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"Regrettably, my country of Montaguaya is now subject to those sanctions, because we cannot guarantee that the Verano rebels are not engaged in these prohibited operations."
    Mr. Swift looked at Rigoledo thoughtfully. "I take it you have reason to believe that the rebels are dealing in ore?"
    "Si, Mr. Swift. From a clue given by a defector from the rebel forces, we believe that there is valuable radioactive material within the borders of Verano. We think some exploratory mining has been done, and that they are using small samples to seek covert funding for a larger operation. But such materials must never fall into the hands of these rebels!"
    "But do they really have the technology to do anything with it?" Tom felt the visitor’s story was somehow incomplete.
    "They would sell it to a power hostile to the United States—and to Montaguaya as well. This we must prevent."
    "These rebels—they must be more than ordinary guerillas," Mr. Swift remarked.
    "I shall say only that they are cruel, ruthless men, as were their ancestors five centuries ago," Señor Rigoledo went on, passionately. "Hemispak sent an expedition of scientists to survey the border from the air, with instruments for the detection of uranium. But we fear they have met with foul play from the rebels. It has been two weeks since we have heard from them by radio."
    Tom sat bolt upright, exchanging alarmed glances with his father. "That’s probably the same expedition Barry is with!" he cried.
    "What? You are acquainted with Barry Roberts?" Rigoledo asked in surprise. "He is one of Hemispak’s finest scientists."
    After Mr. Swift explained how they knew him, Señor Rigoledo said, "Ah me, then this is indeed bad news. Do not mention my worries to the father and mother if you please, as all is uncertain for now."
    Mr. Swift agreed, a frown creasing his forehead. Rigoledo continued, "They are good men, our scientific party, and it is at least very strange that we have had no word from them in so long a time. At this moment, as we speak here, those rebels may be forcing Roberts and the others to locate the uranium for them!"
    "But you don’t think the scientists will do it?" Tom said.
    Señor Rigoledo waved his hands in a gesture of despair. "How long can they hold out? A man has his limits." He leaned forward in his chair. "It all leads up to a very important question which I am about to ask you, on behalf of my government and Hemispak.
    "Will you and your father help us thwart these dangerous rebels?"
     
CHAPTER 6
ENEMIES BELOW!
    TOM’S EYES gleamed with eagerness as he waited a moment for his father’s reply to the South American’s question. This could be a high adventure!
    "But how can we help you and your country, Señor Rigoledo?" Tom could sense that his father was moved, yet uncertain. "We’re not diplomats. These are matters for governments to resolve."
    Rigoledo nodded his understanding. "Indeed so. And as you understand from my documents of introduction, I myself have held many positions in the government of Montaguaya. Sometimes, you see, governments must be willing to operate outside the usual channels."
    "Yes," said the elder Swift brusquely, "and outside the public eye. It seems we could help you locate the rebels and their captives—and watch your army come in with guns blazing, wiping out everyone!"
    Rigoledo’s face flushed. He rose from his chair and regarded Damon Swift coldly. "I can see you know little about the history of the Montaguaya situation. My government is one of South America’s oldest democracies. Year after year we have been attacked, our citizens killed—yet we show restraint. We conduct ourselves with honor!"
    He removed from his coat pocket two small white cards and slapped them down on the desk. "My residence in America. I shall be here for five days. The other card is the private office number of Dr. Harold Tennyson, a trusted senior official in your State Department. He will vouch for me. If his word is not enough