Zircon stroked his chin thoughtfully. "We had no opportunity to remove shirts and examine backs. Yet I must venture the opinion that the men in the vintas carry the mark of the mountain."
"And why did they lay in wait for us?" Scotty asked.
"My surmise," Zircon boomed, "is that we are doing exactly the right thing. They fear our ultimate success. Ergo, they try to remove us."
Rick had to grin. "I've always wanted to hear someone say 'ergo.' But how did they know we were coming?"
Zircon shook his head. "The islands in the vicinity are too small to have radio or telephone. However, we've not been too careful about our plans. The waiter last night, or a houseboy outside our hotel door could have overheard us, and a vinta could have gotten here in time to lay a trap."
"We'll probably never be sure," Rick said. Suddenly he grinned widely. He had the feeling they were making progress.
"At least," he stated, "we've met the Pirates of Shan!"