"We have lost a valuable black pearl, it has been stolen, and we want you to help us to get it back." "A black pearl?" said Silas, amazed. "Tell me all about it," he said, eagerly. "Mr. Redland will tell you, but first of all will you help us?" "Of course I will, and buy it from you." "It is not for sale," said Jack. Silas Filey's face fell, he would have given a good deal to secure such a prize. "Tell me all about it," he said, and Jack gave him a brief outline of the robbery and a description of the pearl. "Where do you think it is?" he asked. "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. "There will be a good division of profits," he said, "but come ashore with me, I have something else to tell you. By jove, I forgot all about it. There's a letter for you at my place from the old country." Jack's heart beat fast. It must be from Winifred, and he was anxious to hear the news. "How long have you had it?" he asked. "Some weeks; that is the reason I forgot it." Jack was annoyed; Winifred would think he had been a long time answering it, but he could explain it was not his fault. Harry Marton accompanied them ashore, and they went to Barry Tuxford's house at Perth. "The letter first," said Jack eagerly, and Barry smiled as he handed it to him. Jack recognised the handwriting; it was from Winifred. He left the room, as he wished to read it alone. Winifred wrote in good spirits, telling him all the news about her home, and how her father had won a couple of good races with Topsy Turvy.