Part 31 (1/2)

Scotty scratched his head ”Well,” he said finally, ”we certainly found St Francis! In fact, we overdid it a little”

Not until long afterward did they learn the answer Tony Briotti, a scientist of great persistence, did so a European trip to attend a conference of archaeologists He found that the _Maiden Hand_ had carried several dozen St Francis statues, for sale to churches and individuals in the New World Captain Cah to mention, because it had been blessed by the Cardinal of France and entrusted to his care for delivery to the Governor of Barbados

The Spindrifters took one statue as a gift for Barby A cutlass was Rick's share of the loot, while Tony took the bar shot they had found near the wreck and Zircon selected a cannon ball It was understood that the knife Scotty had found was to be his, so that he could present it to Hartson Brant

A few quick dives the followingof interest around the first wreck they had found, but Jio vessel Then the destroyer escort sailed for St Thomas

Before it left, there was time for a feords with Steve Ames

”I'ton,” he reported

”So new has come up and I'm needed I may need you, too, before this case is over The report wasn't detailed, but it carried a few implications that have me worried”

”We'll be ready if you need us,” Rick assured him

Steve's warm smile flashed ”I know,” he said ”I'll see you soon”

The RICK BRANT SCIENCE-ADVENTURE Stories

BY JOHN BLAINE

SCIENCE-ADVENTURE STORIES

[Illustration: RICK BRANT]

Rick Brant is the boy ith his pal Scotty lives on an island called Spindrift and takes part in soscience and electronics You can share every one of these adventures in the pages of Rick's books They are available at your book store in handsome, low-priced editions

THE ROCKET'S SHADOW

THE LOST CITY