J. R. (John Robert) Hutchinson
The Quest of the Golden Pearl
"The Quest of the Golden Pearl" by J. R. Hutchinson is a fictional adventure novel written in the late 19th century. The story follows two young friends, Jack and Don, who find themselves embroiled in thrilling escapades involving pearl diving, a devious shark-charmer, and a quest for a precious golden pearl. As they navigate danger and friendship, their journey is set against the vibrant backdrop of Ceylon's pearl fishing grounds. The opening of the novel introduces Jack and Don aboard the schooner Wellington, anchored off the coast of Ceylon during the pearl fishing season. They are both intrigued by a commotion among local diving boats, which leads to the punishment of a shark-charmer named Salambo after he is accused of deceiving divers with false charms. The boys, alongside a jovial cook named Puggles, decide to explore the surrounding bazaar, inevitably leading to a fortuitous discovery of valuable pearls nestled within oyster shells. However, their excitement turns to alarm when they realize that the cunning shark-charmer may have stolen their treasures, prompting Jack and Don to embark on an adventurous quest to retrieve their stolen fortune and confront the villain, setting the stage for a tale of camaraderie, courage, and the unexpected twists of fortune.