"And who gave you such valuable information?" asked Jacob. "Never mind where I got it from, it's true." "Much you know about it. If I owned this blessed schooner, or happened to be skipper of her, I'd take precious good care to keep her decks clear of such men as you," growled Jacob. "I have done you no harm, my friend," said Silas. "And I'll take jolly good care you never have the chance," was the reply. "Pearl dealers are frauds, I'd have nothing to do with you if I was Mr. Tuxford." "But you are not Mr. Tuxford, my dear Jacob," said Silas. "If you were, you would have made a fortune long ago, with the chances you have had." "You two are always at it," said Barry. "Come and see the pearls, Silas." "Keep your eyes on him, and don't let him handle them," was Jacob's parting shot. "I'm sorry for him," said Silas, "Jacob is a good fellow, but he's a fool." They went to Jack's cabin, and he unlocked the box and took out the various drawers containing the different sized pearls. When Silas saw the collection, his eyes fastened on them eagerly and Barry Tuxford, who was watching him closely, thought he would be able to sell well. There were pearls of all shapes, egg-shaped, oval, pear shaped, curiously twisted pearls, and pearls of many sizes. In one box, Silas saw about forty or fifty perfect pearls, free from all excrescences, with perfectly smooth surfaces, and possessing a brilliant even lustre. He knew they were valuable, the more so because they were of even size, shape, and weight, and were just what he required. Jack handed him the box, and he examined each pearl carefully; there was no flaw in them, they were as perfect as any he had ever seen. He looked at the other boxes and recognised that the bay Jacob Rank had discovered must be uncommonly rich in shells, he wished he knew where it was, but there was not much chance of finding out. Barry and Jack waited for him to speak, but Silas Filey was a man of few words when he meant business. He was calculating his chances, summing up the value of the pearls, how much he could obtain for them, what he was prepared to give, and how much profit he could make; he was also surmising the amount Barry Tuxford would be willing to accept, and on that basis was prepared to make a reasonable offer which would give him scope to increase the price. Jack replaced the pearls in the case, and was about to lock them up when Silas said,-- "Don't put them away yet, Mr. Redland." "I thought you were not over pleased with them," replied Jack, quietly, and Barry smiled. "They are not a bad lot at all, for a first trip in a new ground they are excellent, and give promise of better things." "Do you wish to make a bid for them?" asked Barry, coming to the point. "How much do you want?" "For the lot?" "For the best lot." "I shall not sell them separately, the buyer will have to clear us out, seed pearls and all." Silas shook his head as he replied,-- "A lot of them are no good to me."