"Sure thing," Max asserted.

"But think of the risk--" Steve began.

"Oh, we've got to hide 'em _somewhere_, you know," laughed Max; "and
they say lightning never strikes in the same place twice. Besides, you
forget that we expect to post a sentry, so that your eyes, or mine, or
those of Owen, Toby or Bandy-legs, will be on the bag all through the
night. I'll take the pearls now, please."

Steve somehow seemed a little loth about letting the lovely little gems
pass out of his possession.

As he handed them over, his chum plainly heard him give a sigh; and he
caught him repeating the words:

"In the haversack, and we've got to look out."

Then both of the boys set to work.

The remaining shellfish were soon opened, and although the young pearl
seekers searched eagerly, with hope tugging at their hearts, no new prize
rewarded their efforts.

"The queerest thing of all," remarked Steve, after he had mastered his
disappointment, "was in our finding the pair of beauties at the same time."

"Yes, and I believe my mussel was as thin and scrawny looking a fellow as
the one you complained of," laughed Max.