Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1931-10-18

- ENOR MORALES, the Mexican, had
spoken of the black pearl first.
You've seen it?" Ben Hatch, the
cameraman. whipped out. His thin
face a1ame with the Unsuitable
curiosity Of his type.
The Mexican nodded. But I cannot de-
scribe it-that lovely notori>u PEARL" he went
on in his sonorous tones to the group assembled
in the waist of the Bella d. The luster of
it! The rich backness of it, There is some
thing Of human wickedness in its sleek heart.
THE Indians got it out Of their pearling
waters in the Gulf After that-the Spaniards,
and its trail of blood and crime was begun.
Presently, it reached Europe and finally the
tides of revolution swept it into the channels
of commerce And by this time its history
was black its lustrcus skin. All, that
pearl, Seniors! 1t could tell you tale. Well
it crossed the Atlantic again and by the irony
Of chance appeared in the Mexican pearling
port of La Paz, not 80 miles from the place
of its birth. An extraordinary pearl that,
Senors!"
I'D give a months pay for squirt of it,"
Ben Hatch exclaimed with quick interest.
Morales idly flicked the gray ash OF his
cigarette to the breeze. He was one OF those
dark, enigmatical men who voyage the ocean
of life seemingly without occupation. destina-
ticn, place Of departure curious look
crept into Senior Morales unreadable, dark
lyglowing eyes.
Your wish may be granted" he murmured
to Hatch 1T rumored in La Paz that
the pearl mao Deen SOlQ 10 William OeHiHlAlA
Of the Gemmill Line, and that Capt. McVee
of our ship is to deliver it to his owners in
San Francisco. Here he comes now. Ask
him"
A murmur Of surprise greeted this.
latch waved his inevitable cigarette at the
gaunt- figured master approaching them.
Hello Cap! Morales here tolls you've got
the wicked pearl of La Paz aboard"
The haggard expression of the captains
shaggy face silenced him.
1.-The black pearl that Morales speaks OF
was taken DOT O. my safe last night" he an
nounced in his Scotch burr
CONSERVATION fell upon the group. There
was silence for a moment.
"You mean-stolen!' Creelman one OF the
men, exclaimed.
McVee took out a ring Of keys attached by
a chain to the wiistband Of his trousers One
of the keys. an old type, massivey and cum
ningly fashioned he held toward his audience.
That's the key!" he said harShly. Its one
o. them old-type lock safes-guid enough for
the Bella D." A touch of bitterness f1ecked the
speech. "They must ha' took the ring on
the chain while l was Sleepin, then put 1t
back again. Easy enough lie like log!'
silence ensued in which every man evaded
his neighbor'S eyes as if he feared to see guilt
therein. Morales gaze swept the length and
breadth of the Bella D, most diSreputable car
her sun-warped woodwork, her rusted metals,
those minor indications Of decay common to
ships and men, and returning, rested upon
McVee agein
The master appeared to be one Of these IN
nexble men who follow q treadmill existence
UNMARRIED by relaxation enjoyed or desired with
a rigid faithfulness and a mercilesS honesty
that excite regret rather than admiration. One
thought of him as being without emotion. color.
Or desire for those small adventures which give
Best to life.
Ben Hatch mechanically lit q cigarette on the
stub of his last. I'VE are mighty sorry, Cap!
he sympathized What do you figure on
doing?"
what do figure on doingP" flashed Nc
Wee and his eyes glinted like bits OF steel.
I'm going to comb the Bella D fra keel to
masthaid And with your permission" his
tone implied with or without tim going to
search every mon, every cabin, every scrap o
baggage aboard her. hate to do 1t but III
have to ask ye to put up with 1t. That pearl
is worth $50 900, If it's worth penny and, It's
got to be found before we make Frisco, or It'll
be the end of Alex McVee."
THAT'S pretty strong isn't tt?" objected
Ereelman. He was o large gross man With
kneaty countenance, given to immense black
cigars and patronizing manner.
AYE, 1t Isl But cana help 1t! The old
Bella DIS tramp, not passenger, and Gamma
stand on ceremony. And what's more, I'm going
20 ask two Of re to search my cabin and Mr.
Dillons, the mates" McVee's tone put the
matter hevond dispute. -