an you are, Captain Funkal, and doubtless science will
find a simple, satisfactory, and normal explanation of the facts, the
existence of which we are both compelled to admit. I have heard of no
well authenticated instance in which the force, whatever it is, has been
fatal to Europeans. The superstitious natives, much as they dread the
Berbalangs, believe that they will not attack a person who wears a cocoa-
nut pearl. Why this should be so, if so it is, I cannot guess. But, as
it is always well to be on the safe side, I provided myself five years
ago with a collection of these objects, and when I heard that we were
ordered to Cagayan Sulu I distributed them among my crew. My friend, you
may observe, wears one of the pearls. I have several about my person.'
He disengaged a pin from his necktie, a muddy pearl set with burning
rubies. 'Perhaps, Captain Funkal, you will honour me by accepting this
specimen, and wearing it while we are in these latitudes? If it does no
good, it can do no harm. We, at least, have not been molested, though we
witnessed the phenomena.'

'Sir,' said the captain, 'I appreciate your kindness, and I value your
gift as a memorial of one of the most singular experiences in a seafaring
life. I drink your health and your friend's. Mr. Logan, to _you_.' The
captain pledged his guests.

'And now, gentlemen, what am I to do?'

'That, captain, is for your own consideration.'

'I'll carpet that lubber, Jenkins,' said the captain, and leaving the
cabin, he returned with the Fellow of All Souls. His shirt front was
ruffled, his white neckcloth awry, his pallid countenance betrayed a
sensitive second-rate mind, not at unity with itself. He nodded sullenly
to Logan: Bude he did not know.

'Professor Jenkins, Mr. Jones Harvey,' said the captain. 'Sit down, sir.
Take a drink; you seem to need one.' Jenkins drained the tumbler, and
sat with downcast eyes, his finger drumming nervously on the table.

'Professor Jenkins, sir, I reckon you are the cause of the unparalleled
disaster to this exploring expedition. Why did you bring these two
natives of our territory on board, you well and duly knowing that the end
would not justify the proceedings?' A furtive glance from Jenkins
lighted on the diamonds that sparkled in Logan's ring. He caught Logan's
hand.

'Traitor!' he cried. 'What will not scientific jealousy dare, that
meanest of the passions!'

'What the devil do you mean?' said Logan