Episode Transcript
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Speaker 1 (00:00):
Dream. Audie Books presents the Pirates of Shan A. Rick
Brandt's science adventure story Dangerous Discovery by Harold L. Goodwin.
Chapter five, Trail of the Sempogibuta. The p l Blame
droned westward over the incredible swamps of the Pulonghi River
(00:21):
toward Cotabato. Rick watched the sweltering marshland unfold below and
caught glimpses of the winding brown river that turned the
countryside into morass. From Colonel Roja's briefing, he knew that
the countryside was alive with crocodiles and less pleasant creatures.
In the seat next to Rick, Scotti catnapped Zirkon across
(00:42):
the isle. Was apparently deep in thought. Rick hoped feverently
that they were on a wild goose chase. At de Vao.
They had learned that Briaty, Shannon, and their guide had
been kidnapped by some group the Bogobos. Feared. The reason
for the kidnapping could not be guessed. No request for
ransom had been made, and the scientists had no known
(01:03):
personal enemies. Instead of clearing up the mystery, Rick thought
the little they had found had only deepened it. His
concern for his missing friends had turned to a deep
fear that they might not be found until too late.
He was very conscious of the passage of time. Nearly
three weeks that elapsed since the scientists had been forcefully
taken from the Bogobo village. Think they were taken away
(01:26):
on the boat, Scotty asked suddenly. Rick turned quickly. Scotty
hadn't been napping after all. We can't be sure, but
doesn't it seem likely? It does to me. Of course,
the kidnappers might have carried them into the interior, but
I can't imagine anyone carrying prisoners over those jungle trails.
And besides, the boat is missing. There are no roads
(01:49):
where they could have been taken by car Rick agreed,
Laxim will try to find the cars that brought them
into devou but even if he succeeds, it won't tell
us much. He changed his subject. Who could those men
have been They must have been pretty fierce to frighten
the Bogobos. That headman doesn't look like a man who
scares easily. I haven't a glimmer of an idea. Kidnapping
(02:13):
two scientists makes no sense at all true, but it
must have made sense to the kidnappers. Scotty didn't comment further.
After a while, Rick reached under the seat and drew
out Shannon's quiver. He'd wrapped it in a plastic bag
in which his trousers had been returned by the dry cleaner.
The quiver was of soft leather and made to be
(02:34):
slung on the back. It was compartmented for three kinds
of arrows. Rick drew one out and saw that it
was a blunt type for a hunting small game. Next
to the blunt ones were razors sharp broadhead arrows. The
third variety was smaller broadheads. There were a dozen of each.
On the back of the quiver were two zippered pouches,
(02:56):
and the first Rick found four new bowstrings and beeswax
for waxing them, plus a small file and a wetstone
for keeping the broadheads sharp. And the other compartment were
two sets of finger cuts or protectors, with a stiff
leather arm guard. He slipped a protector made like sections
of glove fingers on the first three fingers of his
(03:16):
right hand, A size too large, but it would do.
The arm guard would be all right. When he adjusted it.
The bow was in its own special compartment. Rick checked
and saw that it was undamaged. It was in two sections,
the upper limb made to be fitted into the handle,
which was permanently attached to the lower limb. It was
an excellent bow, not as heavy as some, but a
(03:38):
deadly weapon in the hands of a good shot. It
pulled fifty pounds at twenty eight inch straw. Rick slipped
the quiver back under the seat. He planned to carry
it when necessary, so that he, too would be armed.
He was a better than average bowman. It was one
of the few sports in which he could nearly always
beat Scottie thanks to his own aptitude in Shannon's teaching.
(04:00):
He noticed suddenly that the seat belt light had flashed on.
He tightened his belt as the plane descended into Cotabato.
He watched as the city came into view. It was
a community of small houses located on a series of
rivers or canals. The surrounding countryside was given over to
rice patties and occasional cocoanut groves. This was the first
(04:21):
step in the backward trail. Rick had no idea what
they might find, but lacking any other course of action,
they had decided to go back along the Sampaguita's route,
hoping to pick up a clue. They would stay in
Cotabatu only as long as the plane stopped just time
enough to meet Tony Briotti's friend, Father Murray, an American
(04:41):
missionary priest. As the plane swept in for a landing
across the unpaved runway, Rick saw the white robes of
a priest and knew that Major Lackson's message to the
Cotabato Constabulary detachment asking that the priest meet the plane
had been re Father Murray, a lean, tan, sun helmeted
(05:04):
man of youthful appearance, greeted them as they stepped from
the plane. Zircon introduced himself and the boys, and the
four retired to the shade of a royal palm to talk.
Tony and Howard's disappearance was shocking news. Father Murray commented,
you have no new information about what happened to them.
Zircon told him the little they knew. We stopped by
(05:26):
to see you, hoping you could shed some light on
the kidnapping. The priest shook his head. I haven't the
remotest idea Their visit here was without incident. Except for
the robbery attempt, I don't even recall any conversation that
might be helpful. We talked mostly about their research project.
You mentioned a robbery, Rick asked, yes, the first night
(05:48):
they were here, thieves broke into the covento, but by
good luck, some of my Christian parishioners who lived next
door were awake. They hurried to the rescue with guns,
and the thieves fled before they found where we were sleeping.
My people said they were Moros. Zircon gestured at a
group of Moros lounging in the shade of the wooden
airport building. You seem to have quite a few of
(06:10):
them here, Father Murray chuckled, indeed we do. This is
a Moro providence. Both the mayor and governor are Moros.
Christians are few. Rick noted the tight trousers and bolero
type vests that expose muscular chests. Two of the Moros
wore purple velvet caps. The others wore straw hats of
(06:32):
intricately woven design that reminded him of helmets. Was the
Moro guide with our friends? Urkhan asked, yes, he seemed
like a respectable young man. I saw little of him. However,
he stayed with us but kept to himself, probably bored
with our talk. Did you know that Tony and I
were classmates in high school? The three had not known that.
(06:54):
No wonder Tony and Shannon had gone so far out
of their way to visit Cotabato that you attempt interests me,
Scotty said, have you ever had such an incident before? Never?
The moros let us alone, besides proverbial church mice would
seem rich compared with us. We have literally nothing worth robbing.
(07:16):
The flight was called, and the Spindrifters shook hands with
Father Murray. He waved as they boarded the plane and
prepared to take off. Not very helpful, Professor Zirkhon remarked,
although I'm glad we had the chance to meet Father Murray.
Rick agreed, but added, doesn't it strike you his pretty
strange coincidence that thieves should try to rob him for
(07:36):
the first time? On the night Briotti and Shannon arrived,
Scotty saw at once what Rick meant. You think they
might not have been thieves, That it might have been
a kidnapping attempt that failed. It's a possibility, Rick pointed, out,
Zirkon leaned across the aisle, Consider the implications of what
you're saying, Rick, Cotabato's a long ways from Davao. Why
(07:58):
would a gang chase our friends across minda? Now? Why
were they kidnapped? Rick retorted, Obviously, we don't know. If
we accept your idea, do we assume that it was
the same gang that traveled from Codebato to Devoo? Or
were both groups local people? Scotty swallowed. If there were
local people, that has to mean some kind of well
(08:20):
organized syndicate with members in just about every port. Rick
nodded he had seen at once the implications of his idea.
It could mean that Scotty sank back into his seat.
But whatever it means, it gives no explanation of why
Tony and Shannon were kidnapped. We'll find the explanation somehow,
(08:40):
Rick said, with more assurance than he felt. He added grimly,
we've got to end of chapter five. Dream Odia Books
hopes you have enjoyed this program.
Dream. Audie Books presents the Pirates of Shan A. Rick
Brandt's science adventure story Dangerous Discovery by Harold L. Goodwin.
Chapter five, Trail of the Sempogibuta. The p l Blame
droned westward over the incredible swamps of the Pulonghi River
(00:21):
toward Cotabato. Rick watched the sweltering marshland unfold below and
caught glimpses of the winding brown river that turned the
countryside into morass. From Colonel Roja's briefing, he knew that
the countryside was alive with crocodiles and less pleasant creatures.
In the seat next to Rick, Scotti catnapped Zirkon across
(00:42):
the isle. Was apparently deep in thought. Rick hoped feverently
that they were on a wild goose chase. At de Vao.
They had learned that Briaty, Shannon, and their guide had
been kidnapped by some group the Bogobos. Feared. The reason
for the kidnapping could not be guessed. No request for
ransom had been made, and the scientists had no known
(01:03):
personal enemies. Instead of clearing up the mystery, Rick thought
the little they had found had only deepened it. His
concern for his missing friends had turned to a deep
fear that they might not be found until too late.
He was very conscious of the passage of time. Nearly
three weeks that elapsed since the scientists had been forcefully
taken from the Bogobo village. Think they were taken away
(01:26):
on the boat, Scotty asked suddenly. Rick turned quickly. Scotty
hadn't been napping after all. We can't be sure, but
doesn't it seem likely? It does to me. Of course,
the kidnappers might have carried them into the interior, but
I can't imagine anyone carrying prisoners over those jungle trails.
And besides, the boat is missing. There are no roads
(01:49):
where they could have been taken by car Rick agreed,
Laxim will try to find the cars that brought them
into devou but even if he succeeds, it won't tell
us much. He changed his subject. Who could those men
have been They must have been pretty fierce to frighten
the Bogobos. That headman doesn't look like a man who
scares easily. I haven't a glimmer of an idea. Kidnapping
(02:13):
two scientists makes no sense at all true, but it
must have made sense to the kidnappers. Scotty didn't comment further.
After a while, Rick reached under the seat and drew
out Shannon's quiver. He'd wrapped it in a plastic bag
in which his trousers had been returned by the dry cleaner.
The quiver was of soft leather and made to be
(02:34):
slung on the back. It was compartmented for three kinds
of arrows. Rick drew one out and saw that it
was a blunt type for a hunting small game. Next
to the blunt ones were razors sharp broadhead arrows. The
third variety was smaller broadheads. There were a dozen of each.
On the back of the quiver were two zippered pouches,
(02:56):
and the first Rick found four new bowstrings and beeswax
for waxing them, plus a small file and a wetstone
for keeping the broadheads sharp. And the other compartment were
two sets of finger cuts or protectors, with a stiff
leather arm guard. He slipped a protector made like sections
of glove fingers on the first three fingers of his
(03:16):
right hand, A size too large, but it would do.
The arm guard would be all right. When he adjusted it.
The bow was in its own special compartment. Rick checked
and saw that it was undamaged. It was in two sections,
the upper limb made to be fitted into the handle,
which was permanently attached to the lower limb. It was
an excellent bow, not as heavy as some, but a
(03:38):
deadly weapon in the hands of a good shot. It
pulled fifty pounds at twenty eight inch straw. Rick slipped
the quiver back under the seat. He planned to carry
it when necessary, so that he, too would be armed.
He was a better than average bowman. It was one
of the few sports in which he could nearly always
beat Scottie thanks to his own aptitude in Shannon's teaching.
(04:00):
He noticed suddenly that the seat belt light had flashed on.
He tightened his belt as the plane descended into Cotabato.
He watched as the city came into view. It was
a community of small houses located on a series of
rivers or canals. The surrounding countryside was given over to
rice patties and occasional cocoanut groves. This was the first
(04:21):
step in the backward trail. Rick had no idea what
they might find, but lacking any other course of action,
they had decided to go back along the Sampaguita's route,
hoping to pick up a clue. They would stay in
Cotabatu only as long as the plane stopped just time
enough to meet Tony Briotti's friend, Father Murray, an American
(04:41):
missionary priest. As the plane swept in for a landing
across the unpaved runway, Rick saw the white robes of
a priest and knew that Major Lackson's message to the
Cotabato Constabulary detachment asking that the priest meet the plane
had been re Father Murray, a lean, tan, sun helmeted
(05:04):
man of youthful appearance, greeted them as they stepped from
the plane. Zircon introduced himself and the boys, and the
four retired to the shade of a royal palm to talk.
Tony and Howard's disappearance was shocking news. Father Murray commented,
you have no new information about what happened to them.
Zircon told him the little they knew. We stopped by
(05:26):
to see you, hoping you could shed some light on
the kidnapping. The priest shook his head. I haven't the
remotest idea Their visit here was without incident. Except for
the robbery attempt, I don't even recall any conversation that
might be helpful. We talked mostly about their research project.
You mentioned a robbery, Rick asked, yes, the first night
(05:48):
they were here, thieves broke into the covento, but by
good luck, some of my Christian parishioners who lived next
door were awake. They hurried to the rescue with guns,
and the thieves fled before they found where we were sleeping.
My people said they were Moros. Zircon gestured at a
group of Moros lounging in the shade of the wooden
airport building. You seem to have quite a few of
(06:10):
them here, Father Murray chuckled, indeed we do. This is
a Moro providence. Both the mayor and governor are Moros.
Christians are few. Rick noted the tight trousers and bolero
type vests that expose muscular chests. Two of the Moros
wore purple velvet caps. The others wore straw hats of
(06:32):
intricately woven design that reminded him of helmets. Was the
Moro guide with our friends? Urkhan asked, yes, he seemed
like a respectable young man. I saw little of him. However,
he stayed with us but kept to himself, probably bored
with our talk. Did you know that Tony and I
were classmates in high school? The three had not known that.
(06:54):
No wonder Tony and Shannon had gone so far out
of their way to visit Cotabato that you attempt interests me,
Scotty said, have you ever had such an incident before? Never?
The moros let us alone, besides proverbial church mice would
seem rich compared with us. We have literally nothing worth robbing.
(07:16):
The flight was called, and the Spindrifters shook hands with
Father Murray. He waved as they boarded the plane and
prepared to take off. Not very helpful, Professor Zirkhon remarked,
although I'm glad we had the chance to meet Father Murray.
Rick agreed, but added, doesn't it strike you his pretty
strange coincidence that thieves should try to rob him for
(07:36):
the first time? On the night Briotti and Shannon arrived,
Scotty saw at once what Rick meant. You think they
might not have been thieves, That it might have been
a kidnapping attempt that failed. It's a possibility, Rick pointed, out,
Zirkon leaned across the aisle, Consider the implications of what
you're saying, Rick, Cotabato's a long ways from Davao. Why
(07:58):
would a gang chase our friends across minda? Now? Why
were they kidnapped? Rick retorted, Obviously, we don't know. If
we accept your idea, do we assume that it was
the same gang that traveled from Codebato to Devoo? Or
were both groups local people? Scotty swallowed. If there were
local people, that has to mean some kind of well
(08:20):
organized syndicate with members in just about every port. Rick
nodded he had seen at once the implications of his idea.
It could mean that Scotty sank back into his seat.
But whatever it means, it gives no explanation of why
Tony and Shannon were kidnapped. We'll find the explanation somehow,
(08:40):
Rick said, with more assurance than he felt. He added grimly,
we've got to end of chapter five. Dream Odia Books
hopes you have enjoyed this program.
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