Part 4 (1/2)
CHAPTER IV
The Head Major Paulo Lacson joined the Spindrifters for breakfast at the hotel The young officer answered questions about the region for an hour, but Rick refrained fro up the subject of the headman until breakfast was over But that was deferred when Scotty asked a startling question
”Major, what ever happened to the boat our friends came in?”
Lacson's eyebroent up ”Boat? What boat?”
”You mean you didn't know they came by boat?” Zircon bellowed incredulously
The major shook his head ”This is the first I have heard of a boat I assuot fro Americans, with their names and descriptions Since most Americans stay at this hotel I inquired and found they had checked out That established their presence in Davao It didn't occur to h I knew froa Later, I checked the airline to see if they had left by air, but there was no record”
It was incredible, but there it was Rick kneas the kind of slip that often happens when the background given with instructions is not coht away,” Lacson said ”You have a description of the boat?”
”I'et a description froe the detail of the boat never caht
Why, I even had a full description of their Moro guide”
”Guide?” The three said it simultaneously It was their turn to be astonished No one had mentioned a third person in the party
”You didn't know?” Lacson clapped a hand to his forehead in a gesture of chagrin ”The lack of couide Apparently they picked hi features, who gave his name as Azid Hajullah We have not been able to find out any e off about the boat, but Rick stopped him and quickly outlined his conclusion about the heade
The htfully ”It is just possible you are right,” he said at last ”I myself noted that the old man was not at ease, but I attributed it to the presence of strange Americans, plus my own official status Many primitive peoples are shy in the presence of authority However, I agree the headman may have overdone it somewhat
We will see I will phone you when I have news of the boat, and perhaps you will let me knohen you hear froed on after Lacson's departure The three walked the streets of Davao and found it to be quite a ood stores Both Rick and Scotty had the feeling that they were being watched, but the most careful observation failed to uncover a tail
Nevertheless, the boys were certain their movements were known to someone If only they could discover the invisible watcher, Rick thought, and squeeze sorew hot as the day progressed, and the three returned to the hotel and sat in the so Rick had kept the Megabuck earphone in place all o, Chahda's voice sounded in his ear ”Rick, you there?”
”Here,” he replied swiftly ”Go ahead”
”Got recording I think you plenty on ball, Rick Headht away I just driving up What nuned off He turned to the others ”Let's go Chahda's got so!”
They hurried to their room, and Zircon at once placed a call to Lacson
The constabulary office replied that the major was en route to the hotel and should be there in a few minutes
Chahda burst into their roo from ear to ear He took the tiny recorder from his pocket and handed it to Zircon
”Plenty hot, you bet Can I have drink, please?”
Scotty picked up the telephone and ordered him a double limeade with plenty of ice
”Much thanks, Scotty Well, this e Sell plenty cloths, too You know soh While I sell, I start asking questions, but I get no answer Then, boycloth for new turban We alone, so I try bribe I say, 'Tell ive cloth for free' And you know, he starts!”