"Sure he will," echoed Bandy-legs, grimly. "We want that pearl back, don't
we, boys?"

"And we're going to have it, too," observed another of the group, in a
positive way.

Max had that queer feeling pass over him again; for it was Steve who made
this half-angry remark.

What could it mean?

He had always believed Steve to be as honest as the day was long, his only
faults being a hasty temper, and a desire to do things without sufficient
preparation.

But that the boy would deliberately _steal_, simply because he
happened to be fascinated by the beauty of the pearl, seemed beyond belief.

No wonder, then, that the bewildered Max sighed, and rubbed his eyes with
his knuckles, as though hardly knowing whether he were awake or asleep.

As nothing more could be done, the five boys adjourned to the camp, where
Owen quickly completed his preparations for lunch. They had decided to
have the heavy meal, called dinner, in the evening, so that the work of
the day might not be interfered with.

When those who had been off hunting shellfish had returned, tired with
their labors, it would be nice to gather around, and take their time in
enjoying the bountiful meal that had been prepared by the cook appointed
for that day.