"Here's Barry," said Jacob, as he saw a boat shoot out and make for the schooner. "I'll keep out of the way a bit and give him a surprise later on. Don't let on you have me on board, boys." "We'll keep it dark as long as we can," replied Phil, smiling. "But if Barry asks questions about you he'll soon smell a rat." There were hearty greetings when Barry Tuxford stepped on board the "Heron." "Your friends at home would hardly recognise you," he said to Jack, who was as brown as a berry, "but you look in splendid condition, and pearling evidently agrees with you. Where's your pal? In the 'Wild Cat?'" "Yes," replied Jack, "and she'll be in the bay to-night, I expect, she is never far behind." "What sort of a trip have you had?" he asked. "I think you'll be quite satisfied," said Jack. "We have some very good pearls on board, and many tons of valuable shell." "It's the best pearl fishery I ever was on," said Phil, "and next time, with more divers, it will turn out a big thing." He then proceeded to give Barry a brief account of the trip and of the result. "Then Jacob Rank was right, after all, and those scoundrels were wrong. Did you see any signs of him?" "Of Jacob?" asked Phil. "Yes; the crew said he was drowned, but I did not believe the story." "And you were right," said a voice behind him, and turning round, he saw Jacob alive and well. Barry Tuxford shook him heartily by the hand and said-- "I thought you would pull through somehow, and I am very glad to see you." "Are any of my crew ashore here?" asked Jacob. Barry laughed as he replied-- "You may find one or two, but if they get wind you are on board the 'Heron' they will clear out quick, you may be sure of that." "Let me lay hands on them, and they'll wish they had never been born," said Jacob. Barry Tuxford went into Jack's cabin and inspected the pearls. He was delighted with them and said-- "There will be a good division of profits out of this lot. Good pearls are scarce and dear, and Silas Filey is on the look out for some." "Silas is always knocking around when there is a chance of a deal," said Jacob. "It takes a clever man to bargain with him, but I think you are equal to it. What do you think our pearls are worth?" "I cannot say off hand, but some hundreds of pounds, and then there is the shell. I shall equip another lot of schooners as soon as possible, and send you out again," said Barry. "I am willing to go," said Jacob, "and I can speak for Phil and Hake Moss. I don't know whether the 'new chums' will tackle the job again." "I want Mr. Redland ashore if he will stay," said Barry. "I have something more in his line than pearling." "I enjoyed the trip," said Jack, "but I shall be glad to stay with you for a time. Have you discovered a champion amongst your horses?" he asked smiling. "I think you will find one or two worth riding," said Barry. "At any rate, you can try them, and give me the benefit of your opinion."