The Yale expositor., 1921-01-20

first."
He strobe on toward the bank. This
jew trotted along beside him. The
crowd followed.
The old banker invited them back
into his private Office and shut the
door. 1t was the first time the PEARL
hunter had ever been farther In a bank
than the lobby, and only once I'm his
life that far. The solid and substan-
tial luxury OF the place was a reve
lation TO him, even matter OF intense
curiosity. But the cumulative effect
Of II was TO give him courage. to make
him feel he was somebody.
II seemed to the Pearlhunter that
the banker was gone long time when
he went to bring the pearl from tho
safe. When he finally re-entered the
private office the owner OF the pearl
saw why. He had hunted up some
where about the bank a small box. a
tiny jewel case, covered with green
plush, and was carrying the pearl in
it-a little thing, but very graceful
and gracious. The act went 10 the
heart of the Pearlhunter and immense
ly increased his confidence and self
respect, which was probably the very
thing the wise old banker hoped IL
would do.
Louie Solomon knew fresh water
pearls. Probably there was no great
er expert living. His first glance at
the Blue Moon, when the lid of the
tiny plush case was raised, betrayed
him. Forgetful of the level eyes
watching his slightest move, studying
his every expression, lie pounced upon
the glorious jewel and caressed IL with
his hands, devOured IL with his pro-
truding eyes-the crafty trader lost
Jew in the man.
But IL was only for the moment. The
enthusiast vanished; in his place the
hard-faced trader. He Strengthened;
set the box, with the Id still up. on
the table that occupied the center Of
the Office floor. and looked around at
the others.
$500 he said, with slther of
his hand toward the pearl--a gesture
only Louie Solomon could make.
"Undt dot ISIS II for which de pearl
fishers should so crazy"
But even Louie Solomon couldn't
quite put over his accustomed bluff in
the face of such gem. 1t drew his
eyes back in spite OF him. Taking
lens from his pocket, he stopped over
il again.
"Ycu no see dot flaw?" he said, aft
er a short inspection.
The Pearlhunter took the lens AMI
looked with quick, studied care Some
times the most perfect pearl will de-
velOp flaw in ripening.
NO" he answered, handing back
the lens. Neither do you"
II was straight thrust. The kEyet
flushed and studied his man. Who
was this Pearlhunter, anyhow
"Vell. how much you want hf"
IL told you"
The Jew rldlculed the idea with his
hands.
IL fought you make me some fool
ishness. You dond't can meant itT'
you've got a good chance to find
out"
The Jew stopped again over the
pearl, rolled II about upon the plush
cushion inside the tiny jewel case, took
a small pair OF calipers from his vest
pocket and measured II, not only to
determine its size but its roundness as
well. The old banker looked across
the table aud winked at the Pearl
hunter-a very distinct and unmlstab
able wink. A dry grin puckered the
young mans eyes. It's not every pearl
fisher that gets winked at by q banker
Solomon looked up after Q while
and growled:
'T giff you tree t'ousan'."
The banker started. But the PeaFs-
hunter said:
IF II amt worth more than that, !
might as well go down to Mud Haul
and fish for bullheads."
Louie Solomon swore-a stiff little
run Of what the Fiatwoods calls keen
cussin'." His eyes stuck out; he
stormed back and forth across the
floor time or two. muttering to him
self In Yiddish, q language In which
he doubtless swore more comfortably
Ii was the squirrel whisky. Louis
knew better. too.
But the tempest was soon o-er. he
stopped at the corner OF the taNle. his
face smoothed serene as gafdea--
and like a garden. the better fof the
storm.
Louie, l many times say to mine
self, Louie. you got II too much blI
hearted to be a pearl buyer yet. To1
much soft-hearted you got 1t. Hard
hearted a pearl buyer should De. You
giff too high, undt you sell too low
Misses Solomon. she die In de poor"
house yet, hain'dt It'll 1 gifr you four
t'ousan'."
The Pearlhunter glanced across tha
table at the banker.
II reckon you might as well put II
back In the SAFE" he said. HE knows
my price, and he don't seem to want
to do business"
The banker picked up the little
plush case. snapped the lid down, and
started for the door. Taking the pearl