Part 10 (2/2)
”He probably dropped off Nast and his silks before he caestion they walked around town, taking in the interesting marketplace, the several cathedrals, the suuio was different--and very peaceful and pleasant As they walked, they discussed their plans for the next day
Rick and Tony were to fly to Bontoc, which was still in Igorot country, then cross the mountain to Banaue, which was the objective of the trip, land of the Ifugaos and home of the fabled rice terraces It was to be a non-stop trip, mostly to familiarize Rick with the terrain At the sao by truck to Bontoc, several hours'
drive to the north They would re place for the Sky Wagon, he would phone Rick at Muller's Then Rick and Tony would fly up the nextScotty was a pilot hi strip
If no suitable landing place were available, Rick and Tony would hire a jeep and drive to Bontoc Jeeps were common in the Philippines, since they were ideal vehicles for the back country Hiring one would present no probleon would not come into use until the expedition found artifacts of value Then Rick would return to Baguio, get the plane, pick up the discoveries by cable, and deliver the stuff to Okola in Manila for safekeeping and preliminary examination
The exercise and the cool freshness of the air made them sleepy, and presently, by ht as well get to bed early,” Tony said ”Then we can be up at dawn and get off to an early start Good night, boys”
The boys bade hiht and went to their own room, a few doors down the hall Scotty unlocked the door and swung it open, then let out a yell of joy Chahda was sprawled on one of the beds, reading a azine!
The Hindu boy was dressed in Western clothes, slacks and a sports jacket
He looked up as the door opened ”Hi,” he said casually ”Nice walk?”
It was as though they had left hi while they went for a stroll
Chahda's casualness was too much for Rick and Scotty They dove for him, hauled hiht Finally Chahda yelled for lad to see you, too Please do not break leg, ood swa Sikh?”
The boys sat down on the bed opposite Chahda
”Talk,” Rick co is this?”
”Best way to learn about people is to be one of thenity ”I have been Filipino and Sikh Now I becoorot First I learned about this new country froo What is archipelago, please?”
Rick saw the twinkle in Chahda's eye and knew that their friend was following his usual custoo is the black sheep of the Pelago faot into a fight with neighbors It was a real o”
A pillow caught hi his words Scotty pushed him over on the bed and sat on hi a seaot nowhere, and finally sank his teeth into Scotty hard enough to get results Scotty let out a yell that could have been heard in Singapore
Tony Briotti pounded on the door and called, ”How do you expect the paying guests to sleep with that racket going on?”
The boys let him in and introduced Chahda Tony shook hands with the Hindu boy ”I was beginning to believe you were a figination It's a pleasure toscientist,” Chahda said politely ”My worthless friends tell me they even call you by nickname, while other scientists are called by title This is h esteem, I think Glad to ive us the lon,” Rick said