cked, and was satisfied that the scientists had
not obtained a ride back from Calinan from any of the local people.
There were no cars to rent, either.

Rick dropped the subject abruptly as Zircon and Gonzalez finished making
notes and switched off the recorder.

"Dr. Gonzalez has it," Zircon said with quiet triumph. "The language is
difficult, and the headman was far from the microphone, but the sense of
what is on the tape is clear."

The boys and Lacson listened closely as the language professor read.

"'Say nothing, young fool! It is forbidden to speak of the white men.
One word that they were here and the wrath of'--I don't know one word
here--'will fall on the whole village. Do you want to die? Do you want
us all to die? I forbid you to speak on pain of death!'"

"They _were_ there!" Scotty exclaimed. "Now maybe we can find out what
happened."

"At once," Major Lacson added grimly. "Doctor, what does the missing
word sound like?"

The Filipino professor shook his head. "It is a word I've never heard,
Major. It doesn't sound like a Bagobo word at all. It's 'shoon' or
'shawn.' Something like that. It's not clear."

"Will you come with us to translate, Doctor? Juan speaks enough Bagobo
to get by, but I'd rather have you for this trip. It may be difficult."

"I'll be glad to. May I have a few moments to change clothing?"

"Of course. I'll take these gentlemen to the hotel and they can change,
too. We'll pick you up."

Rick took advantage of the few moments in their hotel room to call
Chahda. The Hindu boy answered at once.

"The recording had the answer," Rick told him. "That was a good piece of
work, Chahda. We're leaving for the village at once."

"Good. Something I can do?"

"Not right now. I'll call when we get back."

Rick changed swiftly into khaki trail clothes. Their tropical suit
trousers had been cleaned overnight and he didn't want to ruin his
again.

Outside, Lacson was waiting. Two other command cars had joined him, each
one carrying six armed troopers. The three jumped in with the major and
went past the university to pick up Dr. Gonzalez.

The caravan broke all speed records getting to Calinan. Juan, the local
trooper, got into the last car in line and they roared off to the road's
end. This time the Spindrifters were dressed for the hike, and were well
sprayed with protection against insects. Each had a hat, and a head net.

The group traveled at good speed. Then, as they emerged