The Mysterious Ambassador by Lee Falk Read Free Book Online Page B

distant drums.
"How about them?" said Lanston, looking at the soldiers. The other three were beginning to show signs of life.
"They go with us. We want them for witnesses."
"You said that before," said Osborne. "Witnesses for what?"
| "They're Bababu's men. At his orders, they shot you down, tried to kill you. You're UN pilots, on a mercy mission, to rescue doctors who wiped out an epidemic among Bababu's people. When we bring him to trial, this testimony will count heavily against him."
"You're going to bring General Bababu to trial?" said Lanston.
"Yes, he's an usurper, and a criminal besides," said the Phantom.
"He's an absolute dictator. He's got the army, fifty thousand men they told us, and you're going to bring him to trial? In the name of God, how?"
"There are details to clear up before that, but it will come. Let's move," he said.
He spoke sharply to the other soldiers who staggered to their feet. He quickly tore vines from a nearby tree, cutting them to short lengths with a sharp hunting knife, then bound the soldiers' hands behind their backs. They all started off, the Phantom leading, the two pilots with rifles bringing up the rear. A few yards away, the white stallion and wolf came out of the bushes and joined them. The pilots noticed that as each soldier came out of his daze, he stiffened at the sight of the masked man. The soldiers muttered to each other, until a sharp word from the masked man quieted them.
"There are more of Bababu's troops in the area— also some roving bands of deserters. We must go quietly until we reach the stream," he explained.
"How about that?" said Jim Osborne. "Bababu has most of the army and half the country—and he's going to try him!"
"Somehow, I think he will!" said Lanston.
The Phantom turned and put his finger to his lips.
"Shhsh," he said.
In Bababu's palatial office—a former colonial governor's bedroom, Ambassador Cari, a crowd of newspaper, TV, and radio reporters were throwing questions at the general. Bababu sat back in his big leather chair, puffing slowly on the long ivory holder, relaxed and confident now.
"What happened to the UN rescue helicopter?"
"Shot down, by miserable rebels, guerillas hiding in the woods," said Bababu.
"Are you sure?" asked Cari.
"Established, without question," said Bababu. "Who else? There are no regular troops in the jungle. Is that not true, Colonel?"
Mokata nodded solemnly. "Yes, sir," he said.
"We are searching for those miserable guerillas now. When we find them, they will be executed."
"How can you be searching for them if there are no regular troops in the jungle, sir?" asked a reporter.
Bababu scowled.
"There were none, at the time. Any more questions?"
"The pilots had parachutes. Perhaps they are alive," said Cari.
"Let us hope so, gentlemen, let us hope so," said Bababu, folding his hands together fervently.
"What about the medical team in the jungle?"
Bababu shrugged.
"That is not my responsibility," he said.
"A second helicopter is on the way," said Ambassador Cari.
Bababu looked at him thoughtfully for a moment.
"Indeed," he said. "That is good."
"Good? You approve?" asked a reporter.
"Why not?"
"Lamanda Luaga is with them. There were wagers you wouldn't permit the first crew to leave," said an English reporter.
"The medical team performed a good service for my people," said Bababu. "We hope for their safe return to their homes."
"What about Luaga?" persisted the Englishman.
"That is another matter, a political matter," said Bababu.
"Will you let him return?"
Bababu glanced at Colonel Mokata.
"This press conference was arranged for Ambassador Cari on behalf of the United Nations. It is not concerned with the internal affairs of this country. The conference is concluded," said Mokata.
A dozen voices protested, wanting to ask more questions.
General Bababu smiled and shook his head, and soldiers with rifles moved slowly toward the group.
"This way out," said Mokata.
When the doors were closed and Bababu was alone with Mokata, the