Chapter 8 Summary

When Ramun and his father return home that evening, it is like a parade. News of the giant pearl has spread throughout the town, and they are followed by fishermen, divers, merchants, women and children, and even the priest, Father Gallardo. Because pearl diving is the town's major industry, everyone shares in rejoicing when a great pearl is discovered.

In the Salazars' small home workshop, Mr. Salazar measures the pearl and confirms its weight. He agrees that it is perfectly round. The pearl, however, has a flaw. Ramun has already seen the flaw but hoped his father would not notice it. Mr. Salazar suggests trying to cut the flaw out. Ramun tells his father, "If you cut the pearl, you may find that the flaw goes deep." Mr. Salazar argues that if they leave the flaw, despite the pearl's beautiful color and huge...