"I see but one possible solution, my boy. There was a mass emigration, purposeful, determined, complete. That—until a more satisfactory theory presents itself—is the way I am forced to explain it. And it is an explanation at least halfway in accord with the symbolic drawing I mentioned a few minutes ago. The drawing that shows—Yes, Sirabhar?"
He broke off suddenly as the small Cambodian bustled into the room, dark eyes wide and frightened.
"Pardon, master Doctor, sir! But warriors approach. Armed forces of the Island Ones cross the South bridge."
"This time it ain't no false alarm, Ramey. It's the Japs. They did see our 'plane crash, after all!"
CHAPTER IV
Attack
Syd O'Brien said glumly, "I knew it! Now we're in a mess. I guess I'll write my thesis in a Saigon prison!" But the expedition leader turned on him testily. "Nonsense, Sydney! There is absolutely no cause for alarm. Naturally, the Japanese had to investigate a falling 'plane. But they can't possibly know the aviators are safe, and masquerading as members of our party—" He turned to the others—"Shall we go out to meet them? It will look better. No, Sheila—I think you'd better stay here!"
The girl's shoulders stiffened defiantly. A strange admiration brightened Ramey's eyes. Or perhaps it was not so strange, after all. Many times, during the preceding hour of conversation, he had found his gaze wandering toward her. In a happier, more peaceful world, perhaps—
"Why should I, Daddy?"