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64 a second their eyes met. It gave him a curious sense of satisfaction to see that the suggestion did not appear to meet with her disapproval.

"I don't know the first thing about plantations," he said, "but I'd like to have a shot at it."

"That's bully," Chester chuckled. "Now, little lady, will that make you feel easier?"

"Providing you don't drown yourself, or get shot, or anything else foolish, Chester," the girl replied.

"The first thing I must do," her brother continued, "is to go off in the ketch for some more divers. I only have one left, thanks to Moniz, and I'm none too sure how dependable he is. I ought to be able to pick up two or three men at Borenda who will suit my purpose."

"How long are you likely to be away?" Keith asked.

"Not more than forty-eight hours if the weather holds good. I must go to-night before the moon comes up. It will be a day or two before that Portuguese blackguard tries any of his tricks on us again, and he'll never know I have gone, anyway."

"By the way," said Joan, "I don't think if I were you I would carry those pearls in my pocket on this trip, Chester. It isn't safe."

"What would you have me do with them? I can't very well deposit them in the strong room of