Mystery of the Chinese Ring

“In this village,” said Chuba, “lives the young brother of my father.He will give us shelter for the night.”

The boys passed through the village gate.Biff saw a small, rust-stained cannon seemingly hanging down from the wall on one side of the gate.At the other side, another cannon lay in the dirt at the base of the wall.It had long since broken away from its emplacement.Once, many years ago, these cannon protected the village from the raids of bandits.But now, the wall was crumbling in many places, and the city was open to anyone wishing to enter.

Biff and Chuba made their way along a narrow, dirt street, lined with small houses made of thatch and mud.Men, women, and children, all poorly dressed, moved back and forth, at times filling the street until it was difficult for the boys to make their way.

They reached the end of the street, a distance of not much more than a quarter of a mile.Chuba cut off to his left toward a house standing just inside the gray wall, but somewhat removed from the other houses.

“The house of my uncle,” Chuba said, pointing.

Biff was glad to leave the street.It was littered with trash, and the smells were sickening.

“When we are inside the house of my uncle, you must not say a single word,” Chuba warned.“I do not want even him to know you are America boy.I tell him you can hear but cannot talk.I tell him we on our way to visit the older brother of my father, he who lives on the banks of the Yangtze River.”

The house was roughly made of earthen bricks and thatched with wheat straw.A small man stood at the entrance to the house.The doorway was closed only by a drooping cloth, sewn together from several grain bags.

Chuba bowed low as he approached his uncle.They spoke together rapidly.Biff, of course, could not understand a single word spoken.Chuba turned to him.

“My uncle welcomes us.He says we may sleep here, and he will feed us.Come, we go in.”

The floor of the house was earth, worn smooth and packed hard by the feet of three generations of the uncle’s family.A Chinese woman looked at the boys as they entered, but spoke no word of greeting.She was the uncle’s wife.Two children, each younger and smaller than Chuba, stared at the boys, their eyes round with wonder at seeing strangers.

Chuba’s uncle spoke to his wife.Minutes later she brought both the boys a small portion of rice, served in an earthen saucer.The rice had little or no flavor for Biff.But it was hot, and he ate every grain.

Night had fallen.The only light came from the fire in the open oven set in one wall of the house.

The uncle spoke again to Chuba, and the boy nodded and motioned Biff to follow.The uncle took them into a small room which was to be their sleeping room.There were only three rooms in the house.Biff looked about him.The room was bare except for one low bench standing in the center.They would sleep that night on the dirt floor.And sleep they did, as if they were in the most comfortable beds ever made.At dawn, with another small bowl of rice to warm their stomachs, the boys were on their way again.

The boys crossed the Plateau of Yunnan and reached Chaochiang on the Yangtze River.This was the small town where the older brother of Chuba’s father lived.From this uncle, Chuba borrowed a crudely built small boat, held together with wire and wooden pegs.Two cumbersome, double-bladed oars would be power.The boat was to be left at Sundhiango, a village about one hundred miles west of Chungking.Chuba’s uncle would get it on his next trip to the large city.

The Yangtze River, rising out of the mountains of Tibet on its 3,500 mile course to the Yellow Sea, flows swiftly in the western part of China.The ugly, yellow water roars through chasms, with lofty crags on either side rising 300 feet high.The little boat, Biff in the bow, Chuba in the stern, raced along like a small chip of wood.It was fun at first after the tiring days of fighting their way through the jungle on foot.They sped through gorges, putting mile after mile behind them.As they neared Sundhiango, the river widened.Boiling white water told Biff that they were getting into shallower water.A roar from ahead told him they were approaching rapids.

They shot the first three rapids without trouble, then entered a broad, smooth stretch of water where they drifted slowly with the current.Rounding a sharp bend, Biff again heard the roar of white water.This time the roar was louder than before.The small craft suddenly picked up speed.The boat plunged into the swirling, dashing water and was tossed about as if it were a twig.Time and again, it seemed the boat would crash on a huge boulder.Each time the current swirled it around just in time to prevent a smashup.

Looking ahead, Biff could see the end of the rapid.The round swell of the water was a warning—falls ahead!There must be a drop of several feet, Biff figured.He couldn’t see directly beyond the falls.All that was visible was a broad body of water beyond—smooth, quiet, wide enough to be a small lake.

There was nothing to do but pray that the boat would get safely over the falls and into the calm water beyond.

“Hold on, Chuba!”Biff called.Oars were useless now.

The boat was caught up in a natural spillway, a narrow, fast-moving path of water which shot over the falls and plunged downward.The boat shot over the spillway.For moments, it seemed to hang in mid-air.Then it hit the water below with a bone-jarring smack.

“We made it!”Biff cried jubilantly, turning to look back at Chuba.Chuba had disappeared.He had been thrown out of the boat as it leaped over the falls.Biff spotted his friend’s head in the water twenty feet this side of the falls.

“Have a good swim, Chuba,” Biff shouted gaily.“I’ll wait for you.”Biff reset the oars and leaned them on his knees.“Hey, chum, not so much splash—” Biff’s happy call faded out.Chuba was floundering in the water.His arms stopped thrashing and his head went out of sight.Then it bobbed into view, only to sink a second time.

With a start, Biff realized that Chuba couldn’t swim.

CHAPTER XIII
The First Clue

Jack Hudson looked up from his desk as Muscles, the powerful mechanic, came in.For a few moments the two men stared at one another, saying nothing.Muscles, hands on hips, broad shoulders squared, chest thrust out, looked like an angry bull about to charge.

“Okay, Muscles, let’s have it,” Jack said.

“About those kids.What are we going to do?”

“I wish I knew.We’ve got to do something.”

“You’re darn tootin’ we have,” Muscles bellowed.“I’m sick and tired of just sitting around here, waiting.We got to act.”

“Take it easy, Muscles.I’ve been thinking about it as much as you have.”

“Now look, Jack.Charlie Keene’s been gone almost a month.The kids nearly two weeks.”

“I know.I know.But what can we do?You know what it means to go in after them.”

“You think you know where they are?”

Jack nodded his head.“I’ve got a pretty good idea where the boys are heading.I just hope Charlie’s in the same general area.I just hope they’re not all scattered over the face of China.”

“What bugs me most is Biff being spotted by now.An American kid among all those Chinese—bound to be!”

“I don’t think so, Muscles.Biff and Chuba worked out a disguise that made Biff look more like a Chinese than Chuba does.Biff not only fooled me, but fooled Ti Pao as well.”

“He fooled Chuba’s father?That’s really something.”

Jack nodded his head.“Yeah.Both of those kids are plenty smart.I think they’ll make it in.They might even get a line on Charlie’s whereabouts.But getting back out—” Jack shook his head soberly.

“That’s where we get into the act,” Muscles said quickly.“Look, I got the Cessna tuned up so she’s purring like a kitten.Extra fuel tanks installed.We can go in, pick up Charlie and the kids—”

“If we could find them.”

“We can find them.Look, here’s my idea.We go in together.At night.You drop me.I locate Charlie and the kids, then I make a signal on the shortwave transmitter, and bang, you come, pick us up, and all’s well.”

Jack didn’t answer at once.He was considering Muscles’ idea.“You make it sound so easy.But I don’t know.Give me a little time to think it over.”

“We can take off at dusk tonight.”

“I haven’t said we would yet, Muscles.I’ll let you know.”

Muscles glowered at Jack and pounded one huge fist into the palm of his other hamlike hand.

Biff didn’t hesitate.This was real trouble.If he didn’t get to his friend at once, Chuba might go under for good.Finding him beneath the surface of the muddy river would be impossible.Biff’s body split the air as he dived toward the sinking Chuba.Powerful strokes of his arms pulled Biff swiftly through the water.He reached Chuba.

“Take it easy.Take it easy, Chuba.I’ve got you.You’ll be all right.Don’t fight me.”

Biff crooked his left arm around Chuba’s neck.

“Just lie on your back, Chuba.I’ll do the rest.”

At Biff’s words Chuba stopped thrashing.He forced himself to relax, buoyed both in body and spirit by the firmness of Biff’s arm.

Slowly, with a one-armed backstroke, Biff towed the native boy toward the shore.The current slackened below the falls, making Biff’s task possible.Foot by foot, Biff propelled himself and Chuba toward the riverbank.At long last, he felt one of his kicking feet touch bottom.

“Okay, Chuba.I think you can stand up here.Try it.”

Chuba’s feet touched bottom.The two boys staggered through the shallow water to safety.Chuba stretched out on the bank, gasping and trembling.

“You save my life, Biff.How can Chuba ever thank you?”

“Skip the thanks, Chuba.You’ve done plenty for me.And I know you’ll do plenty more.But how come you never learned to swim?”

“Not many Chinese boys swim.Not in rivers where I grow up.Crocodiles.”

“I get it.Too dangerous.”

Chuba nodded his head.

“Look, Chuba.You rest here.I’ve got to get the boat.All our supplies are in it.”

Biff jumped up and ran along the bank downstream.The boat was drifting slowly, lazily toward the bank.Biff plunged back into the water.He reached the boat, pulled himself in over the side, and rowed to shore.Chuba had moved down the bank, and waded out to grab the boat’s bow.He pulled it up on the bank.

Half an hour later the boys reembarked.For the rest of the day they traveled in smooth water.By dark, they reached Sundhiango, last stop of their river voyage.

From Sundhiango they headed northwest, toward the foothills of Mt.Minya Konka, west of Chungking and Chengtu.Once clear of the river city, the boys moved along a dirt road until weariness overtook them.Off the road, they built a small fire, ate a mixture of flour and rice Chuba dreamed up, and then slept.

In the morning, Chuba inspected Biff carefully.

“What’s the matter?”Biff demanded.

“You almost America boy again.More like fish called carp, though.All streaky.”

“What do you mean?”

“Your swims in river.Make betel juice fade.You look at self.We got to make you Chinese beggar boy again.”

Chuba took out his bottle of juice, and smeared Biff’s body and face.“Now, all good again.We move out.”

“And up,” Biff said, looking toward the mountains.

By late afternoon, Biff and Chuba reached a town in the foothills.They had been climbing steadily all day.Several times Biff had to swallow to clear the pressure in his ears, brought on by the higher altitude.

“You have some money, Biff?”Chuba asked.

“Yep.Got a bunch of Burmese rupees.Can you spend them in China?”

“Spend them like you say like water. Rupees much good. Better than Chinese money. Chinese money now called jin min piao. Takes many jins to make one rupee.”

Biff dug into his bundle and brought out several coins.“This enough?”

“Is plenty.We go into town to market.Chuba buy some food.You like dried fish?Lichee nuts good, too.”

“Ugh.I’d rather have a hot dog.”

“Ah, hot dog?”Chuba nodded wisely.“Muscles tell me in America you eat the dogs but like them hot.”

“By the millions, Chuba.Especially at baseball games.But not the kind that bark.”

“Not real dogs?”

“Nope.These are sort of like a sausage—shaped like sausage.You know sausage?”

Chuba nodded his head.“Oh sure, stuffed with rice, shark fins, and sesame seeds, is real tasty.”Biff shrugged.Might as well give up.Chuba would just have to eat a genuine frankfurter some day.

The boys walked on to the edge of the town.Biff stopped before they passed through the gate.“Hold it a minute, Chuba.Something I want to ask you.”

Biff had decided to make the first move toward locating his Uncle Charlie.He considered showing Chuba the green ring.Should he do so now, or hold on to it for an ace in the hole, for a time when the ring might be the means of getting them out of a really tough jam.He’d wait.

“What you want to ask Chuba?”

“I want to know if you ever heard of a big and well-known Chinese family.It was called the House of Kwang.”Biff studied the native boy’s face.

“Sure.Chuba hear about them.Once they rich.Big rich.Own many, many acres for wheat fields.Many many acres for rice.They own big grain sheds where other people bring wheat and rice to sell them for to store it.But now no more rice.Not rich and powerful any more.Revolution and new government get rid of all big landowners.”

“Did the House of Kwang have any property, any acres around here?”

“No own acres here.But once they own big warehouse, like I say, for to buy and sell wheat and rice and all kinds clothes and things.”

“Here in this town?”

Chuba nodded his head.

“Well, look, Chuba.I think maybe my Uncle Charlie came into this part of China because of something he had to do with the House of Kwang.I don’t know exactly what.Do you think any members of that family would be around here?”

Chuba thought about Biff’s question.“I don’t know, Biff.But can find out.Although family no longer strong and rich, Chuba has heard they still stick close together.Help each other out.If one member of family get in bad with government bosses, others get him out if he put in prison.”

“Okay.That’s what I wanted to know from you.When we get to the market, think you could ask some questions without giving us away?I mean without letting the people you ask know that we’re in here looking for Uncle Charlie?”

“Think so, Biff.I ask if anyone hear about big bird—American bird with much roaring noise.Lots people in this part of China still call airplane big bird.”

“If you find anyone who seems to have the kind of information we’re looking for, see if there’s any talk about a plane cracking up around here.I feel sure Uncle Charlie would have come back long ago if there weren’t something wrong with his plane.”

“You trust Chuba, Biff.He find out everythings.”

The boys passed the gate of the walled town.This town was the largest one they had yet gone through.The dirty streets again were filled with people milling back and forth.Children stared at them wide-eyed and curious.Dogs darted in and out, looking for scraps of food.Pigs roamed the streets, paying no more attention to the people than the people did to them.

Biff could tell they were nearing the market place.His nose knew.Inside the market, an open-air market filling one long block, the boys passed booths selling everything from hot soups to shiny silks.Strings of garlic hung on racks in all the food booths.The Chinese chew garlic the way Americans chew gum.Small cakes made of chopped vegetables and fruits were piled high on trays.There were fried peanuts and sugar-covered orange peels.Strings of dried fish swung in the air.Smoked ducks were suspended by their necks from long, slender bamboo rods.

Chuba made several purchases.Biff, having to remain silent, was unable to protest against some of the foods Chuba added to his cloth sack.But he knew he’d have to be mighty hungry to eat them.

At one booth, where Chuba made several purchases, the native boy had a long talk with the owner.During the conversation, Chuba once extended his arms straight from his sides, and gave out with a sound like an airplane engine, an engine that sputtered.

The Chinese only shook his head.

The boys walked along.“I think he know something, but no tell me,” Chuba said quietly.“When first I ask about big bird, a look on his face tell me he has heard of something.But when I ask more, and become airplane myself, he say no, he hear of nothing.I ask more people.”

Biff tagged along, silent, watchful, amazed at many of the strange things sold in the market.He saw a goose egg and watched a shopper haggle with the owner over its price.Later, Chuba told him the egg was four years old and uncooked.

“Most delicious,” Chuba said.

Biff shuddered.

Every store sold dried watermelon seeds.Chuba bought some, gave a handful to Biff.Biff chewed on them, but found little taste to the small morsel inside the shell.

It had become dark.Flares lighted the market place.Chuba turned to Biff, a discouraged look on his face.“Buying things fine.Finding out about Sahib Charlie not fine.Chuba learn nothing.”

The boys retraced their steps back to the city gates.Again they were going to sleep in the open.Biff much preferred this to sleeping on the floor of an airless room.

Just as they passed through the gate, a figure came out of the shadows.He touched Chuba on the arm and in a hissing whisper, spoke into the boy’s ear.

“Man say for me to come back with him.Maybe can help me.Say I must come alone.You stay right here, Biff.Chuba be all right.Be back quick.”Chuba and the stranger headed back toward the market.

But Chuba didn’t come back quickly.The minutes seemed to drag along.Biff was becoming worried.He had just about made up his mind to seek Chuba out when he saw his friend running toward him.

Chuba was breathless, more from excitement than from his short run.

“Chuba has news.Big news.Man takes me back to another fellow.This other fellow much wise.Say he hear big American plane make force landing.Near mountains.Maybe fifty miles from here.”

“Did he tell you how long ago, Chuba?”

Chuba nodded his head up and down rapidly.“He say maybe three, maybe four weeks ago.”

“Hey. That is good news. That could be Uncle Charlie. Did he know what happened to the pilot? Was he hurt?”

“I ask that.But fellow say he don’t know.”

Biff was thoughtful for a few moments.“It’s a good lead, Chuba.You know which way to go?”

“Sure.Fellow tell Chuba.”

“Seems to me this fellow told you a lot.I wonder why.Particularly since no one else seemed to know what you were talking about.”

“I don’t know, Biff.Fellow very nice.But funny-looking fellow.”

“What do you mean, funny looking?”

“One eye closed like door.No see out of it.Fellow have only one good eye.”

Biff’s thoughts raced back to the Chinese passenger on the plane from Indianapolis to Chicago—a Chinese with a drooping eyelid.

CHAPTER XIV
The Circling Plane

The next day, in a small village of only a few mud and thatched houses, Chuba continued his inquiries.This time, the second man he asked told of having heard of a big bird “roar like the thunders of heaven.”It had been seen coming down in the mountains.

In mid-afternoon of the second day after leaving the market town, Chuba came up with more definite information.He was told that a flying man had come down in the foothills near a police outpost called Jaraminka.

Chuba was elated by the news that now seemed to be coming to them so easily.

“Too easily,” Biff said.

“How you mean, Biff?”

“I’m not sure, Chuba.But it seems strange to me that everyone seems to be helping us along.It’s as if we’re being guided to this certain place.”

“That is not good?”

Biff shook his head.“It’s too good.It could be a trap.I’m pretty sure now that someone has spotted me, or at least, knows I’m in this part of China.”

“How could they know that?You look like Chinese boy, not like American Biff Brewster.”

Biff didn’t reply at once.He was thinking.He was thinking that by asking questions about the House of Kwang, about a downed flyer, someone’s curiosity had been aroused.Someone was very interested in his search for Charles Keene.Otherwise, how had it been so easy to get the information Chuba had been given?

Biff also felt sure that the person, or persons, responsible for feeding Chuba directional information must know that it was he, Biff Brewster, who was in China.He couldn’t drive from his mind the picture of the Chinese with the drooping eyelid.Chuba’s description of the man with one eye fitted too closely.

“Chuba, I think we’re definitely being led into a trap.Someone is leading us to the place where my uncle is.It may be friends.It may be members of the House of Kwang.But, it also may be enemies of my uncle.They may be holding my uncle prisoner, and want to capture me, too.Don’t ask me why, I don’t know all the answers.But I’ve got a hunch.”

“If we being led into trap like poor little goat into dragon’s mouth, maybe we better stop.Maybe go different way.Maybe better give Jaraminka the by-go,” Chuba suggested.

Biff smiled.“No, we won’t give Jaraminka the ‘go-by.’We’ll let ourselves be led into—or up to the trap.It’s our only chance of finding my uncle.We don’t have any other leads.But maybe we can get right up to the trap and avoid having it sprung on us.”

The boys climbed a narrowing mountain trail higher into the foothills.Nightfall found them in a wild, desolate spot.No lights could be seen in any direction they looked.At the altitude they had reached, a chill came with the night air.

Chuba hurried about searching for dried, dead wood.He heaped up a large pile.

“Think it’s safe to build a fire?”Biff asked.

“Sure.Much safe.Better to have fire and be warm.Better also to have fire to keep mountain bears and wild pigs away.Anyway, who want to catch two boys?”

“I don’t know, Chuba.I don’t know,” Biff replied.

The fire was soon blazing, sending out its friendly warmth and brightening the wild spot where the boys had decided to pitch their camp.Chuba had water boiling in a small can, ready for the rice which had become their nightly meal—rice, with some of the strange foods Chuba had purchased stirred in it.

“Chow, Biff.We eat.I way out hungry, man.”

Chuba started ladling out the steaming dish.

“Hold it a minute, Chuba.Hear anything?”

Chuba raised his head.Both boys tensed.From far away, to the south, there came a low hum, not much louder than the buzz of a bee.As the boys listened, the hum grew louder and more distinct.A minute passed.There was no mistaking the sound now.

“It’s a plane, Chuba!A plane!”

“Maybe Sahib Charlie,” Chuba shouted.

“Look!Look!”Biff was on his feet, pointing.Now the plane was in sight against the darkening sky.It was coming low.Its green starboard wing light and red port wing light were flashing alternately on and off, on and off.

The plane seemed to be coming directly at them, as if attracted moth-like to their bright fire.It swooped over the boys, so low they both involuntarily ducked.Then the plane circled, roared back over them, and then disappeared over a low ridge to the west.The sound of its twin engines died away.

“I’d bet you anything that was a Cessna.Like the job that brought me to Unhao from Rangoon,” Biff said, his voice filled with excitement.

“You mean like plane that Muscles fix for sahibs back at camp?”

“That’s right, Chuba.Can’t be sure, though.”

“Maybe was scouting plane of army.Maybe was spying on us,” Chuba said.

Biff’s spirits sank.Chuba could be right.

“Think we better get out of here then?Find another place and hide?”

“Might be good idea, Biff.Hate to leave nice warm fire, though.”

“And I’d hate to leave just in case that was a plane from Unhao, looking for us.Or, as you said, it just could be Uncle Charlie.”

The boys sat down by the fire.Biff ate his food slowly.The minutes became an hour.Another hour passed.Chuba had curled up in his long cloak, and was sound asleep.Biff looked at the sleeping boy, and felt a yawn stretching over his face.

He stirred the fire, pulled his long cloak firmly about him, and curled up too.He didn’t think he could sleep—his mind was too filled with thoughts about the plane.But Biff’s resistance to sleep was mostly in his mind, not in his body.Tired—he always seemed tired these days—he dropped off to sleep in seconds.

How long he slept, Biff didn’t know.But he did know that something had awakened him.He opened his eyes.He listened.He thought he heard a sound just behind a nearby stunted tree.

“Chuba.”He poked his companion.“Chuba, wake up.”

Chuba stirred, rolled over, and opened his eyes to look into Biff’s face.“What is it, Biff?”

“I think somebody’s watching us.From just outside the ring of the fire’s light.”

Both boys remained silent.Nothing happened.Then the sound came again.Someone, or something, was certainly watching them.Biff could hear his own heart beat.He looked in the direction of the sound.A huge figure stepped from behind the tree.As it walked toward the fire, its dancing shadow became that of a giant.

“Well, fancy meeting you here!”the giant said.

“Muscles!”

The boys jumped to their feet.The giant mechanic, a big grin splitting his face, strode up to the fire.Biff and Chuba leaped on him, pounding him on the back.

“Easy boys.Easy.I’m footsore and bone-tired from walking over these here mountains.Never had anything like them back in good old Kentucky.”

“How’d you get here?Was that your plane?Who was flying it?Where’d you land?Is my uncle safe?”Biff’s questions shot out in a rapid-fire burst.

“Easy, Biff.Easy.One at a time.Now I’ll try to answer your quiz program.No word from your uncle.Yep, that was me in that plane that flew over here a coupla hours ago.Jack Hudson was flying her.We touched down just long enough for me to hop out.Jack’s almost back to Unhao by now.Now how ’bout a spot of China tea?I’m tired and hungry.”

“Me fix, Muscles.Right away.Chop.Chop.”Chuba got busy.More wood went on the fire.Out came the all-purpose can, this time to boil water for Muscles’ tea.

“Now what about you two?Give me a fill-in.”

Biff quickly sketched the happenings since he and Chuba had slipped out of the camp at Unhao.

“So you think someone’s spotted you?”Muscles asked.

“I’m sure of it.Someone sure knows Uncle Charlie’s being looked for.We’ve been getting more information than they hand out at Grand Central Station in New York.”

“And you’ve been told that a plane came down near a place called Jaraminka.”

Biff nodded his head.

“How far is that place from here?”

“Not far,” Chuba replied.“Maybe a day’s walk.If we start early in morning....Here’s your tea.”

Muscles took the hot liquid.“Well then, Jaraminka, here we come.”

As Muscles sipped his tea, he told the boys about landing on a cleared, level plateau over a ridge of the Thanglung foothills to the west.

“Not too far from here,” Muscles looked at his watch.“Took me about two hours to walk back to this fire we spotted from the air.We couldn’t be sure, of course, but we hoped it would be you boys.I guess I must have walked almost straight up and down farther than I walked straight ahead to get here.”

“And Jack went back?”Biff asked.

“Yep.But we’ve got it all fixed.When we find Charlie, we’re to make our way back to that plateau.I’ve got a portable transmitter with me.When we get there, I make a signal.Jack flies in, and it’s back to Unhao we go.”

Muscles made it sound so simple.Biff felt good as he listened to the big man talk so confidently.But there were lots of “ifs”—if they found Charles Keene, if they got back to the plateau, if the signal was heard on time, if Jack could come back in.Biff shook his head.It was good to have big Muscles with them, though.In any trouble, Muscles had a lot of weight to throw around.

“Now suppose we catch some more of that stuff called shut-eye—sleep to you, Chuba, and be up and at ’em early in the ayem.”

“Chuba catch plenty eye-shut, Sahib Muscles.Tomorrow going to be big days.”

Eye-shut!The two words reminded Biff of the Chinese with the drooping eyelid.

The two boys and the man stretched out by the fire and slept.At daybreak, Muscles stirred.He rubbed the sleep from his eyes and sat up.

“Hey!”he exclaimed.“Looks like we’ve got visitors.”

Biff and Chuba sat up quickly.Standing silently, forming a ring surrounding the three and the dying embers of the fire, were eight of the fiercest looking men Biff had ever seen.

CHAPTER XV
Bandits!

Biff shot a quick look at Chuba.He wanted to see his friend’s reaction to the startling appearance of these men who looked as if they had sprung from the age of primitive man.Good?Bad?Chuba would know.

Chuba’s eyes roved over the group.He turned his head quickly from man to man, turning around to complete the circle.A frown on the native boy’s face gave Biff his answer.Chuba was worried.

“Man, oh, man!Did you ever see anything like that bunch?”Muscles asked.“They’re from way out of nowhere.”

There was every reason for Muscles to be amazed.The men were small but squat and powerfully built.Their eyes were slanted in broad, dirty faces, the color of stained copper.Wide, cruel mouths turned down on either side.Scraggly strands of wiry hair sprouted from ragged caps made of mangy fur.

Their legs were wrapped in rags.Coats, if they could be called coats, were made of skins of wild animals, mountain goats, deer.One of the men wore the skin of the Himalayan black bear.

They stood in silence, their small, beady eyes watching for any move on the part of Muscles and the boys.Two of the men held short, thick clubs in their hands.Another held a long stick.Biff noticed that on the end a wicked knife had been attached by thongs.Others held long, gleaming curved knives in their hands.Only one man carried a gun, a short, two barreled shotgun.It was an old gun.Someone had sawed off the barrel.It could deal out body-ripping shots at short range.

“Who are they, Chuba?”Biff asked.

“You mean what are they?” Muscles cut in.

“Bandits.Chinese bandits,” Chuba replied.“They bad.Very bad.”

“They’re not soldiers, then.Not members of any patrol?”

Chuba shook his head.“No.Much worse.These people roam the hills and mountains.They steal, kill.They like wild men.Sometimes come into town, but most times, live like tribe, sleep in caves, eat anything they can kill.”

“What do they want with us?”Biff asked.

“Rob us.Maybe kill us if we try to fight.”

“Huh.Some chance,” Muscles cut in again.“Why, I can take on that whole gang single-handed.”Muscles towered over the bandits.He was bigger, and weighed more than any two of the bandits together.

“Not so sure, Muscles,” Chuba said quietly.“These men fight and kill bears, tigers.Only use their knives.”

“Only guy that worries me is that one with the sawed-off shotgun,” Muscles decided.

“Why don’t they say something, Chuba?What are they waiting for?”Biff asked.

Chuba shrugged his shoulders.

“Can’t they talk?Can you understand their language?”

“They talk, sure.But be hard for Chuba to understand them.They speak what you call tribe dialect.Some Chinese words.Some words only they know.”

“Can they understand you?”

“Sure.They understand most Chinese talk.Not all words.But enough.”

“Ask them what they want.”

Chuba swallowed.He directed a rapid string of Chinese words at the man carrying the gun.

The gun carrier grunted and spoke in a deep, guttural voice to the man beside him.

“Did you get that, Chuba?”

Chuba shook his head.

The gun carrier took one step forward.He looked Muscles carefully up and down.Next his eyes swept over Biff.Then he spoke, turning his eyes on Chuba.He spoke slowly.Sometimes moments of silence would appear between his spaced words.

“He says they want all things we have.Gun man speaker says he wants clothes of the giant man.”

“My clothes!Fat chance,” Muscles snarled.

The bandit spoke again.

“He says open up bundles.He wants to see what we have.”

Biff knelt down.His and Chuba’s bulky bundles were together.Biff started untying the nearest one, which happened to be Chuba’s.

“If we give them our things, will they let us alone?”Biff asked.

“Chuba can’t say.Maybe so so.Maybe no.Maybe they give us this.”Chuba brought his hand swiftly across his throat.Biff felt a sickening sensation in his stomach.

Feeling around in Chuba’s bundle, Biff’s hand struck an oblong object.It felt like a box.Biff carefully lifted the cloth from which the bundle was made.He raised it so that the bandits would be unable to see what the box was.If the situation hadn’t been such a dangerous one, Biff would have laughed.Chuba had brought with him his Evil Spirit Box—the one Muscles had frightened Chuba with the first morning Biff was in camp.

Touching the box, an idea came into Biff’s head.

“Chuba, quick!Tell me more about these bandits.Are they superstitious?I mean, frightened by strange things, things they’ve never seen before?”

“Much afraid.Big fear of spirits.”

Biff nodded his head.“I’ve got an idea.Think we could scare them with your Evil Spirit Box?”

Excitement danced in Chuba’s eyes.“They be scared like crazy.More scared than Chuba was.”

“Okay.We’ll try it.Now you tell them something like this.Tell them we are protected by magic of the gods.The evil spirit will put its hand on them unless they let us go.They are not to bother us.Make it good.Bow down and stuff like that.Look to the sky and make like you’re calling the spirit.”

“Chuba catch wise.Make big show.”

“Okay.Now, at some point when you’re putting on your act, when the bandits are all looking at you, I’ll yell ‘Fly!’When I do, I’ll toss your spirit box into the air.You swing around and catch it.I’ll have it started.You hold it up high when the siren’s going.Then place it on the ground and jump back when the hand comes out.Tell them that’s the hand of the evil spirit, reaching out to touch them.”

Chuba was grinning now.Muscles stood there, hands on hips, shaking his head.Chuba turned back to the bandit leader.He hunched up his shoulders.He twisted his face into an ugly leer.Then he began speaking.He spoke at first in a sing-song voice.He spoke faster and faster, raising his voice higher.He dropped down and touched the ground three times with his head.Up he leaped, extending his arms skyward.

Chuba was putting on a good show.Biff watched the faces of the bandits closely.There was no expression, yet their eyes followed every movement Chuba made.

Biff took the spirit box out.No one saw him.Even Muscles was fascinated by Chuba’s writhing, his sing-song chanting.Biff touched the button activating the box.

“Fly!”he called out.He tossed the box in the air, high enough so that as it came down over Chuba’s head, it almost appeared to be falling from the sky.

Chuba caught the box deftly.Again he spoke to the bandits.He raised the box high over his head, just as the first faint whine of the siren began.The siren’s scream rose higher and higher.Quickly Chuba placed the box on the ground and stepped back.The lid of the box slowly opened.

Biff looked again at the bandits.The faces without expression now looked curious, then terrified.

The lid of the box raised.The plastic hand snaked out.

Stark terror now seized the bandits.They cringed back.One of them, unable to stand it any longer, turned, broke, and ran.He was followed by another and another.Only the leader remained, staring at the spirit box as if spellbound.

Muscles went into action.He dived for the box.He snatched it from the ground, turned, and with the box extended in his outstretched hands, he moved toward the bandit chief.This was too much.With a horrified shriek, the bandit chief turned and raced down the slope after his companions.All were running as if they were really pursued by demons.

Muscles quickly reset the box, so that the scream of the siren, rising to its highest pitch, seemed to be following close to the bandits’ ears.

Muscles put the box back on the ground.He slapped his huge thighs, threw back his head, and roared with laughter.Biff and Chuba joined him.All three laughed until they sank to the ground, their voices shaking as they tried to talk.

Finally, Muscles heaved his shoulders and took a deep breath.“Ever see anything like that?Those guys were really scared.Took off like jet fighters.When I think that I sent to the States for that fool toy to scare Chuba, well....”

“Never knew it was going to save your life, did you?Still think twenty dollars was too much for it?”Biff said, trying to control his laughter.

“I level with you now, Muscles.I real scared first time I see spirit box,” Chuba confessed.

“But those guys!They really did think the Evil Spirit was going to put the hand on them,” Muscles said.

“Here’s one time I’m glad you can’t tell good from evil,” Biff said.

“Think they’ll come back, Chuba?”Muscles asked.

“Never.They really gone.Give us the big go-round now.Not ever want to see us and box again.”

“The spirit really moved them, eh, Biff?”Muscles said.

Biff laughed, but Muscles’ joke was over Chuba’s head.

It was almost broad daylight now.The sun was rising.Biff stood up.“We’d better get going.Maybe we can reach Jaraminka by nightfall.”

“Okay by me,” Muscles agreed.“Let’s make with the feet, Chuba.”

Biff looked northward.Nestled somewhere in the foothills of the Thanglung mountains was the outpost of Jaraminka.Uncle Charlie might be there.He might be the bait being used to bring Biff and his companions into a trap.

It was a risk they would have to take.

CHAPTER XVI
Strange Discovery

In the distance, perhaps a hundred miles away, the towering peak of Mt.Minya Konka, reaching 25,000 feet skyward, could be seen.The day was clear, crystal-blue clear.The air was chill and would remain so until the sun’s rays bore down more strongly.

“You better take the lead, Chuba,” Muscles said.“Off we go, searching for Ja-ra-mink-a.”He sang his last sentence to the tune of the Air Force song, “Into the Wild Blue Yonder.”

“Hold it a minute,” Biff said.“You know, if we head straight for Jaraminka, we might be walking right into the hands of the enemy.Wouldn’t they expect us to take the most direct route?”

“You got something there, Biff, m’boy.What’re you cooking?”Muscles asked.

“I think we should head west, west northwest, rather than due north.Head for Minya Konka.Then, when we’ve gone further inland, cut back north and make our approach to Jaraminka from the west.”

“Good idea, Biff.Let’s move out.”

The three trudged westward, climbing, climbing.Big, craggy rocks dotted the sides of the slopes they scrambled up.Often they had to make wide detours to get around a cliff that rose straight up.

After two hours of scrambling, slipping, struggling against the rugged terrain, Muscles called a halt.

“We’d better take a break.”The rarefied air of the altitude had all three panting for breath.At Muscles’ words, Biff and Chuba sank to the ground without a word.Muscles flung himself to the ground beside them.Slowly their breathing became more even, strength flowed back into their bodies.

Muscles sat up, pulled out a cigarette.He lit it, took three deep puffs and tossed it away.

“Burns my lungs at this altitude.How far you figure we’ve gone, kids?”

“Like you said last night.If we measure the ups and downs, then we’ve covered quite a distance.But I doubt if we’ve covered more than five miles straight away,” Biff answered, and Chuba nodded in agreement.

“That plateau where Jack landed me must be just a short distance south of here.I’m making landmarks so we can spot the place when we come back,” Muscles explained.

Biff looked the area over carefully, too.Two peaks rose straight up, miles apart.A smaller peak was centered exactly between the two taller ones.

“Just like the letter ‘W,’” Biff said to himself.He would remember that.

“Think we better turn north now, Biff?”Muscles said.“Be lot easier traveling.Faster, too.We’ll be moving along the valley.Not so much of this up and down stuff.Particularly the up.I’ve had enough of that.I’ll take my climbing in a plane.”

“I guess so, Muscles.We’ll head up the valley, now, Chuba,” Biff directed.

They set off again.Traveling was easier.They moved along briskly.The air was becoming warmer, and soon the floor of the valley sent up shimmering heat waves in front of them.

Except for brief pauses, no one called for a break until Muscles looked at his watch.

“It’s noon.How about a breather and something to eat?”

Chuba broke out his supply of food—his “goodies,” Biff had named them.

“This is food?”Muscles asked skeptically, looking at the portion Chuba handed him.He ate it, but his face twisted comically as he tasted and then quickly gulped the food.

After a half-hour rest, during which Muscles complained bitterly about the menu, they were ready to continue.Their progress up the valley continued smoothly for the first hour.Rounding a sharp bend, the valley came to an abrupt end.

“Now what’s this little obstacle placed in our path?”Muscles asked.

“Wish it were just a little obstacle,” Biff replied. Directly ahead of them, the ground angled sharply upward. Above, it leveled off like the outside rim of a giant football stadium.

“We go right or we go left, Chuba?”Muscles asked.

“We’ll go straight up,” Biff replied.“Let’s see what’s on top.Surely can’t tell from here.After we take a look-see, we’ll probably bear to the right.Jaraminka must be off that way.”Biff pointed slightly to the northeast.“Think so, Chuba?”

Chuba nodded his head.

They mounted toward the rim at the top of the sharp incline.In places, the ground rose so sharply they had to pull themselves up, grabbing the stunted trees for handholds.

Nearing the top, they ran into a barrier that stopped them cold.This was a man-made obstacle, the last thing to expect in this wild, remote country.It was a heavy, metal-barred fence.It stood higher than Muscles’ head, and three strands of ugly barbed wire were stretched along the top.

“What the—” Muscles’ eyes bugged out in astonishment.

The fence stretched out to the right and left in a long curve.The ground was cleared on both sides of the fence, forming a path easy to walk along.

“This we have to find out about,” Biff said.“Why fence in a mountain top unless there’s something inside that’s top secret?”

“That fence could be electrified.Stay clear of it,” Muscles warned.

“Could be,” Biff said, “but I doubt it.It would take a lot of power to do it.Besides, where would the power come from?Let’s follow it, to the right.But be alert.Good fences don’t mean good neighbors here.I’ve a hunch these good fences mean good guards every few feet.”

They followed the curving fence cautiously and on the alert.Biff took the lead.They continued until Biff figured they had covered ninety degrees of a gigantic circle.The fence remained an equal distance from the rim at the top as they followed the path.

“Hold it!”Biff held up his hand.Then he motioned Muscles and Chuba forward.

“Look,” Biff pointed to a gap, wide enough and deep enough for a man’s body to slip beneath the fence.

“Some animal must have been as curious as we are,” Biff said.“Something burrowed under the fence.”

“Well, what are we waiting for?”Muscles grinned.He dropped to his hands and knees and wiggled through the opening.Chuba followed, and Biff brought up the rear.

Crouching low, the three approached the top of the rise.They crawled the last few feet, reached the rim, and raised their heads slowly.What they saw made them all gasp.

They were looking into an immense bowl, covering an area so great it was impossible to take it in with one look.They pivoted their heads, following the rim of the bowl.

The activity on the floor of the bowl made them squint their eyes in disbelief.Everywhere they looked they saw bulldozers, huge cranes, steam shovels, and thousands of men working furiously.The bottom of the bowl was so far away that the working men seemed like small moving specks.The noises of the steam shovels digging into the earth and the whines of the huge crane arms turning on their metal discs rose only dimly to the ears of the astonished spectators.

Toward the opposite side of the huge bowl, two cement runways in the shape of a plus sign were dotted with planes.

In still another section of the bowl, great steel trylons, resembling oversized high-tension wire supporters, reared skyward.

“What do you make of it?”Biff asked Muscles.

The burly mechanic scratched his head.“You got me.Could be a lot of things.It’s got to be something mighty important, something really top secret to build this gigantic complex in this remote spot.And how did they get all this stuff in here?”Muscles asked himself.

“I think,” Biff said, “we’d better get away from here—but fast.”

Muscles nodded in agreement.The three backed down, reached the fence, scrambled beneath it, and headed for Jaraminka.

Making as much speed as they could, they put distance between themselves and their startling discovery.Biff’s mind was filled with questions.Foremost among them was one which kept coming back like an exam question he couldn’t answer.

Did this tremendous, secret construction job have anything to do with Uncle Charlie’s flight into China?

CHAPTER XVII
A Red Hot Lead

Night overtook Biff, Chuba, and Muscles before they reached Jaraminka.All were tired.The going in the dark was rough.But Biff was determined to reach the town before they halted.

“Another hour,” Biff said, “and if we haven’t gotten there, we’ll hole in for the night.”

“Okay by me,” Muscles answered.

Chuba nodded his head.

They didn’t have to go for the full hour.Following a narrow path, no more than a rough goat trail, they rounded the side of a high pointed hill.From far below their dangerous perch on the hillside, they saw lights.Hundreds of lights, flickering like candles in a breeze.It was a beautiful sight to come upon suddenly in the night.

“Jaraminka,” Biff said, and looked at Chuba for confirmation.

“You right, Biff.That Jaraminka.”

“It’s a lot bigger place than I thought it would be,” Muscles put in.

“It’s in center of big, wide valley.Much good farm lands.Many rich peoples once live here.Is nice in summer.Not too hot.”

“How about the House of Kwang, Chuba?They have any properties around Jaraminka?”

“Oh yes, Biff, always in summer time Old Lord and family go to Jaraminka.Old Lord have big place here.His big house still here, but Old Lord not own it any more.”

“Chinese Commies run him out?”Muscles asked.

“You right, Muscles.They take over.Now this place big, important outpost for Chinese Army.”

Why would the Chinese Army have a large installation in such a wild, remote section of their big, sprawling country?The answer came to Biff immediately.That big, fenced-in construction job was not more than ten miles away.That had to be the reason.Just what was being built, though, still puzzled the boy.

“We’ll bed down here for the night,” Biff said, “and go into the town early in the morning.”

“Real early, Biff,” Chuba said.“Soon as sun start rising, farmers go into town to market place.Bring things from farm to sell.We go in with them.People think we farmers, too.”

“How about me?”Muscles asked.“I don’t look like a Chinese farmer.”

Biff laughed.“Anything but.”

“You have to stay here.Guard our camp.We go into town, find out things.”

“Okay by me.But say—be sure and leave me my pal.”

“Your pal?”Biff asked.

“Yeah.My pal of protection—the spirit box.”

They all laughed, turned in and slept.

Early in the gray of morning, Biff and Chuba were on the outskirts of the village.A stream of solemn-faced farmers passed through the city’s gate.Chuba and Biff attached themselves to the parade and entered unnoticed.

Biff had reached a decision.If any member of the House of Kwang could be located, he felt now would be the time to use the green ring.Keeping his voice low, he spoke to Chuba.

“Don’t ask any more questions about Uncle Charlie.But find out, if you can, if there are any members of the Kwang family around here.”

“I catch, Biff.If any Kwangs around, Chuba will locate them.”

The boys wandered through the sprawling city.They made for the market place, always the center of the most activity.Going from stall to stall, Chuba made his inquiries.He told the persons he questioned that once he and his father had served the House of Kwang.Now, he said, in a sad, tearful voice, he was only a beggar boy.If he could only find one of the young lords perhaps the lord would remember his father, and give Chuba a helping hand.

At mid-morning, Chuba hit pay dirt.He engaged in a long conversation with a young, slender Chinese.This Chinese was different from the broad-faced farmers, the stall-keepers, the uniformed soldiers who thronged the market place.His facial features were fine, his clothing cleaner and richer than that of those surrounding him.

Biff watched Chuba anxiously.He saw his friend bob his head up and down in agreement, then the two parted.

Chuba rejoined Biff, motioned to him to follow, and Chuba led the way back to the gates of the city.Once outside, Chuba told Biff of his conversation.

“This man I talk to.His name Chan Li.Once he young lord of house like House of Kwang.Not so big.Not so rich.But House of Li and House of Kwang good friends.House of Li taken over just like House of Kwang.He hate government bosses.”

Biff felt himself becoming excited.This could be the lead they had been searching for.

“Did you ask him if any members of the House of Kwang were still in Jaraminka?”

“Chuba did.Chan Li say yes.He say he know many things.But he say he must be very careful.Cannot take us to where Kwang family in hide-out unless we have proof we friends, not enemies, or police spies.”

Biff’s hand went inside his cloak.He felt for the ring.This was it.The ring would bring the good fortune it promised.

“What’s our next move?”

“We go back to where Muscles hiding.Then, when sun stands straight up in sky over our heads, we meet with Chan Li.”

“Where?Back in the city?”

“Oh, no.Too much risky.Remember, on our way down to city, we come to little brook fed by spring?”

Biff nodded his head.

“We meet there.Come, we tell Muscles.”

Back with Muscles, the three held a council.Their plans depended on what they would learn from Chan Li.But how could Muscles be kept informed?It wouldn’t do for him to attend the meeting.

“Maybe I could be there but not be seen,” Muscles said.“Any cover near the spring where I could hide?Maybe I could overhear what this Li character has to offer.”

“I think so, Muscles.Come, we go down now and see.Not too long before sun stand straight up.”

Near the spring, they found a heavy thicket where Muscles could conceal himself.

“When you’re translating for Biff, raise your voice slightly, Chuba.Not loud enough to cause suspicion, but loud enough for me to hear.”

“Let’s have a dry run of that,” Biff suggested.

Muscles concealed himself in the thicket.Chuba talked to Biff in a tone slightly louder than normal.

“You hear all right, Muscles?”Biff asked.

“You’re coming through loud and clear,” was the reply.

“How much time before noon?”

“Ten minutes,” Muscles called back.

Chuba spoke to Biff.“You stay here now.I go little piece down hill, see if I can spot Chan Li coming up.”Chuba left.Biff remained silent, not wanting to give Muscles’ position away by talking to him any more.

In a few minutes Chuba returned.His face told Biff the story.

“He’s coming.Be here real quick.”

“Is he alone?”

“He by himself.”

Good, Biff thought.If Chan Li acted suspiciously, or tried any funny stuff, Muscles lay in waiting.

Chan Li came into the small clearing around the spring.He bowed low to Chuba, then repeated the gesture to Biff.

“He asks who you are, Biff,” Chuba translated.

“Tell him I am a friend of the House of Kwang.I seek their help.”

Interpreter Chuba spoke swiftly.

“He says he needs proof of this.He must be sure you are real true friend.”

It was now or never, Biff decided.He reached under his cloak and took out his key chain.Turning his back to Chuba and Chan Li, he took the ring off the chain.Turning, he held it out.“Ask Chan Li if this is proof enough?”

The slender Chinese stepped forward.He took the ring from Biff’s hand.He inspected it carefully, then replaced it in Biff’s hand.

“It is the ring of the Ancient One, the Old Lord of the House of Kwang,” he said to Chuba.When Chuba gave this information to Biff, his heart pounded with excitement.

“Now tell him, Chuba, that we come here to find my Uncle Charles, or to get any definite information as to where he is.”

Chuba’s head went up and down.He spoke to Chan Li.Their conversation went on and on.Biff’s anxiety grew.Chan Li’s answer was all important.

At long last, much to Biff’s relief, the conversation ended.It was a solemn-faced Chuba who turned to Biff.“He has told me many things.Many things we wanted to know.”

“Well, what are they?What are they?”Biff demanded impatiently.

“He says Sahib Charles is being hidden from soldiers by House of Kwang.”

“What!”Biff clapped his hands.He couldn’t contain his joy.“Tell me more.”

“Chan Li says more, that Sahib Charles hurt self when plane come down.”

Biff’s joyful feeling vanished.“Badly?Was he hurt badly?”

“No.Not too bad.But enough to keep him from traveling.Now he all better.All is arranged for House of Kwang to help Sahib Charles get back to Burma.”

“What can we do to help?”

“Chan Li will take us to hide-out place.We get Sahib Charles, lead him back to—”

Biff held up his hand.“Wait.”Biff felt there was still need for caution.He didn’t want Chuba to mention the plan for the plane pickup.He didn’t want him to reveal Muscles’ presence.There was no way of knowing whether Chan Li understood English or not.Until they reached Uncle Charlie, it would be wiser, Biff felt, to hold back what little ammunition they still had.

“Ask him where is this hide-out where my uncle is?”

Chuba turned back to Chan Li.He spoke rapidly.Chan Li replied, and pointed in a direction north of Jaraminka.

“Just north of the city.In those foothills you can see from here.”

“How long will it take us to get there?”Biff was asking these questions for the benefit of the hidden Muscles.

“An hour, says Chan Li.Maybe little more.But not much.”

“And is he ready to take us there now?”

Chuba again nodded assent to the question.

“Tell him, then, that we are ready to go right now.”

Chuba spoke to Chan Li.The Chinese replied with a deep bow, and the sweep of one arm, as if to say, “I lead.You follow.”

As if speaking to himself, but in a clear voice, Biff said, “An hour there, an hour with Uncle Charlie, and an hour back—a bit more, perhaps.Four hours at the most.”Biff stressed the words, “four hours.”

He hoped Muscles would understand.He hoped Muscles would know that if they weren’t back in four hours, then something had gone wrong.

With Chan Li in the lead, they headed for the distant foothills.

CHAPTER XVIII
The House of Kwang

Muscles didn’t move.He kept his eyes glued to his watch until ten minutes had passed.Not until then did he think it safe to come out of his hiding place.He had overheard every word.He, too, had been thrilled at hearing that his good friend, Charles Keene, was safe.

Going back up the hillside, being very careful to take the protection of all cover on the way, Muscles muttered to himself his admiration of Biff.

“Smart kid, that Biff,” he said softly.“He’s not showing his whole hand.He wants to be shown first.”Muscles looked at his watch.The hands pointed to 12:30.

“Four hours, Biff said.That will make it four-thirty.”Muscles grinned.“If they’re not back by that time, Muscles is going to muscle in.”

Nothing was said for the first half hour as Chan Li led Biff and Chuba into the foothills to the north of Jaraminka.Chan followed a course which curved around the city.The city lay below them, about three miles away, nestled in the center of an oval-shaped valley, rimmed by hills.

The growth on the sloping hillside was thick, but the path they traveled was wide and cleared enough for easy going.They made good speed.When they reached a point almost due north of the city, the path turned sharply to the left, and the incline steepened.

They puffed their way up the path, putting the city farther and farther behind them.After a particularly steep climb, they reached a level area.Looking ahead, Biff saw that the path came to a dead end against a low, stone wall.Gaping holes in the wall showed that it had been a long, long time since any care had been taken of it.

Chan Li came to the wall and scrambled over it.Biff and Chuba followed.Chan Li called a halt once they were inside the wall, and standing in a thick clump of trees.Chan spoke to Chuba.Chuba interpreted to Biff.

“Chan say we almost there.Must go most careful now.Ahead is old house, big house, once house of important family.Family all dead.Only evil spirits remain.People afraid of old house.”

Chan Li pushed deeper into the woods.Biff had no chance to voice suspicions that were growing in him.He felt that such a house must be known.But would the “evil spirits” keep authorities from investigating?Biff shook his head.He didn’t like the situation.He couldn’t tell exactly why, but his doubts grew stronger.True, the house was deep in a dense forest.It took quite a climb to reach it.It was a good five miles from the outskirts of Jaraminka, and there had been no sign of any other house on their path to reach it.

The woods started to thin out.Biff could see they were coming to an opening.As they neared it, Biff saw the gray outlines of several buildings, linked together by a high stone wall.There was no sign of life.The buildings, low, sprawling, had an ominous, mysterious quality about them.The space between the woods and the house was just wide enough for what once must have been a moat.

Chan Li led the boys to an arched opening in the wall, and they passed through it.Before them, Biff saw a large courtyard.A graveled pathway led to the main door.Three small pools were spaced on either side of the path from the opening to the house.

As they neared the door, Biff sensed and felt the presence of someone behind him.He turned his head.Two Chinese soldiers, each with a revolver in hand, had closed in behind the three.

Before Biff could raise his voice in protest, or question Chan Li, the Chinese guide spoke.

“Welcome to the House of Kwang.”He entered the door.The guards moved up behind Biff and Chuba.There was nothing they could do but follow Chan Li.He led them down a long corridor.The corridor was lined with small rooms on each side.This may once have been the House of Kwang, Biff told himself, but there was little doubt as to what it was being used for now.The small windows in the center of the doors were barred.At several of the windows they passed, silent men stared out of the bars at them.

At the end of the corridor, two more guards threw open a large, richly decorated door.Chan Li, a leer on his face now, bowed low, and with a sweep of his arm, ushered the boys through.

“The courtyard of the Ancient One.The Old Lord of the House of Kwang.”He spoke the words in perfect English.

In the center of the room two men sat on high-backed throne chairs.One of them was richly dressed in a flowing robe, decorated with red and gold dragons.The other man, much older, was in tattered clothing.A wispy beard waved downward from his chin.Both men wore tight-fitting skull caps.

“Approach, my friends,” said the richly dressed man.Biff and Chuba crossed the large room until they stood directly in front of the two men.On closer inspection, Biff saw that the speaker who wore the rich clothing had coarse facial features.His big, broad nose seemed to have been ironed onto his face.The other man, though poorly dressed, had a fine, proud face.He held his head high.His eyes, dimmed by the years, were the eyes of a frightened man, but of a man who would face his fate without flinching.

“You are seeking the master of the House of Kwang, I am informed,” the younger man said.As he spoke, two men appeared from behind the chairs.One of them had but one good eye.The lid of the other eye drooped until the eye was shut.

The Chinese of the Chicago plane!

The man turned on a triumphant smile toward Biff.“We meet again, Mr. Brewster,” he said.

“Silence, Mao!”commanded the richly robed man.“You have, I am told, a ring with you, young man.A ring which indicates your great friendship for the House of Kwang.”The smile left the speaker’s face.He leaned slightly forward, and his next words were a stern, crisp order.“I’ll take that ring.I am Ping Lu, master of the house.”

Biff reached into his pocket.He detached the ring and held it out in his open palm.Just as the richly robed man reached for it, the older man arose, bent forward, and snatched it.As he did, Ping Lu, with a sweep of his heavy arm, knocked the old man back into his chair.He seized the old man’s hand, and pried open his fist.He took the ring.

The old man spoke.He spoke in Chinese.Ping Lu laughed as the old man poured out a stream of words.

“You may interpret for your American friend, if you wish,” Ping Lu said, addressing Chuba.

“The Old One is the real Master of the House of Kwang,” Chuba translated.“He is called Tao Kwang, and is oldest of the remaining Kwang family.The ring is his.He is much angered that it is now in hands of richly dressed man.”

Ping Lu cut in. “True, all true. Once this old fool was the master of this house. Oh yes, this was one of the many houses owned by him. But I am master of this house now. It is used by me and my government as a place where we entertain—” he chortled at the word “entertain”—“our more important guests. And Tao Kwang, though a doddering old fool now, once held sway over this territory, and still thinks he has much influence.”

Tao Kwang spoke again.Again Chuba interpreted.“Ancient One say still many sons and nephews here.Say for us not to be afraid.”

“Of course there is nothing to be afraid of,” Ping Lu said.“I hope you will enjoy your stay with us.”

“How long do you intend keeping us prisoners?”Biff asked.

“Prisoners?Let us say ‘guests.’Of course, we will have to see that you are protected at all times.That is why it will be necessary to have you kept in a room guarded by two of my strongest soldiers.You ask how long will you be staying with us?”

Biff nodded his head.

“That, young man, depends on the cooperation I expect to get from you in a matter of great importance.”

“What is it?”Biff asked.

“You will hear, in due time.But first, a few days rest here with us should, I think, do much to show you the absolute necessity of your cooperating.”

Biff didn’t want to think of what the “few days rest” might mean.

“Tell me this,” Ping continued.“Your paying us this visit surely wasn’t only because of your friendship with the House of Kwang.I seem to remember being told of other inquiries your clever young friend made on your behalf.”He motioned toward Chuba as he spoke.

Biff decided on a show of boldness.There was nothing to be gained by cowering before this self-important official.

“You’re right.I have come here in search of my uncle.His name is Charles Keene.”

“So.Well, perhaps I can be of assistance to you.Perhaps the ring you brought with you from so many thousands of miles away will bring you good fortune.”

Biff felt like the mouse the cat was playing with.

“Is he here?”Biff demanded.

Ping Lu clapped his hands.The Chinese with the bad eye, whom he had called Mao, came to him.Ping Lu leaned over and spoke softly into Mao’s ear.Neither Biff nor Chuba could hear what was said.Mao left the room.

Ping Lu turned to Chan Li.He had been standing just behind the boys during the conversation.

“You may go now, Chan Li.And your reward will be given you as you leave.”

Chan bowed, and turned toward the door.

Tao Kwang, the Ancient One, spat out a single word as Chan left.

Biff looked at Chuba.“He call him traitor,” Chuba said.

Ping Lu leaned back in his chair.He clasped his fat hands over his bulging belly.A smirk of satisfaction was stamped on his face.

The rasp of a door opening on the right side of the huge room caused Biff to turn his head sharply.Through the door, prodded from behind by the gun barrels of two soldiers, walked Uncle Charlie.

CHAPTER XIX
Uncle Charlie’s Story

“Biff!”Charles Keene shouted his nephew’s name hoarsely.He crossed the room and placed his hands on Biff’s shoulders.Strangely, the guards made no move to stop him.

“Gee, Uncle Charlie—” Biff broke off.He felt his voice choke up and knew he wasn’t far from tears.This, he told himself, would never do.Not in front of the leering Ping Lu.

“I’m sure glad we found you, sir.Chuba came with me.”

Chuba was grinning at Uncle Charlie.“We find you okay, Sahib Charlie.You in good shapes?”

“I’ve been very well cared for,” Uncle Charlie replied, stressing the word “very.”“Ping Lu has seen to that.”

Uncle Charlie glanced at Ping Lu, then deliberately turned from him and bowed low to Tao Kwang.A fleeting smile crossed the Ancient One’s face.

“Quite a reunion,” Ping Lu said.“And surely a most happy one.”

“It would be, under different circumstances,” Charles Keene said.

“Those circumstances can be altered to suit you and your nephew, Keene,” Ping Lu said.He added, “It is but a slight thing I ask you to do.”

Charles Keene shrugged his shoulders.

“Perhaps you would like to discuss it with your nephew.And I’m sure the Ancient One could advise you well.”Ping Lu clapped his hands.The door through which Charles Keene had entered opened again.Across the room came a tall, white-robed man.Biff glanced at the man, then stared hard at him.It was Palung, the Chinese who had attempted to kidnap him at the Rangoon airport.

Palung didn’t even look at Biff.Biff’s escape from him and his two knife-wielding thugs, had undoubtedly caused Palung to lose face.Certainly Palung must have been disgraced in the eyes of his superior, Ping Lu.

“Show our guests to the large court.They have much to talk about.And be sure this time the young one doesn’t get away.”The expression on Ping Lu’s face, the bark in his voice plainly said, “That’s an order.”

The two guards who had escorted Charles Keene into the room took their positions behind the three.A short, crisp sentence came from Ping Lu’s lips.The Ancient One arose from his chair and joined them.Palung led them from the room.The guards stayed close behind.

The room they were taken to was large, but sparsely furnished.There were two wooden chairs, plain but sturdy.Low benches, used for sleeping, lined the walls.

The door closed behind the four, and they could hear a key turning in the door’s lock.No one spoke for several moments.Then Biff went to the door to peer through its barred window.His stare was returned by a guard’s expressionless face.

Biff turned back to rejoin the group.

“All right, young man,” Charles Keene said.“Now suppose you just tell me how you happen to be here.”

“I will, Uncle Charlie.But first, don’t you think we’d better check to see if this room is bugged?”

“You’re right, Biff.Should have thought of that myself.There could very well be a microphone hidden in this room.I imagine Ping Lu would be most interested in what we’ll be talking about.”

The inspection of the room took only a few minutes.The walls were bare.There were no light fixtures, no wiring.There was no place where a microphone could have been concealed.

“Guess we’re safe from their ears,” Uncle Charlie said.“But why did they put us together?They’ve got some reason, I know.”

Biff nodded his head.He picked up one of the chairs and placed it near the bench directly opposite the barred door.Chuba brought over the other one.Biff wanted to be as far away from the guard as possible.Plans had to be made.Biff didn’t want them upset by any eavesdropper.

The two Americans and the two Chinese huddled by the wall.They spoke in low tones.Biff quickly sketched in his experiences since leaving Indianapolis.Then he plied his uncle with questions.

“But what I don’t understand, Uncle Charlie, is why they would want to capture me?I’m sure that blinky-eyed Chinese was spying on me from the moment I left Indianapolis.Even before, according to your friend Ling Tang.”

“You’re right, Biff.”

“And then I’ve told you how they tried to put the snatch on me at the airport.But why?”

“I can’t give you all the answers, Biff.I’m not sure of them myself.But I have a pretty good idea.”Charles Keene paused to light a cigarette.

“I’ve been held here almost a month, now.Sort of lost track of the actual number of days.At first I thought they’d ship me off to Peking, the capital.But if I should agree to what Ping Lu wants me to, it would be a large feather in his cap.He’d become a big shot in the eyes of the big bosses in Peking.”

“What does he want you to do?”Biff asked.

“Just sign a paper.”

“Sign a paper? Is that all?” Biff asked, disbelief in his voice.

Charlie Keene nodded his head.“It would be quite a document, Biff.He hasn’t let me read it, but from what he has said, I get the message.”

“But why the paper, Uncle Charlie?”

“That’s what I’m not altogether sure of.I think Ping Lu believes—in fact, I know he does—he’s convinced that I came into China for a reason quite different from the real one.He believes the reason I gave him for daring to enter this forbidden country is merely a cover-up story for my real mission.”

“What does he think you’re doing here?”Biff insisted.

Charles Keene grinned.“He has me marked as a big fat spy.”

An idea was buzzing around Biff’s mind.He thought he might have stumbled on why Ping Lu was spy-minded.But he’d tell Uncle Charlie about that later.He wanted to know some other things first.

“But how does this all connect up with me?”Biff asked.

“I figure it this way, Biff.I’m sure if Palung had been able to kidnap you, they’d have started putting the pressure on me much sooner.When you escaped, it upset their plans and their timetable.They had to have you to force my hand.”

“To sign the paper, you mean?”

“That’s right.They would have held you hostage.They would have promised to release you, unharmed, if I would agree to their demands.”

“You wouldn’t trust them to live up to their promise?”

“No.But more than that.I didn’t think they had you.Certain questions I asked led me to believe you were safe in Unhao.”

“And now I turn up right in their own backyard.”

“That’s about it.I expect now they’ll start turning up the heat.”

“What do you figure is in this paper they want you to sign?”

“I think, Biff, they want me to sign an official paper, stating that I came here under the orders of the United States Government to spy on the Chinese.Just what they think I was looking for, I don’t know.”

“Would such a document be so damaging?”

“Very.It would embarrass our government and put an additional strain on relations that are strained enough already.In the eyes of the world, the Chinese could use such a paper to further discredit our country.They would aim the propaganda at those countries that are wavering in their opinion of the U.S.”

“Just why did you come into China?I think I know, but I’d like to be sure,” Biff said.

“It goes back to Indianapolis and to my friendship with Ling Tang.”

“I thought so.”

“Ling Tang is a grandson of the Ancient One here.Before I left to come out to Burma, Ling Tang asked me if I would help him and members of the House of Kwang if the occasion should arise.Naturally, I told my old friend that I would.Didn’t know then, though, how much I was letting myself in for.”

The Ancient One, although unable to understand English, pricked up his ears at mention of Ling Tang and the House of Kwang.

“I’d been out here about three months when I got a letter from Tang telling me one of his brothers was going to try to escape from China.He was going to try to cross into Burma.He would seek me out, identifying himself with the ring which bears the seal of the House of Kwang.”

“Like the ring that came through my window?”

“That’s right, Biff.Tang’s brother did get out.He gave me the ring.I, in turn, sent it on to Tang in the States.Whenever another escape was about to take place, the ring was to be sent me to alert me of the fact.A lot safer than putting such information in writing.”

“Then it was Ling Tang himself who got the ring to me so mysteriously!” Biff said.

“Yes.You were to bring that ring to me, and then I would know that another Kwang was on the way out.”

“But why didn’t you wait?”Biff asked.“Wait until I got here with the ring?”

“I couldn’t.There’s an underground network that passes information along.From it, I learned that the Ancient One had finally been persuaded to seek haven and peace in the outside world.I also learned that he was in grave danger of being made a prisoner.If this happened, then all members of the House of Kwang would have to obey the orders of the Chinese Red government.The government believes that the House of Kwang has hidden valuables worth millions of dollars.If they took the Ancient One prisoner, the family would be forced to tell where these valuables are or never see the head of their family again.And you know how the Chinese worship and revere the head of the house.”

Chuba sat silent, wide-eyed, as Charles Keene told his story.

“It was foolish of me, I guess.But when I heard they were about to move in on the Ancient One, I decided on a gamble.I sent word back that I was flying in.They were to have the Ancient One ready.I’d pick him up and come out.I had the whole thing figured out.Wouldn’t take more than five hours in and out.I also figured on the element of surprise.No one would be expecting such a bold move.”

“And what happened?”

“Everything got fouled up.My starboard motor conked out.Carburetor iced up in the rarefied atmosphere.Couldn’t maintain flying speed and had to make a forced landing.Banged the plane up so I couldn’t take off again.And then, just as I was making a signal to Unhao, they grabbed me.”

“That was you then. Your signal came the first morning I was in Unhao.”

“So part of it did get through!I hoped it had.”Charlie continued his story.“I was brought here, and the next day, they brought in the Ancient One.”

The conversation was cut short by the sound of the key turning in the door.It swung open, and a Chinese entered bringing food.Biff hadn’t realized how much time had passed.But now he realized he was ravenously hungry.As the servant placed the food on one of the benches, the guard stood just inside the door, his gun covering the prisoners.

Nothing was said as they ate.All were famished.Biff raised his plate to scrape up the last few grains of rice.As he did so, his eye was caught by a small, square piece of thin paper stuck on the bottom of the plate.

He removed the paper, and once more, saw the symbol “K,” the seal of the House of Kwang.

Without a word, Biff handed it to the Ancient One.The old man looked at it.Now it was his time to talk as the Americans and Chuba listened.

CHAPTER XX
Muscles “Muscles” In

Muscles checked his watch for the tenth time in the past five minutes.He was growing more and more impatient.The minute hand showed it to be ten minutes past four o’clock.Twenty minutes remained before Biff’s four-hour deadline would run out.

The powerful mechanic had returned to the spring.He kept his eyes turned in the direction of the path taken by Chan Li, Biff, and Chuba.He kept them turned that way except for the times he glared at the crystal of his watch.

There was no sign of anyone.He could see the path at several spots.He had watched closely as long as he could when the party of three had left.Since their departure, he had seen no one.

“They could be back by now,” he said to himself.“Plenty of time to get there and back.”Impatiently, he strode up and down.Deep within him, Muscles knew that he really wasn’t expecting them to return.His doubts, his fears had grown as the minutes became hours.He pounded his fist into the palm of his other hand.He wanted action.He was a man of action.This waiting, he told himself, was strictly for the birds.

At 4:25, Muscles could stand it no longer.He started for the path.If Biff, Chuba, Charlie Keene, and their guide were returning, he’d meet them on the way.

Muscles went along the path at a dog trot.Without realizing, he broke into a run.He checked himself when he came to the path’s sharp left turn and the steep rise to the crumbling stone wall.

Now he was certain that Chan Li had led his friends into a trap.It was nearly 5:30—an hour over the deadline.The path by the wall, Muscles noticed, ran each way.Which way to turn, left or right?His decision was made for him by a sound.Muscles crouched low, just off the path, out of sight.He could plainly hear someone coming toward him.

He stared through a small opening in the thick bush he was using as cover.His muscles tensed, he was ready to spring like a tiger.

A figure suddenly came into view.It was Chan Li.With a snarl, Muscles sprang.He jumped on the back of the Chinese.His weight hurled the slighter man to the ground.Like a cat, Muscles leaped up.He snatched Chan’s right arm, twisted it, until Chan was face down on the ground.Muscles, keeping pressure on the arm, plunked himself down on Chan’s back.Increasing pressure on the arm until Chan gasped in pain, Muscles rasped out, “Okay, let’s have it, and fast.Where are the boys?”

Chan didn’t answer.

“You’re going to be a one-armed Chinese if you don’t talk.”Muscles cupped his free hand on the back of Chan’s head.He ground the man’s face in the dirt.“Talk!”

The pain was bad enough, but the humiliation of having his face ground into the dirt, of losing face literally, was more than Chan could stand.

“I talk,” he said.

Muscles released the pressure.He stood up.“Now get up, you dog.Get up and tell me what happened.”

“I had to do it.I had to lead boys to Ping Lu.If I don’t, he do great harm to my family.”

“Ping Lu?Who’s he?Member of the Kwang tribe?”

“No, he big boss in this territory.”

“So, you turned traitor to your own.Where are the boys?”

“In big house, not far from here.”

“Let’s get going then.Show me the way.”

Chan Li seemed to shrink in size at Muscles’ words.“Oh, no!No!Never.They kill me.They kill you if we go back.Many guards.All armed.”

Muscles thought fast.“Charles Keene is there, too?”

Chan nodded his head.

“Now listen, you double-crosser.I don’t trust you, but I’ve got to.Do you know any members of the Kwang family who are opposed to this Ping Lu you mentioned?”

“Oh, yes.Are many around here.”

“All right.Now get this, and get it straight.You’re going to take me to one of them.And if you try to cross me, you’ll die along with me.I can knock you off with one blow.”Muscles held a clenched fist to Chan’s face.He twisted it on the Chinese’s nose.“I’ll be this close to you all the time.And believe me, I’ll get you before anyone gets me.Understand?”

“I understand.Chan Li won’t try double cross.”

“Okay.Let’s get going then.And on the double.”

The Ancient One took the slip of paper from Biff.He looked at it carefully, then nodded his head.He turned to Chuba and spoke softly, swiftly.After a few moments, he stopped and indicated with a nod toward Biff and Charles Keene that Chuba was to interpret.

“The Ancient One says there is great hope for escape.This piece of paper comes from one of his grandsons.He works in the kitchen.It is not known by the officials here that this cook is member of the House of Kwang.He was placed here to spy on Ping Lu.To try to find out plans.To warn when danger threatens Kwang House people.”

The Ancient One resumed his speaking.

“He says that paper with ‘K’ on it is signal.Either tonight, when clock makes twelve strikes, or tomorrow night at same time, attempt will be made to rescue him and us.”

“How, Chuba?Ask him how?”Biff said.

As Chuba spoke, the Ancient One shook his head.

“Does not know exact plans.His grandson will try to be servant who comes for tray.He will tell us plan.”

Biff looked at his uncle.“Guess there’s nothing we can do but wait.”

Uncle Charlie agreed.“But things look good.When members of the House of Kwang act, they’re usually successful.”

“Then how in the world did they ever let the Ancient One get captured in the first place?”Biff asked.

“I think the Ancient One himself had something to do with that.He doesn’t really want to leave his homeland.He is old, and like all Chinese, he wants his final resting place to be in the earth of his native land.”

“I’ve heard that was true—Look, Uncle Charlie, I think I may have an idea as to why Ping Lu is so desperate for you to sign that paper.”

“Give out, Biff.Give out.”

“Well, I’m not sure, of course, but on our way to Jaraminka, we ran into something very strange.”

“Was much big workings,” Chuba cut in.“Many, many more big machines than when camp was cleared at Unhao.”

“Tell me more, Biff.”

Biff described the activity they had discovered behind the wire fence.He told his uncle of the immensity of the project, of the furious pace at which the men worked, of the bulldozers, the cranes, the steam shovels.

“And there’s an air strip already completed.It was loaded with planes.You have an idea what it might be?”

Charles Keene thought a few moments before replying.“Only a slight idea from what you’ve told me, Biff.I’d have to see the place.”

“Maybe you can take a look on our way back.”

“If we ever get out of here,” his uncle said soberly.

“We’ll get out,” Biff said spiritedly.

“Hope you’re right, Biff.You know, putting two and two together, the build-up of the Army in this area, and what you’ve described, it could be that Ping Lu thinks my real reason for coming in was to get information on the huge construction job.”

“That’s what I thought, Uncle Charlie.”

There was a noise at the door.All four raised expectant, hopeful eyes.Their expression of hope changed to one of despair.

The same servant who had brought the meal came into the room to remove the tray piled with dishes.

What had happened to the Ancient One’s grandson?

CHAPTER XXI
Out of the Frying Pan

The clank of a heavy key in the lock of the door woke Biff the next day.He started to yawn, and stretched the kinks from his shoulders and legs.Abruptly he sat up.It could be the “cook!”Biff’s hopes dimmed when the man entered.Again it was the same old servant, well protected by an armed guard.

Biff looked at the Ancient One.His face was expressionless.Uncle Charlie shrugged his shoulders at Biff’s questioning look.

“Don’t let it get you down, Biff.We haven’t lost yet.Maybe at the noon meal, perhaps we’ll get some word then.”

“Wish Muscles were here.If he were we could overpower the guard and make a break for it.”

“Muscles—what made you think of Muscles all of a sudden?”

Biff clamped his open hand on his head, his jaw dropped as a thought struck him.

“I com-plete-ly forgot to tell you. Muscles is here, in China, in Jaraminka!”

“Where’d you leave him?”Uncle Charlie decided details could be explained later.

“Back at a spring, just west of the city.I hope he got my message.I tried to tell him—he was hiding, but I’m sure he could hear us—that if we weren’t back in four hours then we’d been led into a trap.”Biff’s words rushed out in one jumbled sentence.

“That’s the best news I’ve heard yet, Biff.Muscles is a good operator.”

“But what could he do?He’d be spotted in a minute,” Biff said.

“Haven’t got the answer to that one,” Uncle Charlie replied.“But I’d bet on Muscles in any situation.He bulldogs in where angels fear to tread.”

The morning hours dragged.As noon approached, Biff became more and more restless.

“Wish something would happen—anything!I wonder why Ping Lu hasn’t sent for us?”

“Playing a waiting game, Biff,” his uncle replied.“The longer he keeps us here with no word, the more tense and nervous we’ll get.He knows that.Uncertainty, waiting, not knowing what move the enemy will make next is one of the surest ways of making a man reach his breaking point.And your being here, he reasons, will make me twice as jittery.”

The hour of noon came and passed.No one came to the prison room.Biff was wondering how near his breaking point was when, shortly after one o’clock, the now familiar rasp of a key in the door was heard.

“Make it be the Ancient One’s grandson,” Biff said half aloud.The others were praying for the same thing.

The door swung inward.Whether the new servant was the grandson, Biff didn’t know.But it was a different man.He brought a tray of food over and placed it beside Tao Kwang.Biff thought he saw the man’s lips move, but he couldn’t be sure.The servant left.The door was locked behind him.Biff looked at Chuba.“Did he say anything?Ask the Ancient One.”

Chuba spoke softly, rapidly to the old man.The old one’s reply was a single sentence.Chuba translated:

“Tonight when the clock makes the twelve strikes.”

“That’s all?Didn’t give you any details?”

“That’s all Ancient One tell Chuba.I think that all grandson tell the Ancient One.”

Never had Biff known a day to pass so slowly.The suspense became unbearable.Charlie Keene tried to calm Biff down.

“I think you’d be better off if you’d try to rest.Pacing back and forth isn’t going to make the time go by any quicker.Get Chuba to teach you the Oriental art of patience.”

“Rest?Who can rest at a time like this?”Biff replied.Then he was ashamed at the angry tone in his voice.“I’m sorry, Uncle Charlie.I didn’t mean to—”

“I understand, Biff.But you may need all your strength when midnight comes.Try stretching out for a little while.”

Biff took his uncle’s advice.His mind was in a turmoil as he lay on the hard wooden bench, his cupped hands beneath his head serving for a pillow.Sleep would never come, he told himself.The next thing he knew, he was being gently shaken.Uncle Charlie was bending over him, grinning.

“Almost midnight, Biff.Better come alive.”

“Midnight!”Biff sat up in astonishment.He couldn’t believe it.“But what about supper?Did I sleep right through it?”

“No one brought anything tonight.Don’t know why.”Charles Keene picked up the kerosene lamp which gave the room its only light, and blew it out.“If anything is going to happen, it would be better if the guards thought we were asleep.”

They waited in the darkness.There was no conversation.But the tension in the room was so strong, it seemed as though you could touch it like a physical thing.Biff knew he could feel it.

Biff’s hopes went high and low like a playground swing.Suddenly his ears caught a strange noise.It came from the far end of the corridor through which Biff and Chuba had been led to Ping Lu.

The noise grew louder.Shouts were heard.Running feet could be heard in the corridor.Biff sprang to the barred window of the door.He peered into the dimly lighted hall.The guard was gone.Now the cries became louder.

“Chuba!Can you make out what’s being said?”

Chuba came to the door.He put his head close to the bars.

“Fire!Much shoutings of fire.Fire in kitchen!”

In the kitchen.Where the grandson served as a cook.This must be it!

Moments passed.Heavy footsteps were heard in the hall.Biff, his uncle, and Chuba crowded toward the door.Only the Ancient One remained where he was, seated on the far wall bench.He sat quietly, waiting.

The sound of running feet came nearer.A figure skidded to a stop by their door.Behind this figure stood what was certainly the biggest Chinese in all the Orient.

The key turned.The grandson came in.Behind him came the giant.Under an almost concealing broad-brimmed hat, the “Oriental” was grinning widely.

“Muscles!How did you get here?”Biff and Charlie shot the question at their friend in the same breath.

“No time for an answer now.We got to make with the feet.There’s enough excitement in the kitchen now to cover our escape.”

The grandson was at the side of the Ancient One.He helped him to his feet.

“Hold it,” Muscles called out.“Let me see if the coast is clear.”He leaned out the door.“Looks okay—oh-oh—hold it.A guard’s coming along.I’ll take him.”

And he did.As the guard reached the door, Muscle’s huge arm snaked out.He grabbed the guard by the collar and lifted him by one hand into the room.With his other hand, he struck the guard a chopping blow, and the guard went limp without uttering a sound.Charlie Keene caught him as he slumped over.

“Stack him in the corner, Charlie.Might be another one coming along.”

Muscles was right.Another guard came trotting down the hall and received the same treatment.

“Two down—how many to go?”Muscles was enjoying himself.

“More guards coming,” Chuba whispered excitedly.

“Two of them this time,” Muscles said.“Makes a more even match.”

The giant mechanic waited until the two were in the corridor a pace beyond the door.He jerked the door open, pounced on the two guards, and in a swooping motion, cracked their heads together.He dragged them into the room.

“Muscles, look, let’s put these four on the benches.Anybody looking in will think it’s us sleeping,” Biff suggested in a whisper.

“Smart,” Uncle Charlie agreed, nodding.The unconscious guards were carefully posed as drowsy prisoners.Chuba had taken a position just outside the door as this was being done.

“No more guards coming,” he called softly.

The four prisoners left their cell.Muscles motioned to the grandson for the keys.He turned the lock.

“Don’t know whether you’d call that a fair exchange,” he said, “but it’s an even one.”

“Come.We must lose no more time.”The grandson took the lead.The others followed.They passed through the room where Ping Lu had held court.A door on the other side of the room led to another corridor, this one narrower and shorter.

“Hope he knows where he’s going,” Biff said.

“He ought to.This used to be his home.He grew up here,” Muscles replied.

At the end of the corridor, their path was blocked by another door.The grandson tried it.It wouldn’t yield.

“No keys,” he said.

“Okay then, stand back.”Muscles took six steps away from the door.Then, with a bull-like charge, he hurtled his powerful body against it.The door sprang from its hinges, fell flat on the ground outside, with Muscles sprawling on top of it.

It took only seconds to reach the stone wall.The Ancient One was helped over.Biff turned as he crossed the wall.One end of the house was ablaze.Figures could be seen running frantically around, casting weird, dancing shadows.

As Biff watched, he saw four men leave the light of the blaze and come on a run to the place in the wall they had just crossed.

“Hurry,” Biff shouted.“They’re after us.”

CHAPTER XXII
Hong Kong and Points East

The party moved swiftly through the night.The grandson never hesitated.He knew every bend and turn in the path.Suddenly he stopped.

“We must rest a few minutes,” he said.“Honorable grandfather is old.He cannot stand this pace.”

“But we’ve got to keep going,” Biff insisted.“I saw four men leave the fire and come after us.”

“Fear not, my friend.I think I know who they are.But stay here, I’ll go back down the path and make certain,” the “cook” said.

The grandson vanished in the night.Biff felt sure that any moment the party would be jumped by pursuing guards.Then he heard voices.The grandson came back, followed by four men.

“My brothers and cousins,” the grandson said.“They are more grandsons of the Old Lord.One of them is brother to your friend Ling Tang.”

Muscles stepped into the group.“Sure, I know these guys.They’re okay.These are real members of the House of Kwang.I made that double-crosser Chan Li take me to them.We worked out the whole escape.This fellow,” Muscles pointed to the grandson-servant, “he started the whole thing.Set the kitchen on fire.Then he grabbed the keys, and led me to your room.The others stayed back to watch the guards.Held some of them back all right.Must have been more than twenty on duty.”

“We can go on now,” the grandson said quietly.“The Ancient One has rested.”

Two grandsons came to the side of the old man.Each placed a supporting arm around his waist.The party continued on its way.

Except for short, regular rest periods, they kept going all night.As dawn broke, the party stopped for a lengthier rest.All were near exhaustion from the excitement and the steady pace they had kept up.The Old One slept like a baby, held in the arms of one of his grandsons.

They rested most of the morning.It was far safer to travel at night.On the second day, as they reached a safer distance from Jaraminka, they continued toward the plateau where Jack Hudson was to pick them up.In turn, the grandsons went ahead to make certain no one was lying in wait for them.

“Biff, are we anywhere near the spot where you saw all that construction?”Uncle Charlie asked.

“We should be,” Biff replied.“We should be nearing the valley soon.What do you think, Chuba?And you, Muscles?”

“Chuba think we reach it right over next hill.”

“I’ll trust Chuba’s judgment,” Muscles chimed in.

Chuba was right.The valley was over the next hill.They had reached it at a point below where it rose steeply to the metal fence.

“The rest of you wait here,” Charles Keene ordered.“I’ll make a quick trip for a fast look-see.”

“And I’m with you,” Biff said quickly. His uncle gave him a look, hesitated for a moment, but apparently decided not to protest.

“But Charlie—” Muscles started to say.

“No buts about it.Come on, Biff.”

Uncle and nephew climbed the slope.Biff found the opening in the fence.They crawled underneath and reached the rim of the huge amphitheater.Uncle Charlie stared down at the activity for minutes.He took in every detail, storing the information in his mind.A nodded signal told Biff they were going back.

Once down on the floor of the valley, Biff asked his uncle what he thought the construction was.

“I’m almost certain, Biff, that they’re building a rocket launching site.”

“Like Cape Canaveral?”

His uncle nodded his head.“I was at Canaveral at its beginning.Saw the place grow.That work back up there is much the same type of construction.Still in its earliest stages, somewhat crude.Be a long time before they can try a moon shot, or any other kind.”

“Is knowing about this important?”

“Important.You just bet it is.News of this development is vital.It’s the biggest, most important information Uncle Sam has had out of China in years.You really found something, Biff.”

Shortly after noon of the second day since their escape, the party reached the plateau where Muscles had been landed by Jack Hudson.

“This is it,” Muscles said.“If Jack gets my signal, we’ll be away and winging by dark.Here, Chuba, take the end of this wire and scamper up that tree.Attach it to the highest limb you can reach.”

The antenna was connected to the portable transmitter.The tree’s height increased the distance of transmission possible.Ground transmission would have limited the signal.

“All is okay, Muscles,” Chuba called down.Muscles picked up the hand mike.He snapped on a button.A slight hum could be heard.

Muscles turned to the anxiously waiting group.“Let’s hope I get through.I can’t repeat my signal more than once.It may be picked up by the enemy.”He grinned at them.“Well, here goes.”Muscles held the mike close to his mouth.“There’s gold in these hyar hills....”He waited ten seconds.“Repeating....There’s gold in these hyar hills.”

He snapped off the transmitter.“That was our pre-arranged signal.It tells Jack Hudson that I’ve found you and that we’re all set to come out.If he got my signal, he’s on his way to the plane right now, I hope, I hope, I hope.It’s been on the runway, warmed up around the clock, ever since he got back.”

“Well, we’ll know in about two hours,” Uncle Charlie said.

Jack did get the signal.Almost exactly two hours after Muscles’ signal, the faint hum of a plane was heard.It grew louder, and then came into sight.It winged in on the prayers of the whole group, the most welcome sight Biff had ever seen.

Farewells were short.The moment the plane touched down, the Ancient One was put aboard.The others followed fast.

The last Biff saw of the Ancient One’s grandsons was a picture he would keep in his heart and mind forever.The five grandsons stood in a line, facing in the direction of the departing plane.All were bowing deeply to show their gratitude.

No one really relaxed until the plane crossed the border, but they reached Unhao with no trouble.Jack Hudson taxied the plane to a neat stop and whistled in relief, “Whew-uw!”Then briskly he turned to the group.“We’re going to refuel and take right off again,” he announced.

“What’s the hurry, Jack?”Charlie asked.“How’s about letting me have a bath?”

“Man, do you know how hot you and Biff have become since you went inside?There have been spies all over the camp.You and Biff aren’t even to get out of this plane.Biff’s things and yours are all packed.I’ve got ’em in the luggage compartment.Soon as this crate is refueled, it’s off for Hong Kong.You can dunk the body there.”

“But what about you, Jack?”

“Oh, they don’t want me.It’s you two got the information they want to keep from getting out.I don’t know what you know, and I don’t want to.They don’t know I’ve crossed into the big ‘C.’”

Biff looked at Chuba.Unashamed tears filled the native boy’s eyes.Biff choked up.“Don’t worry, Chuba, we’ll meet again,” he said, and meant it.

Muscles ruffled Chuba’s dark hair and said, “Chum, next year you and I go Stateside, and we’ll visit this character.”Muscles gave Biff an affectionate punch on the chin.“See you soon,” he said, as he and Chuba left the plane.

They made Hong Kong safely.Biff and his uncle found a U.S.military policeman, who took them to the consulate.There they reported their discovery to an amazed official.

“You have performed a great service for your country,” the embassy official said solemnly, and added with a faint smile, “although you should have your passports taken away for such a foolhardy venture.”

“I know you’re right, sir,” Charles Keene said, “but I would like to ask a favor of you.Can you get us out of Hong Kong?”

“So fast it will make your head swim.Diplomatically speaking, we don’t want you around here.There’s a jet bomber taking off for Honolulu in an hour.You’ll be on it.From there, you’re on your own.”

Two hours later, Biff and his uncle were winging over the blue Pacific, homeward bound—and sound asleep.

A Biff Brewster Mystery Adventure

MYSTERY OF THE CHINESE RING

By ANDY ADAMS

Burma!Biff Brewster can hardly believe he’ll soon be flying to Burma to visit his Uncle Charlie.Not even when a green jade ring comes hurtling through his bedroom window is he fully aware of the excitement and danger awaiting him.

Is the ring a good-luck charm or a bad omen?Biff suspects that Uncle Charlie’s sudden departure from Cape Canaveral to Burma might well have international implications, and that the ring is a warning.

But even with a warning, Biff is still a boy alone in a strange country.As he disembarks at Rangoon, the young adventurer walks straight into an attempted kidnaping.Using his wits, Biff escapes from his captors only to learn that his uncle is somewhere in the heart of Red China, perhaps in serious trouble.

Horrified at the news, Biff persuades Chuba, a Burmese boy, to lead him through the jungle swamplands and across the Chinese border.Once in forbidden enemy territory, Biff uncovers the strange meaning of the jade ring, learns of the secret mission which has brought his uncle to Red China, and discovers a startling project of vital importance to the United States.

Join Biff Brewster in more thrilling, world-wide adventure stories, now available at your local booksellers.

NEW! BIFF BREWSTER
Mystery Adventures

By ANDY ADAMS

Biff Brewster, sixteen, is a tall, strongly built blond youth who lives in Indianapolis, Indiana, with his parents and the eleven-year-old twins, Ted and Monica.Because his mother and father believe that travel is as important to education as formal schooling, Biff is encouraged to travel to various countries during the vacation months.His experiences in these lands, and the young people he meets there, form the basis of a new series for adventure-loving readers.In every journey there is a strong element of mystery, usually a direct result of conditions peculiar to the region in which he is traveling.Thus, in addition to adventure, these books impart carefully researched information about foreign countries.

Start reading one today—

(1) BRAZILIAN GOLD MINE MYSTERY

(2) MYSTERY OF THE CHINESE RING

(3) HAWAIIAN SEA HUNT MYSTERY

(4) MYSTERY OF THE MEXICAN TREASURE

(5) AFRICAN IVORY MYSTERY

(6) ALASKA GHOST GLACIER MYSTERY

GROSSET & DUNLAP, Inc. Publisher
New York 10, N. Y.

Transcriber’s Notes

• Copyright notice provided as in the original—this e-text is public domain in the country of publication.
• Silently corrected palpable typos; left non-standard spellings and dialect unchanged.
• In the text versions, delimited italics text in _underscores_ (the HTML version reproduces the font form of the printed book.)