he prisoners were released, the authorities would have
a description of the island. So it would only be a matter of time before
the pirate hangout was located."

"Sorry, Rick," Tony corrected. "None of us had the remotest idea of
where we were, or what the island looked like. We were brought in by
night, blindfolded, and taken to the cliff cave. From there we could see
only the western shore. Why, we didn't even know we were on the side of
a volcano until you took us off."

"That gives your reason even greater acceptance," Zircon boomed.
"Actually, what puzzles me is why the pirates kept you so long. Usually,
if ransom isn't forthcoming pretty fast, the victims are never seen
alive."

Rojas answered, "That's generally true, I'm sure. But we have to
remember the distances and lack of communications in this part of the
world. Also, the ransom was a million pesos. No one has that much in
cash, even a wealthy man like Torres. He had sent word that he would
pay, but that it would take many days to raise the cash in small bills.
His deadline was the day after tomorrow."

The ransom would never be paid now, Rick thought. Cables had been sent
to Manila and Spindrift the very first thing, while Shannon and Torres
were being moved to the gunboat's sick bay.

Zircon waved a big hand. "Anyway, it's all over now, and reasons become
less important. My question, Colonel Rojas, is what are you going to do
about these pirates? I'm sure you can wipe out the main island, but
there are groups on many other islands."

The constabulary officer smiled grimly. "We will strike Shan just before
dawn tomorrow. I assure you that my men and the sailors of the patrol
will take pleasure in breaking up that little nest. As for the other
groups, that is a more difficult problem."

"You need spies," Chahda stated.

"We do," Rojas agreed. "However, once the main island is taken, the
local groups will have no central leadership. I might add that Paulo
Lacson has already broken up the Davao gang."

"So fast?" Scotty asked incredulously.

"Three days ago. The Bagobos had reasons to fear reprisals, you see, and
Paulo took no chances. He kept a platoon with full automatic weapons
hidden in the village houses. The pirate gang attacked and got a very
warm reception. Those who survived are prisoners."

"Good for Major Lacson!" Rick exclaimed. "We were impressed by his
efficiency. You can see why."

"How about Zamboanga?" Zircon boomed.

"Apparen