The Black Pearl

Scott ODell

The Black Pearl is a story of Ramn Salazar who was sixteen years old, he
lived with his family in Baja California. Ramon's father called Blas Salazar, was
the most famous pearl dealer in the region. Gaspar Ruiz, known as the
"Sevillano," was the best diver for his great achievements.
Ramon's dream was find a big pearl for being respected by the Sevillano. To
achieve this goal Ramon convinced Soto Luzon to learn about diving in order to
look for pearls in his lagoon. Soto Luzon, was a superstitious Indian, who sold
pearls to his father.
According to Indian legend a devil called The Manta Diablo was incarnated as
a giant manta ray that guarded a cave in the lagoon. But it didn't matter
because Ramon continued practicing his diving in the lagoon, however, on the
fourth day his dream came true. He found the great pearl.

Ramn offered to share his fortune with the Indian, Soto Luzon refused and said
that the pearl belongs to the Manta Diablo. He warned Ramon that this will bring
misfortune. Ramn's father decided to give the pearl to one of the church workers
because he hoped that the gesture will insure protection for his fleet. On his next
trip to sea, the fleet was destroyed during a storm. Blas Salazar and all of his men
were drowned; the only survivor was the Sevillano.

When Ramon knew the tragedy, he realized that the Indian was right and he
decided to return the pearl to the Manta Diablo. He believed that the Manta
Diablo was taking revenge for the loss of the pearl. He took the pearl from the
church and he went to the lagoon by boat. The Sevillano went after Ramon
because he wanted to keep the Pearl. The Manta Diablo appeared in the water
and surrounded the boat. The Sevillano attacked the creature with a knife, and
he was taken down by the manta. Ramon gave back the pearl and finally came
back to his town.

END