A small compartment was disclosed, in which hung another key on an iron hook.

He removed this and with it unlocked the chest, drawing-from its recesses several trays which he deposited upon the table.

These trays were lined and padded with white velvet and when the covers were removed, the girls, who had crowded around the table, uttered cries of astonishment and delight.
"They may not be as numerous or as choice 'as usual,'" murmured Mrs.Montrose, "but they are the most amazing lot of pearls I have ever beheld." "And did all these come from Sangoa ?" Maud asked the captain.
"They represent two months' fishing on the coast of our island," he replied; "but not the best two months of the year.

The weather was bad; there were many storms." "Why, the pearls that Ajo gave us were insignificant when compared with these!" cried Beth.

"This collection must be worth an enormous sum.
Uncle John." Uncle John merely nodded.