Chapter 6 Summary

The fourth morning, Ramun paddles to the hidden cave, although he has trouble locating it in the mist. The night before, Ramun asks Luzon why he does not hunt for pearls in the cave. Clearly uncomfortable, the old man finally replies, "I cannot go to the cave to search for pearls. I cannot go because I fear the Manta Diablo. If you go there, then it is alone. El Diablo cannot blame me."

When the mist finally parts, Ramun descends into the cave. The oysters there are by far the largest Ramun has ever seen. He selects a shell that is half as long as his arm and laboriously pries it off the reef. After several dives, the oyster is free, although it is too heavy for Ramun to lift into the boat. He ties it to the stern and paddles the boat...