Rick awoke with Scotty shaking him. "Time to rise, old son."
The boy swung to the deck. "Where are we?"
"About five miles east of the island." Scotty shook Chahda and told the Hindu boy it was time to get up, then he sat down next to Rick. "I feel funny, not going with you. Maybe I'd better go along. I could stay in the vinta, and be ready in case of trouble."
Rick gave his pal a sympathetic grin. He knew how Scotty felt. "Look at it this way. If Chahda and I get caught, that leaves only you and Zircon. And you couldn't give up, even with us out of the picture."
"I guess so." Scotty gave in reluctantly. "Come on. Coffee and sandwiches waiting. I'll go topside and help the professor keep a lookout."
Rick and Chahda got into their outfits, then the Hindu boy carefully rubbed in polish on Rick's face, neck, arms, and hands, and his chest where it showed through the open shirt.
Finally the Hindu boy stood back and admired his handiwork. "Plenty good. You make fine Moro, Rick."
Rick adjusted Chahda's kris in his sash. "So are you. You'd fool the Sultan of Sulu himself."
"We be two Datus," Chahda said, grinning. "Datu Rick and Datu Chahda."
"What's this date business?" Scotty asked as he came down from the pilothouse.