Chapter 9 Summary

A week later, Mr. Salazar gathers the four remaining pearl dealers from La Paz. No one dealer is wealthy enough to buy the pearl, but the four combined can summon the necessary capital. They bring a satchel full of money to buy the great black pearl. The four pearl dealers negotiate with Mr. Salazar, who is adamant that he will not accept less than 20,000 pesos for the prize. The dealers demure, saying the pearl is more like a grapefruit than a gem and offering 10,000 pesos. Mr. Salazar persists.

Finally, after hours of haggling, the dealers offer 15,000 pesos. Mr. Salazar still refuses to accept less than 20,000 pesos. He sends Ramun to the church to bring back Father Gallardo. Ramun rouses Father Gallardo from his siesta and rushes him back to the house. There, Mr. Salazar presents the pearl as an offering to the Madonna...