Copyright © 2000 HHT Irrevocable Trust. All rights reserved.

 

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Chapter 8

PALAWAN, PHILIPPINES

 

TEOFISTO GUIDED DOUG BACK TO CAMP and planned to return to the Indian village as soon as he rested and regained his strength. Doug had radioed ahead, briefly telling Bill of his success; but as he entered the camp, it was the time of his glory. He smirked and strutted toward the awaiting Bill.

“I’ll be the first to compliment you,” Brother Bill said while shaking Doug’s hand.

“It only took the senior Goodwin brother to get this project off dead center,” Doug said in jest.

“I’m dying to ask—what did the Orphans look like?”

“I couldn’t wait for you to ask, brother. Follow me.” With that enticing statement, Doug walked toward the hut, and the curious Bill beat him to the door and held it open, pretending to serve royalty. Once inside, with the door shut, Doug slid his right hand inside his shirt and triumphantly produced a twelve-pound Orphan. “Da-dum-m-m,” he chanted.

“Holy mackerel,” Bill gasped, reaching for the treasure. “It’s real…It’s really true… I can’t believe it.”

The reality of the treasure was overwhelming. The glisten of the heavy bar sent chills of elation through both of the men as Bill’s excitement became contagious. In the privacy of their room, they felt safe to react with youthful exuberance.

“I might have known you would cop off with an Orphan,” Bill said as he felt, rubbed and fondled the weighty treasure.

“It’s my gift to you,” Doug said.

“I’ll bet. I suppose you want me to divide it with you.”

“Only 50-50,” Doug answered with a laugh.

“Man what is this sweet little Orphan worth?” Bill asked while pressing his lips to the gold.

“I figured it out as I walked through the jungle: about sixty-eight thousand dollars.”

Bill exhaled deeply and kissed the gold again. “This hunk of metal covers all our expenses to date. How’d you get your hands on it?”

“You know me; I’ve always had the magicians touch,” Doug answered, and added: “In a dark cave with the audience turned away from me, it simply vanished into thin air.”

“Won’t they miss it from the pile?”

“Not likely. I quickly rearranged things while they were talking between themselves. Besides they’re all going to be ours anyway and there are about one hundred and fifty of those lovely Orphans still waiting for us.”

Bill’s mind was reeling like a top as he tried to calculate the total value of the vast treasure.

Doug knew Bill’s thoughts and quickly interjected, “That’s about ten million dollars, my friend.

Bill sat on his cot in a daze, completely overwhelmed with the reality of it all. Sliding his fingers around on the cool slick metal, he said, “It feels almost alive. When my skin touches the bar, it seems to responds to my touch.”

“That’s why people catch gold fever. The weight, feel and nobility of the metal grabs you without you realizing it.”

“I realize it—I’ve been caught,” Bill said laughing and laying back on his cot. He set the heavy bar on his chest and enjoyed the moment.

“Fill me in on the details of ‘Big O’ and the boat,” Doug said after a few minutes.

Laying on his back and caressing gold on his chest, Bill began his explanation, “Your famous sea Captain ran off with the $50,000 you paid him. ‘Big O’ talked to him only once before he skipped. ‘Big O’ worked everything out even better in spite of that character. He found a one hundred twenty foot yacht somewhere and chartered it for a small percentage of the booty, one percent I think. The owner seemed glad to put it to a profitable use. Anyway, the boat is on its way and will arrive in Hong Kong next Wednesday.”

“That boat’s Captain always concerned me—he acted suspicious from the moment I met him.  In fact, I even wondered if he really owned the boat.  It was such a good boat for a guy that looked like a ruffian,” Doug said; then suddenly realizing the time table, he reached an exciting conclusion, “That’s only five days away!”

Bill turned his head, and with a song in his voice, chanted, “That’s r-r-r-r-right.”

“I’m sending Teofisto back to live with the natives. We don’t want anything to happen now—you know the phrase, “Shit happens”? Well it usually happens at the last minute; so Teofisto’s job is to watch the Orphans and keep the natives happy.”

“Maybe we should send them some gifts,” Bill suggested.

“I thought of that,” Doug said, “but Teofisto has to carry everything by himself through the jungle; so I can’t think of anything that would work out.”

“I’ve got it!” Bill said with enthusiasm. “Let’s make the children happy. They love sweet candy.”

“That’s a great idea. Trust you to think of the children.”

“I’m just a child at heart,” Bill replied as he continued to stroke the bar of gold on his chest. “Maybe we should run an acid test on this little Orphan,” he said.

“That’s one reason I brought it with me,” Doug said, “along with wanting a bird in my hand in case all else fails.”

Bill rolled from his cot to the floor and opened his packsack. Pulling his gold testing kit from its plastic Ziploc bag, he scratched a gold line on the scratch plate and placed a drop of acid on the line. “The line is still there, brother,” he reported with joy. “It’s at least twenty-two karats—it’s the real thing.”

Bill replaced his testing kit and inserted the Orphan at the bottom of the packsack, and slid it under his cot. “I’m taking that little friend everywhere I go,” he said.

“Don’t let it out of your sight,” Doug said. “You’re in charge.”

The odor of cooked food flowed through the open window of the hut and into Doug’s nostrils. Hunger pangs churned through his stomach as he realized he was starving. The past few days had been so packed with excitement that he had not been fully aware of his lack of food. Cold rations providing bare sustenance had fulfilled his survival needs; and while in the jungle, his needs and wants had become one. Now the odor of cooked food changed all that. “Let’s eat, brother!” Doug shouted and rushed from the hut.

Bill glanced back toward his packsack while leaving the hut with a contented feeling. “Nobody enters that hut without me,” he thought.

 

APPROACHING HONG KONG

 

The yacht from the United States traveled through relatively smooth waters, wending its way toward Hong Kong. It would arrive in two days after twelve days on the open sea. One day’s rough weather had delayed them slightly, but still, Captain Scott was proud of his navigation.

Suwat and his boat Captain had been waiting patiently in Kowloon for two days and one night with their team of ten men, and their hardware for war hidden on a small Hong Kong Island. Their thousand mile trip had taken as long as the seven thousand mile yacht trip from the U.S.. They had unfortunately hired a boat that placed the lives of the entire team in danger. The old boat resembled those being used by boat-people escaping from Vietnam.

They were only one day out of Bangkok, when a strange boat approached their yacht. The binoculars brought them up close and they didn’t look like fishermen.  They had been warned that there were pirates in these waters. It was incomprehensible to Suwat that pirates would rob the poor people from Vietnam, but he was aware that it happened regularly. Robbers would steal the meager possessions from fellow humans who had nothing of real value and leave them destitute. They would steal what little they had and leave them destitute without any qualms at all.

As the suspected pirates approached Suwat’s ship, a thick, heavy fog rolled in and blocked the view of both ships. Suwat’s Captain wisely changed the course of the ship to avoid confrontation; but a break in the fog disclosed their plans, and the robber’s ship maneuvered alongside. It was now obvious that they really were pirates.

Suwat and his men had absolutely no fear of the pirates but disliked wasting the time to confront them. “Let us seize this opportunity to teach those rotten guys a lesson they will never forget,” Suwat said to his men.

“Maybe rid the world of a curse,” a voice spoke from the group.

“Death is not our goal, but we must protect our lives and you are free to do whatever is necessary,” Suwat replied.

The thumping sound of the pirate’s boat contacting theirs stimulated a rush of adrenaline in each team member as he fingered his automatic rifle and waited for battle.

The pirates were accustomed to using the tactic of suddenly overpowering the victims with one fatal swoop; so with little hesitation, thirty armed men lunged over the side of Suwat’s boat as a single force.

The dirty, swaggering men stood on the deck inside the hull of Suwat’s boat, planning to conquer the helpless. To their unpleasant surprise, they were staring into the eyes of seasoned warriors, armed with sophisticated weapons.

The pirates, who were a motley group of unorganized thieves, being used to violence, charged the warriors without regard for human life. The battle was short lived. By the time Suwat’s team members unloaded the first magazine of ammunition, every last one of the pirates lay in a lifeless heap on the deck. Suwat led a counter-charge over the rail to the pirate’s ship, only to find a Captain and one guard.

Shocked with disbelief and almost paralyzed with fear, the Captain grabbed a gun only a split second before he and his guard were shot.

Shouting back to his ship, Suwat yelled, “Carry those scumbags back to their own ship, and scuttle this foul crate. Salvage anything of value first”

Suwat’s men delighted in following that order. They tossed the dead bodies onto the deck and charged throughout the ship, grabbing anything that reflected value. Suwat rushed to the Captain quarters and found a chest of money and several outdated guns. He grabbed the chest and shouted to his men, “I’m setting a timed charge of dynamite in the engine room,” he shouted. “Prepare to abandon this piece of junk.”

Everyone scurried to grab his last handful of booty and jumped back to their ship; Suwat being the last to leave.

The ships had separated a safe distance when an explosion ripped a hole in the rusty robber ship, and they watched with cheers as it sank from sight. They had accomplished two things in that brief encounter. First, they had whet their appetite for battle and, secondly they had eliminated a despicable cancer from society. It had been a worthwhile experience.

Their trusty old boat continued to slice through the fog toward Hong Kong. Many hours later, as they approached the first of many outcroppings of islands thirty-nine kilometers from Kowloon, Hong Kong, Suwat began making plans to stash their battle gear on an out-of-the-way island, and position his men to protect it. He instructed his sea Captain to circle a small, barren island while he established a fix on their location using the GSC that ‘Big O’ had given him in Bangkok.

After determining their distance from Kowloon, Hong Kong, he told the Captain, “Let’s check that island — go toward the shore.”

The Captain obeyed and slowly brought the craft within five hundred meters of a flat sandy beach and killed his engines. Darkness of night set in while they waited and watched for signs of life on the island. After observing the coastline for two hours and seeing no movement, Suwat lowered a small rowboat and left for the island with two men.

Upon landing on the white sandy shore, each man moved out in assigned directions. They searched the entire island and found it uninhabited.

“This is perfect,” Suwat exclaimed. Taking a flashlight from his pack, he flashed a predetermined signal to the awaiting boat.

Suwat and the men with him rested on the warm sand while watching the boat move closer and stop outside the sand bar. The denseness of the dark night prevented them from seeing the men unload the boat, but they could mental picture the action. About two hour later, eight of Suwat’s men arrived with all the gear stowed in their rowboat. They unloaded their supplies, and Suwat returned to the boat.

Meeting the Captain, Suwat said, “I’ll send our global position to ‘Big O’; then let’s go on to Kowloon.” He reached for his GSC, connected with the ‘Big O’ E-mail address and punched the send button, receiving a message that his coordinates were delivered. “‘Big O’ will respond in a minute…we must wait.”

In less than thirty seconds, Suwat received a response E-mail from ‘Big O’ confirming that he had received the message and with instructions to contact him from Hong Kong.

The Captain started the engines and turning his boat, headed due north. The Captain had navigated the waters near Hong Kong before, as a merchant; so he proceeded with confidence. Suwat had chartered that particular boat because it had previously been used as merchant ship in Hong Kong—they could dock without suspicion. The trip through the night to Kowloon took slightly over four hours, but they arrived safely before dawn. An inspector immediately met them as they entered the port-of-entry dock.

“Good evening, do you speak English?” the Captain said to an inspector, who rushed to the dock.

“Yes, but are you Thai?” the inspector asked.

“We ship to U.S. Guam,” the Captain replied, continuing the charade.

“May I see your papers?” the inspector asked.

The Captain handed the inspector a set of carefully prepared documents and stood confidently while he studied them.

The inspector looked up from the documents and surveyed the boat with his flashlight. “How many on your crew?”

“Only me and my mate.”

“Your passports, please,” the inspector demanded in a stern voice.

The Captain walked to his locker and retrieved his passport. Shouting below, he said, “Mate! Bring your passport for inspection,” then, passed his passport to the inspector.

Suwat came forward and handed his passport to the inspector. ‘Big O’ had prepared the fake passports for the Gold Buddha adventure. They showed Suwat to be Amal Suksukon and the Captain a merchant from Thailand.

The inspector took both passports and walked away. The Captain and Suwat looked at each other with a ‘hope everything works out’ expression and watched as the inspector entered a small guard shack.

“I hope our story holds up,” Suwat said. Our papers were prepared by ‘Big O’; so they should be okay.”

The door of the guard shack flew open, and the inspector walked briskly toward them. “Your papers are in order, pull your boat to the dock on the far end. There will be a docking fee of twenty-five hundred Baht plus inspection fee.”

Suwat stepped forward and asked, “What is the exchange rate for U.S. dollars?”

“Twenty-five point sixty-two,” the inspector answered.

Calculating in his head, Suwat replied, “That would be almost one hundred dollars U.S.. How much is the inspection fee?”

“One hundred U.S. dollars,” the inspector answered without hesitation—he was a seasoned veteran of graft.

To avoid conflict, Suwat went to the Captain’s cabin and returned with two of the one hundred dollar bills that had been part of the loot from the defeated pirates. “Thank you for your assistance, sir,” he said with a sincere sounding voice.

The inspector took the money, slipped the bills into his chest pocket and walked away. With a feeling of extreme relief, Suwat and the Captain returned to the task of moving the boat to their assigned docking area.

Soon, they moored the boat and secured it to the dock. Both Suwat and the Captain retired to their bunks to sleep for a couple of hours.

 

KOWLOON (NINE DRAGONS), HONG KONG

 

An explosive air-horn from a passing freighter jolted Suwat and Captain Shiva into sudden consciousness. They rolled out of their confining sleeping bunks and dressed without speaking to one another—each knew his duties for the day. Suwat unpacked his ST and typed the code number for ‘Big O’ in the United States, and Capt. Shiva began checking the Magi for mechanical problems.

“A voice answered, “Hello.”

“Hello?” Suwat said with a question in his voice.

‘Big O’ recognizing Suwat answered energetically, “It's good to hear your voice, especially from Hong Kong.”

“Good to hear you, too. We are at port-of-entry dock in Kowloon,” Suwat explained, in rushed choppy tones. “When are you coming?”

“I've been waiting to hear from you. You sound excited.”

“I'm only anxious,” Suwat responded.”

“I've made flight reservations after your last E-mail. The next flight leaves in four hours, and I will be on it.”

“We will be on a boat named the Magi. It’s named after a holy man from the East. We’re at Kowloon Harbor Dock.”

“Very good, my friend. I'll be with you soon,” ‘Big O’ said in conclusion.

Suwat walked excitedly to the junket and reported the good news to the Captain. “All we can do now is sit back and wait.”

 

LEAVING LOS ANGELES, USA FOR HONG KONG

 

‘Big O’ left the Los Angeles International Airport on schedule. Traveling in a comfortable 747 jet as a tourist was a treat for an old-time jungle fighter. He slept peacefully during most of the trip. He was not worried about the task of moving bars of gold from one location to another. His war experiences made this adventure look like a cakewalk. He had no way of knowing that the adventure of the diamond filled gold Buddha would turn into another life or death experience. He landed in Hong Kong as planned

Clearing customs in Hong Kong took extra time; because he had to explain the two notebook computers (actually two unrecognizable Satellite Telephones). The customs officials finally bought the cover that he was a businessman with samples for the Chamber of Commerce. ‘Big O’ left the airport walking as official as possible and caught a taxi to the port-of-entry dock. He walked along the dock looking for a ship named the “Magi”.

Suwat came from his cabin the same instant ‘Big O’ approached. The expression on his face when he saw ‘Big O’ was one of surprise, relief and happiness.

“Brother, it is good to see you,” he shouted and rushed toward ‘Big O’.

“Hello my friend,” ‘Big O’ responded.

“We have been waiting two long days,” Suwat said.

“My arms are so tired I feel like I have been flying two days,” ‘Big O’ joked. “Let's go get some Chinese food.”

“Maybe Thai food?” Suwat asked with a pleading expression.

“In Hong Kong?” ‘Big O’ questioned with a smirk; “I don't care, just so it's food.”

Turning toward the galley, Suwat shouted, “Hey Captain, do you want some real food for a change; ‘Big O’ is here.”

‘Big O’ stepped on the deck of the boat and marveled at the strength of financially poor people. The boat was sea worthy but with no frills. It was constructed of Burmese teak and looked like it had traveled a million miles. The owner and Captain of the vessel came forward to meet ‘Big O’. He welcomed ‘Big O’ to his humble boat; by using a grandiose gesture it was obvious that he considered his boat to be a prize possession.

“You have a fine boat here,” ‘Big O’ said, with sincerity.

“Thank you vely' much,” the Captain responded. “I have heard much about you.”

“We appreciate your efforts and your boat. Will you join us for breakfast?”

“Much pleasure.”

With that short conversation, they left the Magi in search of a restaurant. Neither Suwat nor the Captain was accustomed to eating in restaurants; so they held back allowing ‘Big O’ to lead the way.

Not wanting his unkempt companions to feel out of place, ‘Big O’ selected a small restaurant near the docks, one designed for dockhands. They ordered the dish of the day, a rice concoction of scrambled eggs, herbs and spices. The meal was spicy hot, similar to Thai food; it was a welcome change from the food prepared on the boat.

“Are your men in a safe location?” ‘Big O’ asked Suwat.

“Oh, yes, but we should get to them soon. They will wonder if you arrived.”

“I received your E-mail with the coordinates and forwarded it to Capt. Scott….He’s coming in a large yacht to pick us up. We can leave right away, as far as I'm concerned.”

The Captain interrupted his meal and said, still chewing, “I want to leave before that inspector comes around again.”

“Did he give you any trouble before?” ‘Big O’ asked.

“Not really,” Suwat answered, “but you never know when he'll come around to collect more money.”

‘Big O’ asked, “How much money did he charge?”

“Two hundred dollars US,” Suwat answered.

“Have you loaded the fuel yet?” ‘Big O’ inquired, between bites of food.

“Not yet.”

“We'd better get out of here before something happens,” ‘Big O’ said in a tone of voice that indicated that he was preparing to leave; so they finished their meal rapidly and prepared to return to the Magi.

As soon as they arrived at the Magi, ‘Big O’ E-mailed a message to the Goodwin Brothers informing them that all was well, and they were leaving Hong Kong in a few hours.

The Captain started the engine of the Magi and checked it thoroughly before engaging the gears. The heavy, wooden boat hesitated at first, as if refusing to move, then slowly responded to the churning propeller.

‘Big O’ remained below deck during the departure to avoid detection. It was a good idea, for the inspector walked in their direction while the boat left the dock. The Captain watched out of the corner of his eye, prepared to ignore any signal from the inspector, but none came.

The chugging Magi followed the dock line for about one thousand meters to the fueling dock and waited its turn for fuel. Refueling took more than two hours; but eventually, it was completed, and they were on their way.

At least, it appeared that they were on their way. The Magi was forced to wait while another boat crossed in front of them and pulled up to an open dock. ‘Big O’ watched from a porthole below deck as the ship passed their bow. He noticed the face of a young girl staring through a porthole of the boat; and when she saw ‘Big O’, she began waving frantically and shouting, “Help, help!” Then, a man's large hand encircled her mouth and pulled her back.

‘Big O’ could not hear the words or the screams of the girl, but recognized her plight. An ugly, man's face appeared at the girl's porthole, and ‘Big O’ stepped back, thinking, “I’m sure that poor young girl is being held against her will.”

‘Big O’ moved to the stairway and called Suwat. “I just saw a girl in that boat who might need our help.”

“What do you mean?” Suwat asked, wishing he hadn't heard the words.

“Before we leave, I want to be sure that is not a slave ship bringing young girls from the Philippines.”

Suwat, ready for any type of action, bristled at the thought and rushed to the Captain instructing him to pull next to the ship that had just docked then returned to ‘Big O’.

‘Big O’ watched, standing a few steps back from his porthole, but observed no movement in the boat next to them. Suddenly he saw several girls passing the opening and fading into the darkness of the hull.

“The port inspector is coming,” Suwat shouted at ‘Big O’.

“Here, give him this hundred dollar bill and tell him we want to stay here for a few hours for engine repairs,” ‘Big O’ said, handing the money to Suwat.

Suwat leaped from the ship to the dock and walked toward the inspector. ‘Big O’ watched from around the corner as Suwat spoke to the inspector and saw him casually slip the money to him. The inspector turned and walked away as Suwat returned to his boat.

“No problem,” Suwat said. “We can stay for the day.”

“Have the Captain come here,” ‘Big O’ instructed.

Both the Captain and Suwat came down the stairs, anxious to hear what ‘Big O’ had to say. “I believe the boat next to us is carrying girls who have been kidnapped and are being transported to be sold as slaves. They looked like Filipinas.

“I've seen slave traders before,” Suwat added. “Many girls are sold to the Japanese to live a life of forced prostitution-Japanese men like Filipinas.”

“I don't even have to think about it,” ‘Big O’ said. “Those young girls should be returned to their families.”

“Maybe their families sold them,” Suwat suggested.

“That's possible, but they deserve another chance.” Speaking confidentially to Suwat, ‘Big O’ asked, “Can you talk your way onto that boat and pretend to make a deal to buy the girls?”

“All I need is to flash some money,” Suwat said, using a phrase he had learned from U.S. soldiers.

‘Big O’ pulled a handful of small value bills from his pocket and rolled them with a one-hundred-dollar bill on the outside. “Here, just flash this roll at them and put it back in your pocket,” ‘Big O’ said. “Tell them we want to buy girls and try to check them out.”

Understanding “Big O's” intentions, Suwat left the Magi and walked along the dock waiting for the right time to approach the suspicious boat. He watched as two deck hands appeared on deck for a few minutes, and then returned below deck. Finally a well-dressed, portly man, who obviously was in charge, came on deck and stood surveying his surroundings while smoking a long cigar.

Confidently, Suwat approached the man and said in unbroken English, “I believe you have a product I am prepared to purchase.”

“And what would that be?” the well-dressed man, speaking with a British accent, asked.

“I come to the dock to pay for girls to work for me,” Suwat said and pulled the roll of bills from his pocket.

The man's eyes were attracted to the money as if it were a magnet, “What makes you think I carry such a cargo?”

“I am trained to find girls,” Suwat answered with a degree of arrogance.

The man replied with caution, “Maybe, I could get some girls for you, but the price—you realize the expenses are high.”

Before giving the man time to state a figure, Suwat made an offer, “I'll give you fifteen hundred US for each girl but I want many.”

The man lowered his head and glanced at the bulge of money in Suwat's pocket and said, “Come aboard and let's talk.”

Suwat stepped onto the moving deck of the rocking boat and followed the man to his cabin. The man poured two drinks and invited Suwat to join him.

“Suppose I can get you girls, how many do you want?”

“How many can you get?”

“I know of ten who are available right now.”

“That would be fine, but how old are they and what nationality?”

“Philippine and between fifteen and eighteen years old.”

“I would need to see them and have my doctor check them first—I can't buy diseased girls,” Suwat said, playing his roll well.

“My fine man, I think we have a deal,” the well-dressed man said, sliding his chair away from the table. “Come this way, and you will see the finest girls you have ever seen.” With that comment, the man led Suwat down a dark stairway and between two rows of bunk beds.

Suwat strained to check the guards and the layout of the boat while the man laughingly lifted the head of a sobbing girl and said, “Forgive the conditions. I haven't had time to clean them up yet, but these are beautiful girls.”

Walking closer to the girl being held by the man, Suwat touched her cheek with back of his hand. Empathy flowed through him, but he showed no emotions. The girl pulled away as he touched her, and the man laughed again and tossed the girl back onto the bunk.

“These are all the very best you can find anywhere,” the man commented.

“It looks like we can do business, but I need them checked first,” Suwat responded.

“No problem,” the man replied.

Suwat walked alone toward the end of the boat, pretending to study the girls, but he was studying the guards and their weapons. There were only three guards, the well-dressed man and another man in the navigation room—each guard had a rifle and a handgun. The well-dressed man appeared to be unarmed but probably concealed a pistol under his coat.

“I can be back in thirty minutes with my doctor,” Suwat said; then thinking of ‘Big O’, he added, “I use a retired American doctor to check the girls. That way, I have no local problems.” Suwat was a quick thinker when in action.

“That will be just fine. You bring the money, and the girls are yours.”

Then, Suwat and the man returned to the deck and shook hands. The man watched Suwat walk along the dock, passing his ship, and stepped around the corner of a nearby warehouse. ‘Big O’ saw him the moment he stepped on the dock and became aware that he wanted him to follow.

‘Big O’ waited for the well-dressed man to leave the deck of his ship and casually walked down the dock following Suwat behind two buildings. With each turn, ‘Big O’ carefully looked back to be sure that he had not been tailed.

“They have ten Filipinas in that stinking ship. I'm so angry that I could barely keep from killing those guys,” Suwat reported.

“From what you saw, what would you suggest we do?” ‘Big O’ asked.

“I told them, I needed a doctor to check the girls, thinking you could pose as the doctor.”

“That's genius and one more reason why I’m so glad you're on the team,” ‘Big O’ said to the beaming Suwat. “Now, I have to look like a doctor.”

“We only have thirty minutes, and I think we'd better hurry. They'll be getting nervous just waiting for us.”

“You're right. How many men are guarding the girls?”

“Three guards, one Captain and their boss-man.”

“You wait here. I'll go get a suit and tie from my pack, along with a couple guns.”

“You'll need a doctor's bag.”

“I can use the First-Aid case.”

“Yes, that would do,” Suwat agreed, and ‘Big O’ left.

Returning fifteen minutes later, ‘Big O’ removed his jacket exposing his new attire, a suit and tie.

“You look good,” Suwat commented.

“Here's a nine millimeter for you,” ‘Big O’ said, handing him a pistol. “I brought the large First-Aid case; so I could carry some explosives to sink that suckin' slave ship. I even have a small charge for their safe. We might as well get extra funds to repay those girls for their trouble.”

Suwat's eyes widened with enthusiasm. ‘Big O’ had always said that “Action” was Suwat's middle name. “What's the plan?” Suwat asked excitedly.

“Remember the time you and I cleaned out that whore house across the river from Cambodia?”

“That was many years ago, my friend. I'm glad you warned me this time.”

They shared an inside joke. Both remembered the time ‘Big O’ freed some young girls from a prostitution ring. He used the fright and flight routine where he stunned the Madame with a karate yell and kicked down the front door while Suwat grabbed the Madame, and the girls ran for freedom.

“That Madame is probably still in a state of shock,” Suwat laughed.

“We blew her mind, didn't we? Well, this time we'll blow the entire ship. I'll scare them into catalepsy, and you knock out anyone in the front of the boat. I'll handle everyone in the rear.”

Suwat did not understand the meaning of the word “catalepsy”, but he knew what ‘Big O’ meant and replied with glee,” I understand, I feel sorry for those girls. Your Karate yell scares me to death, and I know it is coming.”

“They'll survive,” ‘Big O’ said with a smile while patting Suwat's shoulder, said, “Let's go get 'em.”

While they walked, ‘Big O’ explained that he had instructed their Captain to start his engines as they walked by, and later begin moving the boat from the dock upon instructions from Suwat. They would have fifteen minutes after ‘Big O’ left the boat before the explosive ripped the side out of the slave ship.

Suwat led the way to the ship; and according to plan, he heard the engines start as if it was a signal to begin the action.

The well-dressed man met them at the gangplank and invited them aboard. ‘Big O’ extended his hand after being introduced as Dr. Gertsch.

“Dr. Gertsch, that sounds German,” the man commented as they entered his cabin.

“I'm from the United States, but my family went there from Germany,” ‘Big O’ said with a sophisticated accent.

“What are you doing in Hong Kong?” the man asked.

‘Big O’ answered, without hesitation, “I have been here with my family for six years working for a pharmaceutical company. I retired from active practice.”

Suwat interrupted the small talk with, “I'd like to move along. I don't like being in one place too long.”

“Do you have the money?” the man asked.

Suwat answered by nodding his head and patting his chest near his gun.

“Okay, how do you want to handle this?” the man asked.

“Do you have a room with lights?” ‘Big O’ (Dr. Gertsch) asked.

“Only the galley.”

“Is it big enough for the girls?”

The man answered, “Yes, it is big.”

“Perfect, can you show me?” Dr. Gertsch asked.

“Follow me,” the man said.

Going down the stairs into the hull of the ship was a distasteful experience. The stench that engulfed the inner atmosphere was expected but was much worse than imagined. They followed the man between the beds as he instructed the guards to untie the girls and bring them to the galley.

‘Big O’ waited inside the galley while the girls were pushed into the room. One guard entered and stood against the back wall and another guard blocked the doorway.

Directing the cowering girls to stand along the wall, ‘Big O’ moved a table to allow open access to the guard in the back of the room. He shuffled chairs and had the girls sit down-arranging the stage for his final show. After determining that enough time had elapsed for Suwat to be in position, he slowly backed toward the guard in the doorway, pretending to move a chair.

Until that moment, ‘Big O’ had moved with slow lethargic movements to lull the guards into deep relaxation. Without notice, he tightened his grip on the chair and exploded in a guttural Karate yell. Everyone froze in an state of shock. During the split second of frozen animation, he crashed the chair into the face of the guard behind him and moved across the room in two rapid cross steps, leaping into a high Karate kick and crushing the other guard's jaw with the heel of his boot. Spinning back toward the first guard, he executed a forceful chop to the jugular area of his neck, producing a final crunching sound.

He whirled to scan the room; then burst from the doorway, with his pistol in hand, into the main area of the ship, expecting to meet resistance.

To his relief, he saw a grinning Suwat with a guard lying at his feet and the well-dressed man held in a chokehold. “What shall I do now, boss?” Suwat asked in a matter-of-fact tone of voice.

“Snap the sucker,” ‘Big O’ commanded in an unusual tone of voice.

Suwat snapped the man's head with a jerk and dropped him to the floor. ‘Big O’ directed his attention to the girls as Suwat charged up the stairs to capture the navigator.

The frightened girls remained huddled together on the floor, still in a state of shock. ‘Big O’ knelt beside them and filled with emotion at their sorry condition. With tears in his eyes, he said, “Don't be frightened any more. I'm here to rescue you and take you back to the Philippines.”

One girl, braver than the rest, looked into ‘Big O’'s eyes and muttered some words in Tagalog to the girls. The words she spoke caused all the girls to look up at the same time. Their big brown eyes of sudden hope reminded ‘Big O’ of a herd of deer fawns staring through the woods.

‘Big O’ stood and told the girls to follow him. They arose in unison clutching one another. He led them toward the stairway and signaled with a shrill whistle.

Suwat echoed the whistle, indicating that all was well. ‘Big O’ peered from the doorway and saw Suwat standing where the navigator used to be. He motioned for Suwat to come to him.

Suwat walked calmly to the stairway and listened for instructions.

“Walk to the Magi with the girls while I set the explosives. Tell our Captain to start moving—I'll be out of here in sixty seconds.”

The girls followed Suwat to the Magi without drawing any undo attention, and ‘Big O’ didn’t need explosive to open the safe, the strong ax hanging on the wall did the trick. Just as he had hoped, stacks of bills from many countries filled the safe. He quickly emptied his doctor’s bag and filled it with money. His next move was to plant a timed explosive against the hull of the boat. Grabbing his bag, he rushed from the boat and leaped onto the Magi as it pulled from the dock.

“Full steam ahead, Captain,” he shouted, as the Captain shifted into full throttle.

Suwat had guided the girls to the bunkroom. They began to cry from fear, exhaustion and surprise. Suwat had to leave the room.

“How are the girls?” ‘Big O’ asked.

“Crying their eyes out,” Suwat answered.

“Didn't you console them?”

“I couldn't take it. What could I say?”

“Give them a hug and a hanky to dry their tears,” ‘Big O’ said jokingly.

The Magi moved down the harbor more quickly than usual and had barely reached the entrance into the open sea, when a loud explosion broke the stillness and a cloud of smoke rose into the air.

“So much for the slave trade,” ‘Big O’ said with a smile. “We've done our bit for the day.”

“Good to be with you again in action,” Suwat said, extending his hand in a forceful handshake.

“I'd better take care of the girls,” ‘Big O’ said.

“Do you need help?” Suwat asked with a smirk.

“There are only ten. Why should I need your help?” ‘Big O’ joked; then he went below and comforted the girls.

The sobbing girls had not yet regained their composure. Their short lives had exposed them to the seedy side of life, including prostitution, but they had never been victims of kidnapping and slavery before. ‘Big O’ began speaking in a comforting, calm voice, “You are safe now and don't have to worry about danger. We are traveling to the Philippines to work for the government and will return you to your families. How many of you have families near Manila?” he asked.

Timidly, all girls raised their hands. “We can’t leave you on a shore near Manila because we can’t travel in Manila bay, so we will have to leave you at Bataan Peninsula. You must find your own way home—that is the best we can do for you.” ‘Big O’ explained.

All girls nodded with real concern showing on their faces. They really wanted to return to Manila, and none of them had any idea how to get to Manila from Bataan.

“Find a bunk to rest. We'll be about four hours until we reach some other men who are traveling with us. Tomorrow, we will change boats and continue to the Philippine Islands in a larger boat.”

None of the girls moved at first; but as ‘Big O’ turned to leave, they climbed onto the bunks and lay in silence.

The ocean moved in a slow gentle rhythm with waves of moderate size. They had been fortunate to enjoy fair weather most of the trip; though fog had bothered them a couple of days. Suwat had not bothered to tell ‘Big O’ about the robbers they met and defeated several days previously. He considered it a routine part of the adventure.

‘Big O’ did not enjoy the boat trip to Suwat’s men. He was both a land lubber and a pilot, but not much for boating. However, knowing that a one hundred and twenty foot yacht would arrive soon, he accepted his present fate and relaxed.

The Filipina girls were extremely restless and hardly slept for fear that the information they had been told was another lie. But ‘Big O’s next gesture eased their minds. He entered the crowded quarters that housed the girls and handed each of them a handful of money. “This will help your families in the Philippines.” He explained to them. Their fear changed from astonishment to joy.

Suwat’s men on the small island spotted the Magi as it approached and began preparing a rowboat to meet them in the harbor.

Looking toward the island, ‘Big O’ spotted the rowboat coming toward them. Three men in the rowboat waved in unison when they recognized ‘Big O’. His presence solidified the reality of the adventure. The men greeted him with respect, and he returned the consideration.

‘Big O’ and Suwat climbed down a rope ladder to the rowboat and instructed them go to the island. The men responded instantly and began to row.

‘Big O’ was aware of the many glances he received from the men as he walked ashore. Suwat’s team considered him close to a god—they would follow him anywhere. He maintained an authoritative, but friendly, aloofness that set him apart as a leader of men.

A short time after arriving at the small island, ‘Big O’ began establishing radio communication with the yacht. The bearings and ST phone numbers had been established previously, and ‘Big O’ calculated the yacht to be within twenty-five miles. His first several attempts to make contact failed, but four hours later, he was greeted by the familiar voice of the yacht Captain.

“Captain Scott, here. Do you read me?” sounded through the ST.

‘Big O’ replied, “We’ve made contact. Report your position.”

“We are on bearing three hundred ten point six and coordinates twenty-two degrees sixteen minutes north, one hundred thirteen degrees and seventy-seven minutes east. We have been waiting for your communication.”

‘Big O’ spread his charts and quickly sketched cross lines on his map, “You are only about 30 miles from our location,” he reported to Capt. Scott. “Keep sailing on present bearing.”

“Roger, we’re on our way,” Capt. Scott replied and set his course toward ‘Big O’.

It had been a long tiring day for ‘Big O’, but he was excited to be moving forward toward the conclusion of their adventure. It was five minutes before 5 p.m.; so the yacht would arrive in the early evening. That would be perfect for a night departure—Their timing was perfect. The ‘Big O’ looked forward to spending the night on a yacht. “Suwat’s men have no idea of the luxury they are about to enjoy,” he thought. In fact, he had not even mentioned the ten girls hidden on the boat waiting in the harbor.

Nearly two hours later, the yacht approached the small island. “Captain Scott, here. Can you hear me?” ‘Big O’ heard his husky voice come across the ST.

“Roger, sounds like you’re in my back pocket. Where are you now?”

“Look out your front window; I am approaching a junket that might be yours.”

‘Big O’ strained to see through the darkened sky, but could not see the yacht. “Flash a signal,” he instructed Capt. Scott.

A bright light blinked a confirming signal, and ‘Big O’ reported, “You’re in the right place at the right time. Keep coming to the boat. I’m on the island right now, but I’ll meet you at the boat, it is named the Magi.”

Capt. Scott responded, “Of course I’m in the right place. I can follow a map….and a Global Positioning System doesn’t hurt either.”

‘Big O’ then had Suwat prepare a rowboat and left the island with two men rowing.

While they rowed toward the Magi, ‘Big O’ watched the yacht maneuver into position along the side of the smaller Magi. The yacht looked large and luxurious next to the wooden boat.

“This will be a fine trip,” he said aloud, speaking to himself. Turning to the two valiant men rowing, he disclosed the presence of the girls, “We have some female passengers who will travel with us to the Philippines but they are off-limits—understood?”

The two men answered in unison, “Yes, sir!”

‘Big O’ boarded the Magi first and prepared to transfer the girls. They were assisted into the rowboat and transported to the yacht. ‘Big O’ went with them.

“Well, what do we have here?” Capt. Scott said in a surprised but delighted voice.

“We rescued these damsels in distress from a slave ship in Hong Kong,” ‘Big O’ explained. “They really need our help. They’re frightened and tired. Take them to the lavatory; so they can wash and clean themselves—it has been a long trip for them.”

Capt. Scott personally assisted the girls as they climbed the rope ladder onto the yacht. They stood in tattered dresses and bare feet, looking like lost children. He led the girls down a series of steps to the rear of the yacht and gave them clean towels. After showing them the washroom, he returned to speak with ‘Big O’.

‘Big O’ could tell, by the sound of their cheerful voices, that the girls were beginning to realize their good fortune.

“I’ll need to make different sleeping arrangements, now that girls are involved,” Capt. Scott said while approaching ‘Big O’.

“Give good beds to the girls for the night…the men won’t mind.”

“We’ll be crowded, but there’s always room for ten more,” Capt. Scott said with a smile. “How many men will there be?”

“With Suwat’s ten men, Suwat and me, that’s twelve. I guess it’s a good thing Doug had to fly directly to Manila”

“Ten girls, my crew of four and I make twenty-seven. That’s stretching it a bit, I’d say.”

“We’ll replace these ten little girl orphans with one hundred-fifty little twelve pound orphans soon.”

“That’s why I’m here,” Capt. Scott said, smiling.

Capt. Scott, sometimes called Scooter, was a fine looking healthy specimen of a man. His ruddy complexion matched his hearty smile. As a youth, he had lived on a surfboard; and as a man, his life was on the sea. He even had a burning desire to own a company of seaplanes. ‘Big O’ felt pleased that their lives had crossed. Capt. Scott was now a member of the team; and after the Gold Buddha Adventure, he could afford to buy his seaplanes.

‘Big O’ sent Suwat’s two men back to the island with instructions to transfer all gear to the yacht, and for the next two hours the row boat made several trips until the transfer was completed.

When Suwat’s team arrived at the yacht, they were fully aware of the girls on board. With their hair neatly combed and still wet, they boarded the yacht with smiling faces.

‘Big O’, recognizing their thoughts, broke their reverie with one command, “The first man who touches one of those girls will be thrown to the sharks…understood?”

“Yes, sir,” was replied by each man, and the smiles vanished.

Makeshift bunks were arranged in the storage room for the men, and a bed was made for ‘Big O’ in the Captain’s quarters. He usually suffered with his men but willingly accepted extra comfort while on the sea.

“Do I smell food?” ‘Big O’ asked.

Capt. Scott was proud to announce, “His chef, Luis, has been preparing a meal since you contacted us at sea.”

“He’ll have to put some extra water in the stew for the girls,” ‘Big O’ replied.

“Don’t worry about him. He’s never caught off guard.”

‘Big O’ and Suwat returned to the wooden boat, the Magi, to pay and praise the boat Captain. Giving the Captain $300 US over the agreed price, ‘Big O’ said, “You’ll be my number one boat when I return. Keep your fine boat in good repair, and Suwat will contact you when we need help again…can you stay by your telephone, starting in two weeks? I suppose Suwat has your phone number?”

“Yes, he has my number.”

“We might need you in a few weeks. I will leave a special device with you, and do not lose it. If we need your help, we will call first then you can turn this on here,” ‘Big O’ explained and showed him the buttons on a GSC unit and spent several minutes rehearsing the workings of the unit; then he turned to Suwat and asked him to review his instructions in Thai to Captain Shiva. The Captain’s abilities to follow directions would be essential if his services were needed somewhere down the road.

The men shook hands in friendship, and ‘Big O’ left for the yacht with Suwat.

“That is a fine man,” the boat Captain said to his crew, pointing to ‘Big O’. “We are vely’ lucky to work for him.”

The Magi would wait until morning to sail, but the yacht put to sea immediately. Only twenty minutes out, chow time was announced. ‘Big O’ escorted the girls to the dining area. They had washed and combed their hair, adding a touch of beauty to the collection of jungle warriors.

Suwat’s men glanced at the girls, then ‘Big O’, then their plates—repeatedly. ‘Big O’ smiled to himself, thinking, “They deserve to look but I’ve got it under control.”

The girls were smiling and especially giddy during the meal. The presence of Suwat’s men had something to do with their improved attitude, but it was mostly due to the release of fear and tension in their lives. ‘Big O’ joked with the girls a few times, allowing the men to laugh too, but maintained a feeling of distance between the girls and the men.

 

PALAWAN, PHILIPPINES

 

Everything appeared to be in order, but there were rumors of rebel communistic forces in the area. With a great deal of anticipation Doug and Bill finally received another fax from ‘Big O’. ‘Big O’ and Suwat’s team were together and moving toward the Philippines. Teofisto had returned to live with the natives; and Mario, from his hiding place, remained in daily communication with the Goodwin Brothers.

“‘Big O’ should arrive at Puerto Princesa in two days—that allows time for them to sail around Luzon,” Doug explained to Bill.

“Knowing ‘Big O’, they’ll arrive at night,” Bill said.

“That means we can sleep tonight, but will have to wait at the port tomorrow night and stay there until they arrive.”

“This is getting exciting,” Bill commented. “Can you picture ‘Big O’ and team “

“Your imagination is something else. I doubt if they are in battle gear,” Doug laughed.

“You know what I mean,” Bill said and withdrew within himself to enjoy his imagination alone. He reached for the gold bar and set it on his lap. He was glad to have tangible evidence of their adventure.

“I’m going to call Teofisto, he’ll have to come back for me,” Doug said, then continued: “You’ll probably go with ‘Big O’ on the yacht, and I’ll go with Teofisto back to the native village and set the stage to transfer the Orphans.”

“At last I get the cushy job,” Bill said in jest.

“I’ll suffer this time,” Doug said.

Later, Doug managed, with some difficulty, to contact Mario on the radio. After several tries, Mario responded to the call, and Doug said to him. “My friend, you’ll have to contact Teofisto somehow and tell him to make the trip back here one more time—we are ready to find the Orphans some new parents.”

“I am happy to hear the good news,” Mario said. “Teofisto sneaks out of the village every night about 10:00 p.m. and reports to me. He will come with no problem. Should he come now?”

“Yes, I’ll meet him at base camp as soon as possible.”

 

 

BACK AT SEA, APPROACHING LUZON, PHILIPPINES

 

Capt. Scott’s yacht skimmed along the water at thirty-three knots per hour. The ocean was calm and conditions perfect—They were making good time in spite of the extra passengers. Traveling throughout the night and all the next day, Capt. Scott made a southwest turn to begin a wide trip around Luzon, the largest island in the Philippines.

“We must be getting close,” ‘Big O’ said as he entered the navigation room.

“Made good time,” Capt. Scott said while concentrating on his compass. “We’ll swing around Luzon and leave these girls at Bataan. I hate to do that to them, but we can’t risk being seized in the bay.”

‘Big O’ watched the churning ocean for a while, and then said to Capt. Scott, “With all the problems in this country, their security should be pretty lax.”

“That’s what I’m counting on: The volcano screwed up the entire country, then the coup attempt and now the United States pulling out of the Clark Air Base.”

“All their trouble is certainly to our advantage.”

“I’m going to check on the passengers,” ‘Big O’ said. “The men are enjoying the presence of the girls, but I need to be sure they’re still at arms length.”

“We’ll arrive after dark anyway,” Capt. Scott replied.

‘Big O’ found the men and girls laughing and sharing small talk; so he lay on a bunk away from them and partially listened to their conversations—he wanted to be sure that the men did not divulge any vital information. The frivolous chatter of the men and girls, combined with the motion of the ocean, rocked him asleep. He slept soundly until late that evening. He awakened with a start to find that darkness had set in, and the girls were still laughing at the comments of the men.

He arose and returned to Capt. Scott. Capt. Scott had remained at the wheel all day, with little rest.

“We’re coming around,” Capt. Scott said as he saw ‘Big O’.

“Any sign of Shore Patrol?” ‘Big O’ asked.

“I don’t know that they have a Shore Patrol. At least, I haven’t seen any sign of control in these waters. We’ve passed several freighters and a few jet fighters have flown overhead, but they don’t seem to care about us.”

“We’re taking a chance by going ashore for these girls, but it’s another of those necessary risks of life.”

“I plan to dock at the first spot available; so we can unload those girls and get away quickly.”

“I’ll explain to the girls, so that they’ll be ready,” ‘Big O’ replied.

“It won’t be long now—let’s not miss a beat on this one.”

With that comment from Capt. Scott, ‘Big O’ hurried below to prepare the girls. “We are not supposed to stop in the Philippines, but we are doing it for you. We’ll let you off the ship at the first dock somewhere near Bataan. You’re on your own from there.”

The girls outwardly showed their excitement and couldn’t stop chattering to one another in their Tagalog language.

In less than twenty minutes, the boat docked, and ‘Big O’ quickly shuffled the girls off the yacht and onto the dock.

One of the girls, who had been chosen to be their spokesperson, came forward, “We wish to thank you for saving our lives. We thank God for your help.”

“Thank you, my young friends. We will always remember you. Try to help others from being tricked by evil men,” ‘Big O’ said, wanting to lecture them into righteousness, but realized that he could not change years of traditional immorality in a few minutes, “Return to your families and do not prostitute yourselves anymore; you will not get into this situation again if you obey God.”

With that comment, the girl stepped forward and kissed ‘Big O’ on the cheek. The other nine girls, taking her cue, came closer and one by one, tenderly kissed ‘Big O’ and walked away clutching two hands full of money.

Turning back toward Suwat, ‘Big O’ smiled a sheepish smile and said, “The hero always gets the rewards.”

“What about me?” Suwat jokingly replied.

“You’re not as pretty as me,” ‘Big O’ answered as he walked by his friend, patting him on the head.

Brushing his hand aside Suwat countered, “Next time I get the girl,” and stepped back to the yacht with his friend while the girls scurried away into the night.

Capt. Scott appeared to be more nervous than the others. “Let’s get out of here,” he said, pushing the accelerator forward. The large yacht moved forward quickly from the thrust of the powerful engines, and Capt. Scott steered it toward open sea. Very few ships were in the harbor, only two military freighters and three fishing trawlers returning from the sea; so the yacht moved out into international waters without incident.

‘Big O’ smiled at Capt. Scott and said with sincerity, “It paid this time to be a Good Samaritan, didn’t it?”

“It sure did, but I was worried back there at the dock. We were too close to authorities for comfort. My cargo on this yacht isn’t what you’d call acceptable luggage: M-14s, M-60s, LAW missile launchers, Claymore mines, hand grenades, ammunition out the Whazoo and wild jungle fighters from Thailand—not exactly your run-of-the-mill vacation tour.”

‘Big O’ had to smile at the mental picture Capt. Scott created but fully realized that they had taken a dangerous, but necessary, risk. “How long before we get to Palawan?” he asked.

“At this speed it’ll take about eighteen hours. Of course, we will use up some time shuffling around to hide Suwat’s gang. Are you still planning to leave them on a beach up island from the port before we dock?”

“That’s the plan. We should dock at Puerto Princesa for fuel and to pass the port inspection as vacationing tourists while we meet the Goodwin Brothers. They’ll probably be waiting there for us.”

“Well, that’ll take us extra time; so figure on twenty hours before we meet your people.”

“Let me give you some relief at the wheel,” ‘Big O’ suggested, reaching for the steering device.

“Ya’ know, I’m very tired and could use some shut eye. Just hold her on the set course until I relieve you.”

“Don’t worry, just get some rest, I’ll be fine. If your help is needed, I’ll send for you. By the way, get Suwat, we need to talk.”

With that, Capt. Scott went below deck to rest, and in a couple minutes, Suwat reported to ‘Big O’.

“You wanted to see me, boss?” Suwat said.

“Well, I thought it would be a good time for us to review our future plans—we have about twenty hours ahead of us.”

“Good, I wanted to ask you a few things.”

“What things?”

“Well, what are the chances we’ll run into the communist rebel forces?”

“Almost certain, in fact, if there is any indication of them knowing we’re there, we will attack first and ask questions later.”

“You think they will be close by?”

“Definitely, and most likely they will have spies in the native village. They have a large spy network on Palawan, not as large as on Mindanao but large enough to cover the island; so they might know when we arrive, and they may even have heard something of the gold we’re after here.”

“Maybe they will try to get it first.”

“I’m surprised they haven’t done it already, but I hope we are in time to prevent such a thing—they could launch quite an offensive against the government with that kind of money.”

“Tell me the plans again,” Suwat said while pulling up a stool and sitting next to ‘Big O’.

‘Big O’ looked forward and paused to collect his thoughts, then began speaking: “When we get to Palawan, we’ll leave your men on a beach a few kilometers from the main port, with the battle gear. Then, you and I and one of your men will dress in sports clothes like tourists and go with Capt. Scott to the dock at Puerto Princesa. Do you have a good man to pose as a tourist?”

“I always use my man, Ray, as a front man.”

“He’ll be fine. We’ll have to wait for the Goodwin Brothers to contact us; hopefully they will be waiting,” ‘Big O’ continued: “They’ll show us on a map the rendezvous spot near the native village; then Bill will go with us, and Doug will return to the village with Teofisto to stay with the Orphans.”

It was interesting that both the Goodwin Brothers and ‘Big O’ were thinking the same direction. The original plans made months ago had been changed completely, and now were being rewritten from moment to moment; but with people of similar talents and abilities involved, total harmony resulted. Doug had anticipated the need to return to the native village as soon as ‘Big O’ arrived and had instructed Teofisto to come guide him there, and Bill had packed everything at base camp, knowing he would never return. They waited within the cab of Ramos’ truck near the docks.

Unknown to the Goodwin Brothers, Capt. Scott was maneuvering his yacht near a sandy beach that jutted a hundred feet from the island of Palawan. He inched forward, checking the water depth continuously, until he reached his safety limits. Stopping the yacht and lowering an anchor, he informed ‘Big O’, “That’s it, we’ll have to take the men and supplies to shore in two trips.”

Neither Suwat nor his men needed instruction from ‘Big O’. They began immediately loading gear into a large dinghy with a small outboard and proceeded to lower it down the side of the yacht with four men aboard. The four men maneuvered to the beach and painstakingly unloaded the precious items and two men returned to the yacht for the others.

The entire process took less than an hour, and soon the yacht was on its way to Puerto Princes. As planned it entered the main harbor in the blackness of night arou