Aunt Jane's Nieces Out West
Jones and have no
desire to usurp his island kingdom or seize his pearls. Our only anxiety
is to free him from an unjust suspicion. A foolish man named Le Drieux
accuses Jones of stealing a choice collection of pearls from a lady in
Austria and fleeing with them to America. He has a photograph of the real
criminal, taken abroad, which curiously resembles your young master."
Here the captain turned a quick look upon the speaker and for the first
time his eyes lost their dull expression. But he made no remark and Uncle
John continued:
"This man Le Drieux found several choice pearls in the possession of Mr.
Jones, which he claims are a part of the stolen collection. Hence he
obtained your master's arrest. Jones says he brought the pearls from
Sangoa, his home, where they were found. No one here knows anything of
Sangoa, so they regard his story with suspicion. Now, sir, we believe
that through you we can prove he has told the truth, and so secure his
release. Here is the important question: Will you help us?"
"Willingly, sir," replied the captain.
"Are you forbidden to tell us where Sangoa is, or anything about
the island?"
"Yes, sir; I am forbidden to do that, under any circumstances," was the
ready answer.
"Have you been to Sangoa since you landed Mr. Jones in San Francisco,
some fifteen months ago?"
"Yes, sir."
"And did you bring back with you, on this trip, any pearls?"
"Yes, sir."
"Have you already disposed of them?"
"No, sir."
"Why not?"
"I am awaiting orders from my master."
"Has he been aboard since you anchored here?"
"No, sir."
"What were your instructions?"
"To anchor on this coast and await his coming."
"Well," said Mr. Merrick, reflectively, "I believe you can prove our case
without telling the location of Sangoa. An exhibition of the pearls you
have brought ought to convince any reasonable judge. Are there many of
them in this lot?"
"Not so many as usual, sir."
"Are they very choice ones?"
"Not so choice as usual, sir."
Uncle John was greatly disappointed, but Maud exclaimed eagerly:
"Let us see them, please!
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There was once an honest journeyman tailor, by name Labakan, who learned his trade with an excellent master in Alexandria. It could not be said that Labakan was unhandy with the needle; on the contrary, he could make excellent work: moreover, one would have done him injustice to have called him lazy. Nevertheless, his companions knew not what to make of him, for he would often sew for hours together so rapidly that the needle would glow in his hand, and the thread smoke, and that none could equal him.
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