Then the old man babbled something and ran like one possessed into the shelter of the warehouse.
Scotty stared after him in amazement. "What got into him? He ran as though he'd got a sudden look at the devil!"
Zircon hauled the groggy Moro to his feet. "Possibly he did," the physicist stated. He pointed to the symbol. "This looks like a Chinese character. Perhaps the old man recognized it."
Swift excitement ran through Rick. "If he did, maybe we've just hit a jackpot!"
CHAPTER VII
News at Zamboanga
A crowd of Filipinos, including several Moros, was attracted by the brief fight. A few departed in a hurry after one look at the captive's bared back. The rest remained at a distance, talking in the local dialect. Rick and Scotty kept alert, ready to act if anyone tried to free the captive. Scotty had tied him up with his own sash. He was seated against the warehouse wall, sullen and silent.
Zircon emerged from the warehouse. "I got the captain on the phone. He's on his way."
Apparently the captain wasted no time. In less than two minutes his sedan skidded to a stop and he jumped out. "What is going on?"