The Black Pearl

Five days later, Father Gallardo throws a large celebration, inviting people far and wide to come view the black pearl. The pearl now sits in the outstretched hands of the Madonna inside the church. During the celebration, the statue is brought down to the beach to bless the Salazar fleet.

After the Madonna is returned to the church, Ramón prays at her feet. As he leaves, the Sevillano approaches him and begins to brag that the pearl he found in Persia was larger. Ramón has changed, however, and does not get irritated with the other man like he once would have. The Sevillano attempts to get Ramón to tell him where he found the pearl to no avail. Soto Luzon then arrives and warns Ramón once more that the pearl belongs to Manta Diablo and not to the Madonna or the church. Blas is quick to write off Luzon, insisting that they will go to the lagoon to find more great pearls.

The fleet sails to Isla Cerralvo that morning, but a vicious storm hits La Paz that night. Ramón and his mother worry for the fleet.