ft over from
World War Two."

"Plenty old," Chahda said doubtfully.

Scotty chuckled. "Age doesn't mean anything to a boat if it's well built
and well taken care of. The MTB's were light, but very well built.
You'll see."

Zircon was well acquainted with boats and Rick and Scotty were not
novices. They went over the _Swift Arrow_ from stem to stern, missing
nothing. The armament had been removed and the original gasoline engines
were gone. Instead, it was operated by a pair of marine diesels. Santos
claimed that the engines were in excellent shape and that the boat could
make a speed of twenty knots even in rough water, with a top speed of
nearly thirty knots in calm seas.

Scotty checked the engines and confirmed the claim. They ran like Swiss
watches. The boat was fully equipped, even to searchlight, horn, and a
brass saluting cannon that fired blanks much like shotgun shells.

"We'll take it," Zircon announced. "Fill it with fuel and water, put
charts for the whole area aboard with navigation instruments, and we'll
be back in an hour and get under way." He hastily signed a traveler's
check for the advance fee, then the four hiked back to the hotel and got
down to business.

They made up a provision list, arranged to rent bed linens and towels
from the hotel, found out where ammunition could be purchased, packed
their bags, and prepared to check out.

Chahda spoke up. "Where you go first? Jolo, maybe? Suppose I go ahead on
PAL, and snoop round a little. Meet you there."

Zircon considered. "I suppose Jolo is the logical destination. It's the
capital of the Sulu Archipelago. We'll refuel there, probably by
tomorrow morning."

Rick thought it was probably a good idea for Chahda to go ahead. He
could use his Indian contacts to pick up any information that might be
available. It would save them time. "I'm for it," he said.

Zircon made sure Chahda had ample funds, then the three bade him good-by
for the time being and started on their shopping tour.

Within the promised hour they had their luggage and provisions loaded
aboard and were prepared to cast off. Santos had the boat ready, even to
putting in a box of shells for the saluting cannon.

Scotty and Rick cast off while Zircon sent the MTB smoothly away from
the dock, through the breakwater and into Basilan Strait. Then Scotty
took over, while Zircon checked the first leg of their course. On the
charts Santos had given them the routes between principal p