The Golden Skull: A Rick Brant Science-Adventure Story

by Harold L. Goodwin

  CHAPTER VI

  Chahda Checks In

  Rick had expected the flight to Baguio to be a snap, but as it turnedout, he had to call for help. Angel Manotok carried the threeSpindrifters to the airport in the truck, Rick and Scotty riding behind,then Angel departed for Baguio with Nast and his bundle of silks.

  Rick checked in at the Philippine Aeronautics Commission, seekinginformation on the airport at Baguio. He took one look at the approachpattern and gulped. The approach was between high mountains, down avalley, and then up a mountainside. What made it worse was that onemountain looked much like another on the topographical map.

  He exclaimed, "Boy! That's a rugged landing field to find!"

  The Filipino official smiled. "You have maybe Navy flying experience?"

  "No. Why?"

  "Best experience for landing at Baguio is making landings on aircraftcarrier."

  "Thanks," Rick said. "Any advice?"

  "Yes. Go to Philippine Air Lines. Talk to flight dispatcher. PAL flightleaves here maybe two hours. Just right for you. Fly to rendezvous.Pretty soon along comes PAL flight and you follow in."

  The advice was good, Rick realized. He could not do better than follow aregular air-line flight into the field. He did as directed, met thepilot of the next Baguio flight, a former Filipino pilot in the UnitedStates Air Force, and was told the approximate time the PAL flight wouldpass the Kennon Road horseshoe curve for the Baguio approach.

  "Follow the Kennon Road," the pilot advised. "Pick me up when I go overthe curve. You can't mistake the place. Nothing else like it."

  While Rick made arrangements, Tony and Scotty loaded their personalsuitcases into the luggage compartment with the earth scanner. Scottystarted the engine and checked the plane, so that it was warm when Rickarrived. They took off at once and headed north across the great centralplain of Luzon.

  The landscape below was flat, cut up by creeks and estuaries. It wasperfect rice country. Later they passed Mount Arayat, once the hide-outof the Hukbalahap--the lawless forces that had been such a threat toPhilippine stability. Ahead of them rose the mountains of northernLuzon. Within those mountains they would find Baguio and MountainProvince.

  Rick picked up the Kennon Road without trouble as it wound its waythrough the foothills. Staying high, he followed it until he reached agreat switchback curve. A car following that road would literally doubleback on itself, he thought. He glanced at his watch. The PAL plane wouldbe along in about two minutes. The pilot had estimated Rick's flyingtime perfectly. Rick climbed, then circled until Scotty saw thetwin-engine transport approaching.

  The PAL pilot waggled his wings, and Rick followed as the air linerthrottled down, swung between mountain peaks, and threaded its way downa wide valley. Rick gulped. A good thing he had had the experiencedpilot to follow. He would never have found the way alone. The peaks werecompletely confusing to someone who had never seen them before.

  The air liner turned suddenly and Rick's heart leaped into his throat.He thought the PAL plane was flying right into the mountainside. Butsuch was not the case. The plane settled down on a landing strip thathad been hewn from a mountaintop. It was obvious what the PAL officialhad meant when he joked about carrier landings.

  Rick followed the PAL plane in, and had to fight down his instinctivefeeling to gain altitude when he saw the mountainside rushing at him. Henearly over-shot the landing strip. But then the Sky Wagon was down, andhe taxied toward the control station.

  Scotty wiped his brow. "Some field!"

  "Next time will be okay," Rick replied. "But this time I aged tenyears."

  The Filipino pilot walked to meet them, grinning. "How do you likeBaguio airport?"

  "I've landed on fields I liked better," Rick replied. "Thanks forleading us in."

  "You're welcome. I remember my first landing. Couldn't fly again for aweek. All I could think of was spreading my passengers all over thehillside. But only the first time is hard. We fly in and out of hereseveral times a day, and we've never had a serious accident."

  "Your air line doesn't go in for accidents," Tony Briotti said. "Youhave a remarkable safety record."

  "We do our best," the pilot said. "Going into town? I am. I have a carbehind the control shack. Be glad to give you a lift."

  "Thanks a million," Rick answered. "First I have to make arrangementsfor my plane."

  The pilot grinned. "None to make. No hangars, no service except gas.Just stake it down and lock the door. It will be all right."

  It had to be all right. There was nothing else to do. The Spindrifterstook the earth scanner and their personal luggage, then locked theplane, leaving the alarm activated. As an afterthought, Rick left aduplicate key with the Filipino field official. Someone might touch itcasually and set the alarm off, and it would sound until the door wasunlocked and relocked again with the key. He explained how it worked andthen joined the pilot and his friends in the official air-line car.

  The pilot dropped them at Muller's, a combination boardinghouse andold-fashioned inn. They checked in, then climbed a nearby hill for aview of Baguio.

  As far as the eye could see, there were mountains. Steep ridges and deepclefts made a picturesque jumble of the landscape. Beyond, over theridge, was the Trinidad Valley, a farm garden area where the Americancolony of the Philippines got most of its temperate zone vegetables andfruit. On the other side of town was the Golden Bowl of Benguet, wherefabulous gold mines were worked by Igorot miners clad only inbreechcloths and hard-rock helmets.

  Baguio itself was a modern city in most respects. But the population--astrange mixture of Christian Filipinos and primitive, pagan Igorots--wasunusual. The Filipinos wore typical Western dress, and actually dressedpretty warmly. The Igorot men wore the breechcloth, perhaps with a shirtor sweater, perhaps with nothing at all. Most of the men had tinypillbox caps of woven straw on the backs of their heads. The littleround boxes were decorated with such oddments as boar's tusks and cokebottle caps. The Igorot women wore a tight-fitting skirt of colorfulwool, usually patterned in red or yellow. They wore blouses ofembroidered white cotton, or jackets of colored wool. Their skirts hadballs of yarn on the hips. The women wore no hats. Both sexes wereusually barefoot.

  There were contrasts. For example, next to a great Christian cathedralwas the Igorot dog market. The Igorots were eaters of dog meat.

  But it was not the Igorots or the mountains that had made Baguio famousand turned it into the summer capital of the Philippines--it was theclimate. While Manila burned in the tropical sun, Baguio, thousands offeet higher, had cool, fall-like weather. There was hardly a nightduring the year when blankets were not comfortable. Even the foliage wastemperate rather than tropical. Baguio had pine trees, a welcome sightto the Spindrift trio.

  There was a tall, fragrant pine just outside the window of the roomshared by Rick and Scotty. When the boys returned to their rooms to washup for an early dinner, Rick leaned out and broke off a pine cone. Then,by reaching only a bit further, he grabbed a cluster of purple-redblossoms from a bougainvillea vine that had climbed the tree to theirsecond-floor height.

  In the comfortable dining room, they chose a table in front of a roaringfireplace, glad of the warmth. It was chilly in Baguio. While theywaited to be served, Rick mentioned the pine tree to Tony and commentedthat it was odd that a tree should be left so close to a building.

  "The forest practices of the Igorots and Ifugaos could well be copied byus," Tony told the boys. "Anyone who cuts down a tree for anything otherthan genuine use is severely punished. In the old days the punishmentmight have been loss of his head. That's how much respect they have fortheir water supply, which is dependent directly on their forests."

  "You talk as though these were civilized people," Scotty commented.

  Tony grinned. "Depends on what you call civilization. But they have avery highly developed and complex culture. They have a history, too,which they know better than we know ours. For instance, an Ifugao canrecite his ancestry as far back as twenty-five
generations. Can you?"

  "Not sure I'd want to," Scotty retorted. "Might be a few horse thievesalong the way. Seriously, I see what you mean."

  "Their priests must know all about fifteen hundred different gods andall the legends and taboos connected with each. No written books toconsult, either. All must be memorized."

  "That certainly proves that they have good memories," Rick said. "I'mnot sure what else it proves."

  "Wait until you see the rice terraces. Now let's order dinner. This coolair has whetted my appetite like a razor's edge."

  After a delicious meal of broiled steak, fresh vegetables from TrinidadValley, and the huge strawberries for which the valley is famous, thethree lingered over coffee and Tony recited more details of the Igorotand Ifugao way of life, so different from their own. In the midst of therecital Angel Manotok arrived.

  "Good trip?" Rick asked.

  "Yes. No trouble. The truck is a beauty. What do you want me to do now?"

  Rick handed him the keys to their room. "You're pretty dusty. Wash up,eat, then go to the airport. You'll find a spare bedroll in the crateyou carried by yourself back at the Manila Hotel. Keep an eye on theplane, and we'll join you at breakfast time."

  Although there was no reason to suspect that anyone would harm theplane, none of them felt comfortable about leaving it unguarded. Theywere sure it would be safe during the daylight hours, but darknessafforded an opportunity for sabotage.

  Angel took the keys and went on his way. In a short time he returned,gave the keys back to Rick, and said, "I'll get supper at a Filipinoplace. See you in the morning."

  "Businesslike," Tony said approvingly. "No waste words or motion. Ithink we were lucky to get him."

  The boys agreed. "Wonder how he and Nast got along?" Rick queried. "Iforgot to ask him."

  "He probably dropped off Nast and his silks before he came here," Scottycommented.

  At Tony's suggestion they walked around town, taking in the interestingmarketplace, the several cathedrals, the summer palace of thePhilippines president, and the parks. Baguio was different--and verypeaceful and pleasant. As they walked, they discussed their plans forthe next day.

  Rick and Tony were to fly to Bontoc, which was still in Igorot country,then cross the mountain to Banaue, which was the objective of the trip,land of the Ifugaos and home of the fabled rice terraces. It was to be anon-stop trip, mostly to familiarize Rick with the terrain. At the sametime, Scotty and Angel were to go by truck to Bontoc, several hours'drive to the north. They would remain overnight. If Scotty could arrangea landing place for the Sky Wagon, he would phone Rick at Muller's. ThenRick and Tony would fly up the next morning. Scotty was a pilot himself,so he knew the requirements for a good landing strip.

  If no suitable landing place were available, Rick and Tony would hire ajeep and drive to Bontoc. Jeeps were common in the Philippines, sincethey were ideal vehicles for the back country. Hiring one would presentno problems.

  With no landing place available, the Sky Wagon would not come into useuntil the expedition found artifacts of value. Then Rick would return toBaguio, get the plane, pick up the discoveries by cable, and deliver thestuff to Okola in Manila for safekeeping and preliminary examination.

  The exercise and the cool freshness of the air made them sleepy, andpresently, by mutual consent, they returned to Muller's.

  "Might as well get to bed early," Tony said. "Then we can be up at dawnand get off to an early start. Good night, boys."

  The boys bade him good night and went to their own room, a few doorsdown the hall. Scotty unlocked the door and swung it open, then let outa yell of joy. Chahda was sprawled on one of the beds, reading amagazine!

  The Hindu boy was dressed in Western clothes, slacks and a sportsjacket.

  He looked up as the door opened. "Hi," he said casually. "Nice walk?"

  It was as though they had left him reading while they went for a stroll.Chahda's casualness was too much for Rick and Scotty. They dove for him,hauled him out of the bed, and pummeled him with sheer delight. FinallyChahda yelled for mercy.

  "I give in! Plenty okay! I glad to see you, too. Please do not breakleg, may need it."

  "You no-good swami," Scotty said. "What's the idea of playing Sikh?"

  The boys sat down on the bed opposite Chahda.

  "Talk," Rick commanded. "What kind of gag is this?"

  "Best way to learn about people is to be one of them," Chahda said withdignity. "I have been Filipino and Sikh. Now I become Igorot. First Ilearned about this new country from Alm-in-ack. Says this largest groupin Malay Archipelago. What is archipelago, please?"

  Rick saw the twinkle in Chahda's eye and knew that their friend wasfollowing his usual custom of teasing them. "Archy Pelago is the blacksheep of the Pelago family," he said. "Archy first fell from grace whenhe got into a fight with neighbors. It was a real melee. Hence hisnickname. Melee Archy Pelago...."

  A pillow caught him in the face, smothering his words. Scotty pushed himover on the bed and sat on him.

  "Come on, Chahda. I'm so curious I could spring a seam. What's goingon?"

  Rick squirmed, got nowhere, and finally sank his teeth into Scotty hardenough to get results. Scotty let out a yell that could have been heardin Singapore.

  Tony Briotti pounded on the door and called, "How do you expect thepaying guests to sleep with that racket going on?"

  The boys let him in and introduced Chahda. Tony shook hands with theHindu boy. "I was beginning to believe you were a figment of thewell-known Spindrift imagination. It's a pleasure to meet you."

  "Likewise am honored to meet brilliant young scientist," Chahda saidpolitely. "My worthless friends tell me they even call you by nickname,while other scientists are called by title. This is mark of high esteem,I think. Glad to meet you, _Sahib_ Tony."

  "Chahda was just going to give us the low-down," Rick said.

  "That what the yelling was about?" Tony asked.

  "Scotty yelled," Rick said. "Mosquito bit him."

  "That mosquito is going to get swatted when he least expects it," Scottypromised. "Come on, Chahda. Spin us a yarn."

  "Okay." Chahda sat cross-legged on Rick's bed. "You know I went toManila Hotel. For three days I waited. Then one day I sit next to famousAssistant Secretary of Exterior."

  "Interior," Rick corrected. "Lazada."

  "Yes. Soon he is met by a friend who sits with him. This friend is notknown to me then. But I listen. I hear Lazada's friend say that sooncome Americans who will desec--What is ruin religious things, please?"

  "Desecrate," Tony supplied.

  "Yes. Do that to sacred Ifugao things. This friend begs Lazada not togive permit."

  The three Spindrifters were sitting on the edges of the beds now,concentrating on every word.

  "Friend says Americans will dig up rice terraces, looking for gold.Sacred objects of gold will be carried away, and earth-cokes and draftswill fall on Ifugao people."

  "Earthquakes and droughts," Rick corrected.

  "That is what I said," Chahda nodded. "Lazada objects that these are notreal gold things, and the friend says they are. Real gold. Much gold.All very sacred. Again he begs Lazada not to allow this sacker-ledge."

  "Sacrilege."

  "Yes. Anyway, Lazada says Americans have much influence. He does notknow if he can stop them. But he will try. I do not believe he talkstruth. His looks do not make me trust him. You know?"

  The boys knew.

  "When friend leaves, I think I follow him. He starts out, then he meetsAmerican on steps of hotel. I get close and listen. He says to American,how you like to add gold to your smuggle into China?"

  Rick whistled. He had heard that smuggling gold from the Philippinesinto China was big business.

  "American says plenty like. Where is gold? Lazada says we not talk here,you come to my house tonight--no, tomorrow. Got big official dinnertonight, and there is plenty time. Then I decide I must know more. So Igo to Number One Sikh in Manila and tell him he has new strong boy
to beguard at Lazada's, after I make sure Lazada has Sikh guards. This isarranged. No trouble."

  Chahda always made it sound dramatic but easy, Rick thought. He doubtedthat it was as simple as the Hindu boy made out.

  "American comes, and I am not able to hear much of talk. But I getAmerican's name. You know him. Since this morning."

  "Nast!" Rick exclaimed.

  "Yes. Also comes to Lazada's house the Filipino friend, but he is notFilipino. He is Ifugao. About him I do not know, except that he iscalled No Palate. Or something like that. I would like to follow him,but I think better I stay with Lazada. Good thing, too, because Nastcomes again, and this time I listen. Lazada tells Nast first to meetyou, so you will know and trust him. Then Nast is to get in touch withNo Palate. Lazada says he has told No Palate that he cannot keep permitfrom you, but that American friend will help keep you from digging upIfugao sacred things."

  Chahda shrugged. "What am I to do? I stop being Sikh. My Number One Sikhbuddy-chum helps me meet Igorot who used to be scout for constabulary.Name of Dog Meat. Fine name, huh? Dog Meat will help. I hire him. Needhelper named Dog Meat for sure." He grinned.

  The boys chuckled, and Tony explained, "That is actually a veryhonorable name. Dog meat is a ceremonial meat among the Igorots."

  "Best reason I've heard for hiring anyone in a long time," Rickcommented.

  Chahda continued, "This morning I try to catch you at Manila, but reachhotel too late, then reach airport too late. But I do some watching, andI find out man with same describing as Nast has been visiting with youat airport. You already gone. Nast already gone. Dog Meat and me, wetake next PAL plane to Baguio. When get here, there is your Sky Wagon.At least I think it is yours, because it is like you told me in yourletter. So I come here, but not come directly to room, because I thinkmaybe better I stay undercover. So climb tree and come in window."

  The Hindu boy made a gesture of "all done." "Next time you see me, I beIfugao. Or maybe Igorot. Maybe even Kalinga." He named another relatedpagan group. "Will decide when I see what is to be did. But already havename." He smiled blandly. "Name myself for Scotty."

  Rick moved out of the line of fire.

  Chahda bowed. "Meet Cow Brain."

  Scotty reached for him. Tony and Rick ducked.