CHAPTER 2- THE PEARL IS DISCOVERED

The brush huts of the fishing people were built near the beach.There were canoes in front of the huts.The canoes were inherited from their forefathers.

Kino too had a canoe.It was very old.It was the most valuable thing he ever owned.It belonged to his grandfather and father.Every year Kino would plaster his canoe to make the outside strong and safe.

Juana took Coyotito to the canoe. Coyotito was quiet but his face was red and hot. Juana laid Coyotito on a blanket in the canoe.

Juana collected some brown seaweed and applied it on Coyotitos shoulder. It was a traditional cure. Juana prayed that Kino might find a pearl.

The canoe moved quickly in the water. Kino stopped his canoe above the oyster beds. The oysters here could contain a valuable pearl.

Kino prepared himself for the dive.He tied a rope to a heavy rock and a basket. He jumped into the water, holding the rock in one hand and the basket in the other.

Kino filled his basket with oysters from the bottom of the sea. Kino was holding his breath. The Song of the Pearl that might be was ringing in his ears. It was not easy to find a pearl.

Juana was praying hard for a large pearl.

As Kino was looking for the oysters, he saw a very large oyster with its shell partly open.Kino saw something shining before the oyster closed.He pulled the oyster loose and returned to the surface.

Kino climbed into the canoe. He was very excited.Juana was also excited but she pretended not to notice the large oyster.Kino opened a small oyster first.

Kino was afraid to open the big oyster for he might be disappointed.Juana urged Kino to open it.

Kino pushed the shell open with his knife.He lifted the flesh and there lay a great pearl.It was the largest pearl in the world.

Kino could see his dreams forming. Juana looked at Coyotito and saw that the poison was going out of his body.Kino was very relieved.She called out to Kino and told him about it.

Kino closed his hand on the pearl and screamed loudly towards the sky.All the other men in the other canoes were startled.They quickly paddled towards Kinos canoe.