"He knows all about it," thought Amos, and then, with a sudden fear, he muttered-- "He may be the man with the warrant. No, that's not likely, he'd remain on board. A hundred pounds for a pearl worth thousands, it's shameful." He gave no thought to the manner in which it came into his possession, he grudged parting with it for such a paltry sum. It was, however, the best thing to do, in fact the only way. He would clear eighty pounds, which was better than nothing, and at the same time secure a powerful friend in Silas Filey, who might be very useful at another time if he chose. There was no help for it, no way out of the trap Silas had laid for him. That old affair of the "Mary Hatchett," if stirred up, would prove very bad for him, it might mean a halter round his neck, and there was a man on the "Swan" empowered to take him into custody. He took the black pearl from its hiding place, and handled it fondly. What cursed luck it was to have to part with it in this way. No doubt Silas had been set on by Barry Tuxford to get the pearl back, it was a smart move on his part. He walked slowly back, and when he reached the boat, called the man on one side. "You are to hand over a hundred pounds to me." "In exchange for a black pearl, which has been described to me, and which I must see." "Here it is." The man examined it carefully, and was apparently satisfied with his scrutiny. "Here is the money," he said, giving Amos a small, heavy bag. "You can count it if you like, but it is quite correct." "It's a barefaced robbery, I have been forced into it," said Amos, in a rage. The man laughed, as he replied-- "The robbery is on the wrong side this time, you are the victim." Amos Hooker showered curses upon him as the boat put off for the schooner, with the precious pearl in the man's keeping. Kylis came down to him, and Amos said-- "I have sold the pearl, here is the money," and he jangled the bag. "How much?" "One hundred pounds." "You are a fool," said the black, savagely. "It is worth many hundreds." "Which I could not get." "We must have our share." "Not a fraction," said Amos. Contrary to his expectation the black walked away, and the evil look in his eyes caused Amos some uneasiness. He shook off the feeling, and went to his tent, which was at the furthest end of the camp, away from that of the blacks. He counted the gold, it was correct, one hundred pounds, neither more nor less. Hiding it under his bed he lay down to rest, intending to be up early in the morning and secure a safe place for it. Kylis returned to his tent in a sullen mood, and Miah knew he was best left alone.