THE BLACK PERIL

by W. E. Johns

XIII. FOG (Pages 173 – 180)

The long flight has to be in a straight line to Sweden due to shortage of fuel. The wind is against them and the fuel finally runs out when they are about five miles from the Swedish shore. They glide down but will be about a quarter of a mile short. They hope to drift ashore but are carried down the coast by a strong current. The sun is blotted out by a thickening haze as weather conditions worsen. Our heroes hear three aircraft approaching and Biggles recognises the leading one as belonging to Blackbeard. Blackbeard lands just as fog descends. “A moment later, curling fingers of white mist reached out towards the Vandal’s wing-tips, filtered through the bracing wires, and then enfolded the whole machine in its clammy embrace”. Biggles hears engines and suspects the other two planes have left without landing. The question is whether or not Blackbeard’s machine is still there? “Pity we couldn’t have made the last two hundred yards,” muttered Ginger regretfully. “I wonder –” “Listen my lad,” interrupted Biggles quietly, “never worry your head wondering what might have happened – that doesn’t matter two hoots. Always stick to the facts; they are the only things that count. We didn’t reach the coast, so all the wondering in the world about what might have happened if we had is a sheer waste of time. Remember that”. “O.K. chief,” replied Ginger obediently. As night falls, watches are arranged, two on and two off.