'I entered the plague-stricken town. The plague victims were carried out at night in wagon loads -- like firewood. But I was searching for villains I had been told of -- in this place.
'I found one -- a looter robbing the dead! The villain foolishly engaged me in sword-play. I shortly had my sword at his throat. Then I noticed the tattoo -- a big "V" at the top of a bald head.
 © 1990 King Features Syn. |
'From this captive, held at sword's point, I learned an extraordinary thing.
'I got a confession out of the rogue. "There are many of us, sire, who have existed a long time. I know not how many. We steal from the weak -- those who cannot fight back".
'"You admit this abomination? Miserable cowards!"
'"Not cowards, sire -- 'Vultures' -- that is our name. Our leader tells us it is folly to steal from the strong when there are so many who are weak. We follow retreating armies -- robbing the wounded and the dying".
'"Vile and disgusting! You admit that you rob the wounded on the battlefield?"
'"And the dead, sire! Wars also mean refugees -- weak people. We attack them and rob them."
'"Vile!"
'"Vile, you call us? Are we any worse than great lords who make the wars?"
'"Why have you shaven your head like a monk, villain?"
'"Like the bird whose name we took and whose habits we copy -- he too is bald -- and lives off the dying and the dead".
'I was sickened by knowledge of the vicious looter gang -- "The Vultures". I handed him to the authorities. I knew they would make quick work of the villain. I determined to hunt this evil gang and exterminate them!'