In a few moments they were out of range of the vintas. Zircon called out a new course that would take them through another channel more to the west. It was longer, but safer. The three remained silent while Rick got on the new course. Attack by vintas in open water was about the last thing any of them had expected. Finally Zircon slipped the clip from his pistol, ejected the shell in the chamber, and reloaded. The scientist said severely, "Mr. Scott, on a certain occasion at Zamboanga yesterday, you were heard to make a remark to the effect that piracy has been dead for a century. In view of our recent experience, I believe it is only fair to offer an opportunity to correct the record." Scotty bowed ceremoniously. "You are most kind, Dr. Zircon. It would perhaps be more accurate to state that piracy has not been dead for a century. My conclusion is entirely empirical, of course, but observation leads me to conclude that the vintas in the channel may indeed have been manned by pirates." "Handsomely said, Mr. Scott. You have a comment, Mr. Brant?" "I concur," Rick said gravely. "Would you care to hazard a surmise about the identity of these putative pirates?" 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!" CHAPTER IX The Moro Knives Rick walked to the bow as the _Swift Arrow_ approached the harbor of Jolo in the early-morning hours. He used Shannon's long glass to inspect some curious-looking houses to the west of the harbor entrance. The glass showed him they were built on stilts over the water, and connected by a series of bamboo walkways. Zircon joined him and borrowed the glass for a look. "Samal village," he explained. "I've never seen one, but I spent last night reading a pocket guide I picked up at Bayot's. The Samals are Moros, noted as fishermen." "And pirates?" Zircon smiled. "The book didn't say." In spite of the primitive Samal village, the dock and the city were fairly modern. As Scotty took the _Swift Arrow_ closer, Rick and Zircon looked for a place to tie up.