ls
from the Asia mainland to the islands."

Colonel Rojas nodded. "I understand. The presence of some animals may
show that a land bridge existed between Sulu and the mainland across
which the early peoples may have migrated."

"Exactly. I'm sure you also know that our staff has been co-operating
with Dr. Remedios Okola of the University of the Philippines. It was
from him we learned that our friends had vanished, when they failed to
keep an important appointment."

"You know their itinerary?"

"Yes. They flew to Manila and spent a few days with Dr. Okola. At that
time he persuaded them to revise their schedule, to return to Manila
long enough to join him on a trip to the rice terraces. They flew to
Zamboanga, chartered a boat of some sort, and sailed to Davao by way of
Cotabato. They were supposed to leave the boat at Davao and fly back to
Manila to take the trip with Okola, after which they would return to
Davao, pick up the boat, and go into the Sulu Sea." The scientist's lips
tightened, then he added, "They never kept the appointment with Okola!"

"What did Okola do about it?"

"He got in touch with the constabulary and asked for a check on their
whereabouts, thinking they might have been delayed. The constabulary at
Davao reported that Shannon and Briotti had reached Davao and hired a
truck to take them to a Bagobo village. The truck driver let them off at
a foot trail to the village. No one has seen them since."

Rojas rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "You have heard from the American
consulate at Manila?"

"Yes, by phone, on the same day I talked with Okola. The consulate has
asked your government for help. However, yesterday I received a cable
stating that a second investigation has uncovered nothing new. It
appears that both our governments have done all they can, but obviously
we cannot stop there. So I have decided to send Dr. Zircon, with Rick
and Scotty, to hunt for our friends."

Rick and Scotty exchanged relieved glances. It was what they had hoped
and expected.

The colonel nodded. "I have not had the pleasure of meeting Dr. Zircon
until now, but I have seen Rick and Scotty in action. They are
resourceful, and they are lucky--two necessary qualities for a
expedition such as this. Do you also plan to use their Hindu friend,
Chahda?"

Rick leaned forward anxiously. He had suggested getting Chahda to help
out several days ago, but his father was at that time waiting for
further word from the Ame