The "Heron" was a faster sailer than the "Wild Cat," and soon left her far behind; as they were both bound for Fremantle this did not matter. The "Heron" was to put in at Shark's Bay, to land the two divers¹, and this would give the other schooner² time to get on terms with her.  
Kylis had had no opportunity of attempting to steal any of the pearls so far, and they were nearing Shark's Bay. If he was to succeed there was no time to be lost. The black pearl was his object, but the difficulties to be overcome in endeavouring to secure it were almost unsurmountable. Jack³ Redland always carried it with him, and slept with his belt on; he was, moreover, a match for such a man as Kylis, being strong and active. In his cabin the whole of the pearls were kept securely locked up, and as Kylis had no excuse for being in that part of the schooner suspicion would at once be aroused if he was seen there.
 
Now that the chief part of their work was over there was a certain amount of laxity and freedom on board. The crew were allowed more liberty, although Phil Danks took care the schooner should be thoroughly⁵ looked after. Jacob Rank was on board, and this relieved Phil from some responsibility, as he was as good a sailor as himself. Jacob often took charge while Phil rested, and this arrangement suited both, as the former did not care to be always idle.
 
In consequence of this free and easy style of managing the "Heron," Kylis and Miah had very little difficulty in roaming about where they liked, although if they ventured near Jack Redland's cabin, and Jacob caught sight of them, they had to beat a speedy retreat.
 
Kylis knew the coast well, and saw they would be in Shark's Bay with a fair wind in another four-and-twenty hours. He became desperate, and without telling Miah of his purpose, determined⁶ to try and get the black pearl that night.
 
He was a swimmer of great endurance, and could remain in the water for hours, covering long distances. He knew that about midnight, or shortly after, the "Heron" would pass a spot called Swan Point, and that she would not be more than four or five miles distant from it. Swan Point was a peculiar⁷ shaped rock, standing⁸ in solitary⁹ grandeur¹⁰, about two miles from the shore, with a deep channel between. Sometimes vessels¹¹ passed through the channel, but only in daylight. Kylis thought out his plan cleverly. If successful in his attempt, he could slip overboard, swim to Swan Point, remain there and rest, and then swim to the shore. There were sharks about, but he had his knife, and had come off best in a tussle¹² with one of these monsters. If he failed he could still jump overboard, and escape.
 
Jacob Rank was somewhat hilarious¹³ that night, having prevailed upon Phil to let him have a bottle of liquor, some of which he shared with one or two of the crew, who were as lively as himself. A hand at cards being suggested, Phil joined in "just to keep order," he said, and added, "but I do not think it fair to win your money under such circumstances."
 
"You are welcome to all you can get out of me," said Jacob, "and a game of euchre is what I want. If you win so much the better for you, but I mean to have my game whether you join in or not."
 
Jack Redland left them to it, and turned in. Euchre was a game he knew very little about, although he had taken a hand on board the "Golden Land" once or twice.
 
"You fellows look like making a night of it," he said. "As we shall be in Shark's Bay to-morrow I think I had better have a camp, I mean to go ashore¹⁴."
 
"All serene," shouted Jacob. "Remember me in your dreams, and don't try and swallow that black pearl in mistake for a pill."
 
Kylis watched Jack go to his cabin and then, leaving Miah, strolled towards the players. Miah watched him, feeling glad he had gone alone, for he knew there was some devilry afoot.
 
Jacob being in a good humour—he held a fine euchre hand, looked up and saw Kylis standing near.
 
"Come here, you black thief, and I'll show you how to play euchre," roared Jacob.
 
"He probably knows how to handle the cards as well as any of us," laughed Phil. "Can you play euchre, Kylis?"
 
The black grinned, and said he had often played with Amos Hooker and others at Shark's Bay.
 
"I told you," said Phil. "Let him play your hand, Jacob."
 
"I'm dashed if I do, it's too good for a nigger to handle."
 
"Joker, right and left bower¹⁵, eh?" asked Phil smiling.
 
"Not quite so good as that, skipper, but it's tarnation near it."
 
"Then go ahead, you go alone, I suppose?"
 
They were playing partners, Phil with one sailor, Jacob with another.
 
"Yes, I'm going alone," said Jacob, and his partner put down his cards.
 
Jacob played the joker, and trumps¹⁶ went round, then he played the right bower, the knave¹⁷ of diamonds, and the left bower, the knave of hearts fell on it from Phil. Jacob gave a whoop¹⁸ as he said—
 
"You can't beat me now, I have the lot," and he threw down the ace¹⁹, king and queen of diamonds.
 
"Whew! What a hand," said Phil. "How did you manage it, Jacob?"
 
"Dry up, no chaff²⁰, you dealt," he said.
 
"And turned it down, worse luck. I might have got through, as yours were all reds."
 
"Very good hand," said Kylis.
 
"Oh, oh, my black bird, you think so, do you?" laughed Jacob. "I don't often treat a nigger, but after that hand you shall have a tot, here you are."
 
He handed the glass to the black, Phil grunting²¹ his disapproval²², and remarking that it was throwing good stuff away.
 
Kylis saw they were fixed²³ up for a long sitting, and this favoured his plans. He watched the game for some time and then sneaked²⁴ away unobserved. In case anyone chanced to see him he went in the opposite di............