within gunshot of the vintas," Zircon directed grimly. "Let's see
if they're really hostile. If they are, we'll know we've found
something. And forget the crippled engine disguise. It's served its
purpose."

Rick figured his course carefully. He would take the MTB on a gradually
sweeping curve that would place them within gunshot, but in a position
to beat a fast retreat. In a few minutes, now, they would be in
position. He kept his fingers crossed. Things looked promising. If this
were only the end of the search.

He throttled back a little, in order to keep a good amount of speed in
reserve, and kept the MTB on the course he had planned, sweeping toward
one end of the vinta line. He saw the outrigger craft back their sails
as they turned to intercept him. Then, as the long curve brought him
within rifle range he put the helm hard over, running broadside to the
line of bright sails.

Scotty called, "Watch it! Heads down!" The boy was flat on the top of
the pilothouse now, his own rifle within reach.

As an echo to his warning Chahda yelled, "They shoot!"

Rick couldn't hear the shots above the engine roar, but he took Chahda's
word for it. He put the helm over again, turning the stern toward the
line of boats.

Scotty jumped to the deck. "They took several shots at us, but none hit.
I saw the muzzle flashes."

Zircon nodded. "I saw muzzle flashes, too. Lads, it looks as though
we've really found something, including a mountain. Now, I suggest we
reconnoiter thoroughly."

"What's your plan?" Rick asked.

"Circle the island completely, at close range. Swing wide, to approach
from the north, then go around the island clockwise, staying as close to
shore as safety allows. We can outrun the vintas without trouble. If
necessary, we can even cut inside the line for a close look." The big
physicist was almost trembling with excitement.

Rick wasted no time in swinging north, away from the vintas. Scotty went
back to the top of the pilothouse to watch for shoal waters. Once he was
far beyond the line of vintas, Rick cut back again, pointing the bow of
the MTB at the northern shore of the island. He took out his
handkerchief to wipe palms that were suddenly damp with nervous
perspiration. This had to be the place!

He could see now that the volcanic peak occupied the entire eastern part
of the island. It dropped steeply into the ocean on both the eastern and
northern shores. The inhabitable land area was a broad sh