Kino, Juana and their little son Coyotito live in a modest brush house by the sea. One morning, calamity befalls their house when Coyotito is bitten by a Scorpio. Hoping to protect their son, Kino and Juana take him to the town's medical clinic. However, when they arrive at the door, they are turned away because they are poor natives and do not pay. Later that morning, Kino and Juana take their family in a canoe to the estuary to dive for pearls. Juana makes a poultice for Coyotito's wound while Kino searches the seabed. Juana's prayers for a big pearl are answered when Kino surfaces with the biggest pearl they have ever seen. Kino lets out a triumphant cry at his good fortune, prompting the surrounding boats to circle around and examine the treasure. In the afternoon, the whole neighborhood gathers at the Kino bush to celebrate his find. Kino makes a list of things he will provide for his family with his new wealth, including a church wedding and an education for his son. The neighbors marvel at Kino's audacity, wondering whether he is wise or foolish to have such ambitions. Towards evening, the local priest visits Kino, to bless him on his new fortune and remind him of his place within the church. Soon after, the doctor arrives, explaining that he had been out in the morning but came now to treat Coyotito. He gives him a powdered capsule and promises to come back in an hour. During this period, Coyotito becomes seriously ill and Kino decides to bury the pearl under the ground, in a corner of the bush. After the doctor returns, he gives Coyotito a potion to calm the baby's spasms. When the doctor asks about payment, Kino explains the story of the pearl. This plot......in the middle of paper......and I'm watching it. Kino decides that he must attempt a surprise attack before the late moon rises. He strips and sneaks into striking distance. Just as he is about to pounce on them, Coyotito lets out a cry, waking up the sleepers. When one of them fires his rifle in the direction of the scream, Kino makes his move, killing the trackers in a violent burst. In the process, Kino gradually realizes that the gunshot hit and killed his son in the cave. The next day, Kino and Juana return through the town and the outlying brush, Juana with her dead son slung over her shoulder. They walk to the sea, under the fascinated and silent gaze of spectators. On the shore, Kino takes the pearl out of his clothes and examines it one last time. And then, with all his strength, under a setting sun, he throws the pearl back into the sea. .