Free The Hydra Monster by Lee Falk Page B

living, Walker. When you decide to tell all, keep me in mind."
"I will," said the Phantom.
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
Three fishing boats were coming in across the twilight harbor. Captain Miranda turned away from the panoramic window of the seaside restaurant. He refilled his wine glass from the bottle of local wine on the table, asking, "You're certain you won't join me, Senor Walker?"
"No, thanks," said the Phantom.
After an appreciative sip, the Police Captain said, "Now that we've enjoyed an ample dinner, perhaps you will tell me what else you know about these Vultures. I take it you were reluctant to discuss the matter further in front of Senor Sumter."
"Mis curiosity is a little excessive." "An American habit, is it not?" It could be simply that." "You don't trust him?"
"I'll reserve judgment until I know a little more about him."
After a bit more wine and a shrug, Miranda • lid, "So be it. Mow what of these scavengers?"
"They are, as I suspected, part of the Hydra organization," the Phantom said. "And the group responsible for the looting are known as Vultures. The cluster of shacks in the hills above the lake..."
"I sent three of my men out to investigate the locale, by the way, though it's not likely to produce much new information. But please continue, senor."
"At the shack, I met a thin man with a gaunt face in his early fifties. He refers to himself as V2."
"Indicating he's second in command?"
"That's the impression I got. The leader, and he may be the leader of the entire Hydra set up, is known simply as V."
"Do you think this V ... is he, too, in my country?"
"I have that impression."
"Then," said the captain, turning again to watch the darkening sea, "we might be able to put an end to the entire Hydra movement."
"Exactly what I'm aiming at."
"Do you have any suggestions for what they call in the United States a game plan?"
Grinning at the phrase, the Phantom replie "We might be able to anticipate them."
The captain tapped his finger against the ste of his glass. "By discovering some pattern to the raids?"
"Yes. You should be able to draw up a list of likely targets . . . other museums, banks and so forth which haven't been hit yet."
"I could," admitted Miranda. "But that list might include a good dozen or so possible loca tions, senor. With the country in such a state disorder, I can't spare the men for such an operation . . . and the army is in much the same position."
"Perhaps not enough men at each spot to appre hend the Vultures," said the Phantom. "Not enough to stand out in front of places and be shot down. But if you have, say, two dozen men who are good at keeping out of sight, and good tracking."
"You mean, station only two men at each target site and allow the Vultures to bring off their raid? asked Miranda. "Then follow them to their lair?
"Yes, it might work," the Phantom told him "Once your team gets a fix on the Vultures' current hideaway, they can radio in and you can send in more men."
Miranda grew thoughtful. "There's certainly some merit in your suggestion, Senor Walker," he said finally, "The thing is, I don't know if I can spare even twenty men for more than a few days
"A few days may be enough time."

"Very well, I'll draw up the list. Meet me in my
office tomorrow morning." Miranda refilled his glass.
Sumter was sitting on the edge of the desk table with the list in his hand. "Thorough, pretty complete."
The Phantom closed the door, crossed the room and took the list out of the reporter's hand. "I don't think Captain Miranda is ready to release this to the press."
"Excuse me. He stepped down the hall for a minute and I couldn't resist a peek."
Scanning the list, the Phantom said, "I don't want any of this to get out yet, Sumter."
The reporter smiled at him. "Carrying around a good ton of info in my head already," he said. "Stuff I'm not supposed to reveal. One more ounce won't bother me. So consider your deep dark secrets safe with Sumter."
"You're showing; considerable interest in the
Vultures,"