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.