BIGGLES DELIVERS THE GOODS

by Captain W. E. Johns

VIII. DECISIONS (Pages 67 - 74)

The Major says the Japanese had heard about his rubies and wanted to know where he kept his valuables. Major Marling doesn't want to leave his home and intends to stay and clear away all traces of the Japanese attack. Biggles says he will take the Lotus launch away for Marling. He establishes the Li Chi speaks Japanese and says they will be able to bluff their way past Tamashoa's headquarters at Victoria Point, at the mouth of the river. Biggles asks Marling is he can make a landing ground at Shansie so they can have a line of communication. Marling promises to build one. Marling says he has several Chinese and Lascars, the crew of a ship sunk by the enemy in the Gulf of Siam at Shansie. They had fled inland and made their way there. Marling asks if Li Chi can take them with him. There are 16 people, mostly greasers and stokers. Biggles agrees to take them and 50 tons of rubber in the Lotus. They also take the Japanese soldiers rifles. The Lotus casts off and the journey back down the river begins. Ginger lays down on the hard deck and goes to sleep.