Sword in Sheath Read Online Free

regular, get ammunition for his guns, and can squat down to prepare for the big day when he can settle a few scores again. And if you do find anyting of that sort — ”
    “We promise faithfully to tell you all about it” Sam held a light to Boone's cigarette. “Emulating the estimable Susaki, we shall inform you at the proper intervals of our progress. I only hope that we are not expected to be boy heroes. I am neither Terry Lee nor Steve Canyon, you understand. Mouse blood courses sluggishly through my veins.”
    Kane snorted. “Sure, we know all about you and your mouse blood! All right, Dead-Eye, we'll double as your gumshoe boys. But to whom do we report any nefarious dealings which we may uncover — or are you about to present us with a new invisible walkie-talkie to conceal about our persons that we may use to summon the fleet at the proper moment? A couple of those atomic blasters used by the best science-fiction heroes would be nice too — and maybe a coat of mail apiece — these island boys carry knives.”
    “You will be contacted at the right time. Keep in touch with van Bleeker, his knowledge of the Indies and their people will be invaluable. And if you get in a jam — “He hesitated, and Sam grinned, wryly.
    “We do NOT send for the Marines. Yes, Ironjaw made that point clear. We're unoffical, very, very, unoffical!”
    Boone nodded. “That's the way it has to be — sorry. If you want to walk out — no hard feelings.”
    Kane's toes moved across the bed rail and more paint flakes went to the floor. “Oh, we're sitting in. I wanted a job like this one. After all, ending as hut decoration for ahead-hunter is just what I have always fancied. And since Burma, life in the States seems a little too tame. I don't know how Sam feels about it — ”
    “He endorses your sentiments heartily. Having worn a cloak and brandished a dagger successfully — I find that I no longer have a taste for the simple life. Yes, Capitan Boone, thank you kindly — we're island bound. Now is the time for you to rise and survey us proudly as, with simple and moving dignity, you utter those classic and tear-compelling words, ‘Good luck, men’.”
    “Just for that crack, I will Good luck You'll probably need all of that commodity you can get. Now you'd better see van Bleeker as soon as you can. The Sumba sails when she has finished loading trade goods — ”
    “Okay, tall brass. We hear and obey. I hope the ship has a decent cook. Good-bye, mug, we'll be seeing you — ”
    Boone blew a long plume of smoke. “I’ll hold you to that promise, smart boy. Three months from now you'd better come around again or else!” With a wave of his hand he left.
    “Or else,” mused Sam. “It seems to me that there are chances for a great many or-elses in this pleasant little excursion. Dressing?” He watched Kane pull on a shirt. “Aren't you being a little rash — that's next to your last clean shirt, and you don't have to be beautiful for me — I'm not proud.”
    “You heard our orders. We go to the Casa Blanca and find this van Bleeker before he pulls out and leaves us sitting on the beach with not a ship in sight. Come on — rise and shine.”
    With a groan Sam kicked off loose slippers and reached for his shoes while his roommate decided against the formality of a necktie.
    After the unshaded light of their room the dusk outsidewas soft and soothing to the eyes. Manila had come to life — a broken life with the ugly scars of burns and unforgettable wounds to warp what had once been the heart of a free country. But it was free once more, and that was all which seemed to matter to its inhabitants. Tonight the streets were crowded, and there was actually laughter to be heard now and then. Manila was on the way back.
    The Casa Blanca had once been a luxury hotel. And now, as Boone had pointed out, because it still boasted part of a roof, it was in business again, prized by those lucky enough to find shelter within its