Captain Nemo was obviously familiar with this bivalve's
existence. This wasn't the first time he'd paid it a visit, and I
thought his sole reason for leading us to this locality was to show
us a natural curiosity. I was mistaken. Captain Nemo had an
explicit personal interest in checking on the current condition of
this giant clam.
The mollusk's two valves were partly open. The captain
approached and stuck his dagger vertically between the shells to
discourage any ideas about closing; then with his hands he raised
the fringed, membrane–filled tunic that made up the animal's
mantle.
There, between its leaflike folds, I saw a loose pearl as big as
a coconut. Its globular shape, perfect clarity, and wonderful
orient made it a jewel of incalculable value. Carried away by
curiosit
