Chapter 111 - : Black Sail XVI (1/2)

Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation

“The names of all the appraisers in Na.s.sau are on the list you asked for.”

Marvin presented a piece of paper. “Two of them are on vacation, and one has been in the trade center since morning. So, these two are the ones you should focus on,” said Marvin as he pointed at two circled names on the list.

“Thank you. You’ve done pretty good this time.”

Zhang Heng’s compliment had put a smile on Marvin’s face.

Since time was of the essence, Zhang Heng needed external help. Apart from Marvin, two pirates he had saved also volunteered to help, and before long, all four gathered in front of the tavern.

With a hushed voice, Zhang Heng pulled everyone together.

“Well, so this is the plan. That Jacob guy will definitely find ways to determine how much the bag of pearls can fetch before he charges the buyers. To do that, he will need to find an appraiser…”

“Wait, you said that the pearls have been lost since morning. What if he’s already found someone to appraise them?” asked Marvin while raising his hand.

“The appraisers on the island are very busy. He would need to make an appointment at least half a day in advance. Of course, if you’re willing to pay more and offer them a price they can’t refuse, they would even blow you on the spot. But trust me, someone who has been poor their whole life, getting by on theft, won’t be able to afford such a large sum of money,” one of the pirates named Hilford explained.

Being a descendent of the first wave of immigrants, and spent his entire youth in Na.s.sau, he was very familiar with the place.

“If that’s the case, then anyone on the list could be the one. But there’s only four of us. There’s simply not enough of us to keep an eye on every one of them.”

“Forget about the others. We just need to focus on the two appraisers who are having a holiday at home,” replied Zhang Heng after mulling over the facts.

“If that guy has any brains on him, he probably knows that someone might try to trace him through the appraisers. The best option is not to meet the appraisers at a rendezvous point but to pay them a visit. Even appraisers on holiday would find it difficult to refuse money that delivers itself to their doorstep.”

“I think this idea will work,” another pirate piped up.

Seeing that no were no objections, the four split up into two pairs, each going their way to the residences of the two appraisers.

Zhang Heng paired up with Marvin, and their target was a twenty-nine-year-old named guy called Randall. He was young for an appraiser but had managed to build quite a reputation for himself, being excellent at accurately determining the value of all sorts of things. Each day, there was always an appointment after appointment. That said, he made sure to spare a day each week for his family. He lived right next to the Na.s.sau market, one of the most prosperous areas in the city.

Zhang Heng and Marvin squatted under a shed with a gra.s.s roof opposite his residence, casually laying down conches and pretended to sell them. Marvin peeked out from the shed. He looked at the sun in the sky and tugged on Zhang Heng’s s.h.i.+rt. Whispering in a cautious voice, he said, “Err, if a fight breaks out later…”

“Don’t worry, if that happens, I will take care of it. You can stay away and watch by the side.”

Marvin looked embarra.s.sed. “I was just about to ask how I might be of a.s.sistance…”