BIGGLES GOES TO WAR

by Captain W. E. Johns

V. DOUBTS AND DIFFICULTIES (Pages 56 – 66)

With Smyth and Carter are three other people standing in front of an improvised hangar. These are General Beth stein, Commander-in-Chief of the army, Lieutenant Ludwig Stanhauser and an unnamed private. Bethstein has heard about the aerial combat and is angry about it, fearing a war. Biggles says “Any act of war that has occurred was made by these neighbours you seem anxious not to offend”. Bethstein leaves with the private, who is his driver. Our heroes receive a far warmer welcome from Ludwig, who is the nephew of Count Stanhauser. Quarters are to be provided for Biggles, Algy and Ginger at the Hotel Stadplatz. Biggles is critical of the hangar that Smyth and Carter have built as it has not been camouflaged. The General has told them that the paint would cost too much. Currently the stores and ammunition are in the hangar. Biggles asks for some workmen and asks Smyth to get them to make a rough shelter on the edge of the forest on the southern boundary – something that can’t be seen from the air. Arriving at the quaint medieval-looking hostelry at which they are to stay, our heroes are introduced to Josef, who runs the place. When safely in his room, Biggles tells Ginger and Algy “Unless I am very much mistaken, we have enemies in Maltovia as well as Lovitzna”. Biggles wonders how the planes that attacked them this morning knew their route and the day on which they were due to arrive. They put on their uniforms and dine in the banqueting-hall then go to bed to get some rest. (Several pairs of eyes were on them as they stood up, neat and smart in their new uniforms - is the illustration on page 65