"Yes. Soon he is met by a friend who sits with him. This friend is not known to me then. But I listen. I hear Lazada's friend say that soon come Americans who will desec—What is ruin religious things, please?"
"Desecrate," Tony supplied.
"Yes. Do that to sacred Ifugao things. This friend begs Lazada not to give permit."
The three Spindrifters were sitting on the edges of the beds now, concentrating on every word.
"Friend says Americans will dig up rice terraces, looking for gold. Sacred objects of gold will be carried away, and earth-cokes and drafts will fall on Ifugao people."
"Earthquakes and droughts," Rick corrected.
"That is what I said," Chahda nodded. "Lazada objects that these are not real gold things, and the friend says they are. Real gold. Much gold. All very sacred. Again he begs Lazada not to allow this sacker-ledge."
"Sacrilege."
"Yes. Anyway, Lazada says Americans have much influence. He does not know if he can stop them. But he will try. I do not believe he talks truth. His looks do not make me trust him. You know?"
The boys knew.