Chapter 16 Summary

At sunrise, the island is far behind Ramun and the Sevillano. The Manta Diablo does not appear until the mist has cleared. The giant manta leaps into the air behind the boat, scattering water and foam around the two men. The Sevillano wedges the pearl between the water jug and the edge of the boat. He is determined to kill the manta, claiming that he has killed nine giant mantas in the past. As the creature sails past around noon, Ramun is certain the Manta Diablo is demanding the return of the black pearl. The manta swims just out of range of Ruiz's harpoon. Ramun plots how he can reach the pearl and throw it into the sea before Ruiz stops him.

In a voice tinged with wonder, Ruiz explains that he understands Ramun's actions now. The boy stole the pearl from the...