of why Tony and Shannon were kidnaped."

"We'll find the explanation somehow," Rick said, with more assurance
than he felt. He added grimly, "We've got to!"

CHAPTER VI

The Man in the Red Fez

The famous tropical port of Zamboanga lived up to its reputation as an
exotic place. As the taxi carried the Spindrifters from the airport past
the waterfront area, Rick saw bright-colored sails mixed with the drab
steel of cargo ships. There were many Moros, but Christian Filipinos
seemed to be in the majority.

The taxi took them to Bayot's Hotel, a rambling, picturesque affair only
two stories high, noted for the best food in the Sulu Sea region. The
hotel was almost overgrown with orchids and lush tropical creepers.

As the three checked in, Zircon began asking questions of the man at the
desk. "You had Dr. Briotti and Dr. Shannon as guests, I believe?"

"Yes. They stayed here for two days. I read of their disappearance.
Incredible."

"Can you tell us if they had any visitors?"

"I recall none."

Rick asked, "Did anyone show unusual interest in them?"

"Not that one could notice. You realize, Americans are not an unusual
sight. There are a number who live here."

"Did you know their Moro guide?" Scotty queried.

"I did not know him. I saw him, however. He was an unusual type."

"In what way?" Zircon asked quickly.

"He spoke no Chebucano. When I asked about this he said he was brought
up in Tawi Tawi where Chebucano is not spoken. I might have believed
this, except for one other thing."

"Yes?" Zircon prompted.

"He spoke excellent Spanish, which also is not spoken on Tawi Tawi."

Rick asked thoughtfully, "You think he might not have been a Moro?"

The man shrugged. "What is a Moro? It is simply a Filipino, of a
different religion, and to some extent a different way of life. An
educated Moro is like any other educated Filipino. I cannot say if this
guide was a Moro. He said he was."

Zircon nodded his understanding. "Do you know if they hired him here?"

"They did. I mean in this city, not in my hotel. I believe they met him
on the waterfront."

Rick had seen at once that the man was not a Filipino, and he thought he
recognized the accent as Spanish. He asked, "Are you the manager?"

"Yes. I may say, these questions you ask have already been answered by
me to Captain Lim of the constabulary. Perhaps he can help you."

"We intend to see him," Zircon replied. "Is his office nearby?"

"No,