the noise of a shot would defeat us. I'm
sure there's some way out of this, but I can't think straight. I'm too
tired."

"Below and into your bunks, both of you," Zircon commanded. "Chahda and
I will stand by until we're in safe waters, then we can all get some
sleep."

Rick needed no second invitation. He was asleep in five minutes. Hours
later a ray of sun through the porthole woke him out of deep, dreamless
slumber. He stretched luxuriously. A wash and a cold drink would be just
right, he decided, and wondered how long he had been asleep. His watch
told him it was two thirty in the afternoon.

He got to his feet and saw that Scotty was out of his bunk, probably on
deck. Chahda was sleeping quietly, even though the swinging quiver Rick
had placed on a hook near the bunk struck him in the elbow every time
the boat rolled.

Rick lifted the quiver down and started to hang it where Chahda wouldn't
be bothered. He paused, brows furrowed. He had the answer to their
problem in his hands. An arrow was silent.

He shook his head and put the quiver away. It would mean putting a
hunting arrow through the guard's head without warning. He knew
perfectly well he was incapable of killing a man in cold blood, no
matter what the provocation. It would be an easy shot, but one he would
never make.

Zircon and Scotty were relaxed on deck when Rick joined them after a
quick shower. They greeted him soberly.

"Did you dream the right answer?" Scotty asked.

"Didn't dream at all," he retorted. "I've had only one idea, and it
won't do." He told them about the bow.

Zircon smiled understandingly. "I quite agree, Rick. I couldn't do it
either, even if I had the skill." He changed the subject. "I talked with
Howard while you were sleeping. He agrees with Tony. We must not make
the try."

"Let's not give up," Scotty pleaded. "We haven't explored every possible
idea."

"True," Zircon agreed. "Rick, you don't know all that Tony and Howard
told us. It seems there was a reason behind their kidnaping after all."

"What?"

"Yes. Remember the missing Filipino boy from Manila? Elpidio Torres?
Seems he's a young naturalist. He ran away from home to join Shannon and
Briotti when he read of their expedition in the papers. And how do you
suppose he did it?"

The light dawned. "Of course! The young Moro guide!" Rick exclaimed. "I
get it now. The pirates weren't after our boys at all. They were after
the Torres kid. Only to get him, they