Chapter 2 Summary

Ramun's father is Blas Salazar, the most famous pearl dealer on the Vermillion Sea. When Ramun turned sixteen last summer, his father made him a full partner in the pearl business. There was a fiesta, and Salazar Senior unveiled a new sign that read, "Salazar and Son." Ramun quickly learned the grading and valuation of the pearls, but he longs to join the pearl divers on the sea.

Since Ramun was a child, his father has promised that when he turned sixteen he could join the pearl divers. Now, however, Mr. Salazar is reluctant to have both Salazar men on board the same boat, where a single shipwreck or storm could destroy the entire business. When one of the sailors is sick, Ramun convinces his father to let him come along on the pearl diving expedition as a tender, who will remain aboard...