we give them a free hand it will mean that others will come and expect the same treatment," said Case. "I vote we stop their little game as soon as they commence." Tom Case was jealous of the position held by Amos Hooker, and this was his reason for holding out. He saw, however, that the prospect of fresh supplies was too great a temptation for them, and finally it was decided to permit the newcomers to try their luck without any interference. This news Amos Hooker conveyed to the "Heron," and Jack handed him over ten pounds as a reward. "We require some more divers," said Jack, "can you procure them for us?" "How many do you want?" "Six or seven; we have some of our own on board."