xt to nothing by people who
believed that within a week they could be made millionaires by the
pearls they would find in Mississippi River mussels."

"But I thought pearls came from oysters!" exclaimed Colin in surprise.

"So they do, but they come from mussels, as well, and clams
occasionally. But you ought to remember," the Deputy Commissioner
continued, "that the finding of an occasional pearl in an oyster or a
mussel is of comparatively little importance, because it's an irregular
sort of thing. The mother-of-pearl industry, however, is of big
importance, it has an economic value to the country, and consequently
it's our business to see that the natural resources are as wisely used
as possible. We'll start a party out there on June fifteenth, so you can
report here by that time."

"But, sir----"

"Well?"

"That's three weeks away!"

"Is that too long to wait? I'm afraid you'll have to learn patience,
Colin; that's as important as any knowledge of fish culture."

"But I was wondering, Dr. Crafts," the boy urged, "if I had three weeks
to spend, why I couldn't go down to Beaufort?"

"What for?"

"One of my instructors in biology is there," Colin said. "I believe the
Bureau gave him table-room in the laboratory there for some work on
turtles, and he said I could help him if you were willing to have me
go. I didn't say anything about it, because I wanted to go to Woods Hole
right away, but if I have this time to spare, don't you think I ought to
use it?"

"I think you ought to use it for a holiday," the Deputy Commissioner
answered.

"But I'd rather be doing something!" protested Colin.

"Perhaps," was the firm reply; "but not necessarily at Beaufort. Aside
from the hatching of diamond-back terrapin, there's nothing going on
there in which you could be of any service. Besides, you'll get 'stale'
unless you have a vacation. 'All work and no play,' you know."

Colin was eager to urge the Deputy Commissioner, but he could see it
would be useless.

"I'd read up on turtles, too!" he returned in a disappointed tone.

"H'm--by your instructor you mean Mr. Lark, do you not?"

"Yes, sir."

"Look here, Colin," said the Deputy Commissioner, "since you have
practically joined the Bureau by our promise to accept you if you make
good, don't forget that we are after results first. I've been a boy
myself, and I think I can see what you're driving at. I suppose Lark
has been telling you some of his stories about ri