Part 12 (1/2)
”Yes Angel is Okola's boy, and so is this Nangolat What's iving Nangolat a helping hand”
The taxi cliuio, passed the Auio residence of the American ambassador, and finally entered the airport
One quick look around the field showed the by itself On Rick's quick instructions the taxi raced to the plane They got out and took a quick look
”No sign of dae,” Scotty said ”Let's ask at the airport office”
The office was closed It was operated by Philippine Air Lines, and was only kept open during the day, starting one hour before the day's first flight to Manila or froht on this day was not until ten thirty
A pair of workravel on the opposite side of the field The boys jumped into the taxi and told the driver to cross the field
Rick leaned out ”Did you see a truck?”
The o?” Rick called
The ed
The Filipino cab driver spoke to them in Ilokano, the Christian dialect of the province They answered briefly, sravel Apparently they were supposed to be leveling the shoulders of the runway If so, the shoulders would be stooped with age before they were finished
The Filipino cab driver turned to the boys ”Sir, these men not see truck They be here since maybe two hours No truck”
”But they said they did!” Scotty exclaimed
Rick interrupted, ”Ask theed quick syllables with the work for hiain the driver translated ”They not see It on other side of field
Only know maybe three men, maybe American, maybe Filipino They not know”
”Take us back to the hotel,” Rick co for us”
”They said they saw the truck,” Scotty insisted
Rick shook his head ”Remember what Tony once told us Never ask a question that can be answered yes or no, or the ansill be yes whether that's the answer or not That's as true in the Philippines as it is in China or anywhere else in the Orient I don't think they saw the truck, but I'o off in a sedan I'm worried, Scotty”
”Same Of course the men in the sedan could just have offered Tony a lift back to the hotel”
”What were they doing at the airport? The sign on the office door said the first flight from Manila was at ten thirty No one uses the field but PAL, a few travelers like us, and ot a lift But it's a possibility”
”We'll soon know,” Rick said ”Driver, please hurry”
The Filipino grinned ”Sor, would like to please customer But hurry on these roads is break the necks, I think so”