Kino, Juana, and their infant son Coyotito live in a modest cabin by the sea. One morning, calamity strikes their home when Coyotito is bitten by a scorpion. Hoping to protect their son, Kino and Juana rush him to the doctor's clinic in town. However, when they arrive at the gate, they are turned away because they are poor natives and are not paying customers. Later that same morning, Kino and Juana take the family canoe to the estuary to dive for pearls. Juana prepares a poultice for Coyotito's wound while Kino cleans the sea floor. Juana's prayers for a large pearl are answered when Kino emerges with the largest pearl either of them have ever seen. Kino gives a triumphant shout at his good fortune, prompting the surrounding boats to circle around and examine the treasure. In the afternoon, the entire neighborhood gathers at Kino's house to celebrate his discovery. Kino lists a list of things he will provide his family with his newfound wealth, including a church wedding and an education for his son. The neighbors marvel at Kino's audacity, wondering whether it is wise or foolish to maintain such ambitions. Toward evening, the local priest visits Kino, to bless him on his new fortune and to remind him of his place within the church. Shortly afterwards the doctor arrives, explaining that he had gone out in the morning but has now come to treat Coyotito. He administers a powdered capsule and promises to return in an hour. During this period Coyotito becomes violently ill and Kino decides to bury the pearl under the floor in a corner of the brush. After the doctor returns, he gives Coyotito a potion to calm the child's spasms. When the doctor asks about payment, Kino explains the history of the pearl. This intrigue... at the center of the card... you have to keep an eye on. Kino decides that he must try to attack them by surprise before the late moon rises. He strips naked and sneaks up to a striking distance. Just as he is ready to pounce on them, Coyotito lets out a cry, waking the sleepers. When one of them fires his rifle in the direction of the scream, Kino makes his move, killing the pursuers in a violent barrage. Afterwards, Kino slowly realizes that the shot hit and killed his son in the cave. The next day, Kino and Juana return through the city and outlying houses, Juana with her dead son on her shoulders. They walk down to the sea, with spectators watching in silence and fascination the whole time. On the shore, Kino takes the pearl out of his clothes and looks at it one last time. And then, with all his strength, under the setting sun, he throws the pearl back into the sea .