BIGGLES SEES IT THROUGH

 

by Captain W. E. Johns

 

 

XVII.                       THE END OF THE CRUISE  (Pages 251 – 254)

 

Two hours later the flying-boat landed on a lake near Oskar.  Ginger has already landed and is there to welcome them, with Colonel Raymond.  Biggles and Algy’s appearance “can be better imagined than described”.  The Colonel confirms that he has got the papers.  Raymond explains that the flying-boat was the machine that flew him out.  When Biggles failed to return, Smyth asked to have it and has been in the air since.  “I think he must have flown over half Russia”. Ginger spotted him and led him to where Biggles was.  The smoke-bomb dropped by the Russian bomber showed them where they were.  Colonel Raymond suggests they can all fly home with him tomorrow.  Biggles asks, what about the war?  Raymond laughs.  “The war’s over – at least this one is.  Peace was declared between Finland and Russia three hours ago”.  “So that’s why the Russians stopped shooting and started cheering instead!” cried Biggles, suddenly understanding.  Biggles agrees to go back with Raymond.  Colonel Raymond says he has heard a certain member of the Air Council asking for Biggles.  “I seem to remember him saying something about a job in France”.  “Biggles shook his head sadly.  “Now I understand the hurry to get us home,” he murmured with a sigh of resignation.  “I might have guessed there was a trick in it”.