Just as the rest began to leave the vicinity of the fire they heard him
give a shout.

"Say, looky there at Steve--he's dancing around like a wild Injun!" cried
Bandy-legs.

"B-b-bet you he's f-f-found a jim-dandy p-p-pearl," spluttered Toby.

All of them hastened over to where their comrade was carrying on so
extravagantly.

"What you got, Steve?" demanded Bandy-legs.

"The best one yet, sure as you're born," and with these thrilling words
Steve opened his palm.

It was certainly a larger pearl than any they had yet found, and presented
a more imposing appearance.

All of them crowded around to admire, and many were the pleased expressions
which the young pearl hunters gave vent to.

"Couldn't hardly believe my eyes when I saw that beauty lying in the
shell," remarked the excited Steve; "and the funniest part of it all is I
picked up that shell myself."

"How d'ye know that?" asked Owen. "There were two others along, perhaps
you remember."