Scotty moved forward, too, his
rifle unslung and ready for action.

Rick hadn't even bothered with a note. Both Shannon and Briotti would
recognize the radio unit instantly. There were no others like it outside
of Spindrift. They would immediately put it to use and be talking to
Zircon before the two boys had moved away from the position over their
heads.

Carefully Rick pushed the tip of the rod out far enough so the ditty bag
would clear all obstructions on the way down, then he swung the bag
clear and began to feed out the line.

The bag went down an inch at a time, while he concentrated on keeping
the motion slow but steady. A sudden jerk might attract the guard's
attention, but very slow motion probably wouldn't.

[Illustration: _A sudden jerk would attract the guard's attention_]

He was sweating profusely by the time the bag got within reach of the
shelf below. He began to worry. He had seen no one. Had the pirates
removed the scientists, leaving the lookout in his usual position?

He kept the bag moving until suddenly strain went off the line and he
knew it was down. He could see it in the faint glow from the fire, lying
motion-less on the rock below. Long moments ticked by and he felt the
trickle of sweat down his face, the sweat of apprehension. Why didn't
someone show up?

And then, as though in answer to the frantic thought, a man stepped into
view below, and casually dropped his coat over the ditty bag.

Rick almost sobbed with relief. Tony Briotti! The familiar crew cut had
grown long, but it was Tony!

Swiftly the boy drew his knife and cut the line, letting the loose end
tumble down. Then, careful of the fishing rod, he withdrew from the edge
and touched Scotty to indicate he should withdraw, too.

For a few seconds they just lay there, weak with relief. Then Rick
disassembled the rod and restowed it. Scotty reslung his rifle. On hands
and knees, the two started their retreat. Not until they were certain
that the guard could no longer see them did they stand upright and begin
to move more rapidly.

Their mission was a success, but perhaps the plan was not. Rick was no
longer filled with enthusiasm for his scheme. The guard had changed all
that.

How were they going to get the scientists out with a guard watching
them?

CHAPTER XVII

The Radio Link

Dawn was showing its first pale light in the east when Rick and Scotty
tied the vinta at the stern of the _Swift Arrow_ and climbe