"There is not much to be gained by that," said Joel, "unless one is put in to make the running for the other. In any case, I would like to let Abe Moss down, he deserves it." "No favourite of yours, eh?" asked Barry. "No, he's about as big a rogue as we have on the turf. He bribes our young lads and ruins half of them, he's not fit to mix in honest men's society." "In that case I have no objection to falling in with any plan you may suggest for keeping him in the dark, but we must play no games with the public." Joel Kenley laughed as he replied-- "The public are apt to jump too quickly to conclusions, which are very often wrong and unjust, and when you commence to look after their affairs you take on a thankless task." "Nevertheless, there must be no suspicion about any of our transactions," said Barry. After a long conversation it was decided to enter both Lucky Boy and Black Boy for the Sydney Cup, and to run them both in two or three races before that date. "The Cup takes a tremendous lot of winning," said the trainer, "and I tell you candidly I do not think either of your horses good enough for it at present. They will improve, no doubt, at least I hope so, and probably Lucky Boy will be the better of the pair." "What do you think of that?" said Barry, laughing. "Time will tell," replied Jack. "I have a presentiment Black Boy will win the Cup outright." "You are sanguine," said the trainer, smiling. "I am, and if he wins I believe I shall also secure the black pearl," said Jack. "You are more likely to secure the pearl than the Cup," said Barry. It was not long after this that Barry Tuxford received a letter from Silas Filey telling him that the black pearl was safe in his keeping, that it was a beauty, one of the best he had ever seen, and he wished he owned it. He requested him to put a price upon it, or allow him to make an offer for it. He made no mention of Amos Hooker's death, as he was not aware of it. There were sundry private matters touched upon, but the gist of the whole letter was an endeavour to obtain the black pearl at a fair price. Barry handed the letter to Jack, who was overwhelmed with delight at its recovery, and was for sending at once to Silas to forward it to Sydney, so that he could send it to Winifred without delay. Barry laughed at his impetuosity, and replied that the pearl was far too valuable to pass through the post, and that he must possess his soul in patience until they returned to Fremantle. "The best plan will be to let Silas value it, and then you can pay over the balance after deducting your share. He will put a fair marketable price upon it, that I will impress upon him." "But will it be safe in his hands, he seems to covet it?" said Jack. "You say he is an old thief. I dare not trust him." "He will not play me false for many reasons," replied Barry, "and you may rest satisfied the pearl is quite safe." "I shall not be content until I handle it again," said Jack.