BIGGLES DELIVERS THE GOODS

by Captain W. E. Johns

XIII. ALGY MEETS A FRIEND - AND AN ENEMY (Pages 107 - 114)

When Algy is taken ashore the following day, he is told that Admiral Tamashoa will make him change his mind about not speaking. This indicates to Algy that he is at Victoria Point. Algy is taken to a cell where another man is trying to bandage an wound in his leg with newspaper. This turns out to be Major Marling. Algy uses his shirt to bandage the wound whilst Marling tells him that Shansie has been attacked and taken over by Japanese paratroops. The Japs bayoneted Marling when he wouldn't tell them where he'd hidden his rubber and rubies. The two prisoners are then taken for interrogation and they see a native called Tapil, the eldest son of Melong (I assume this is meant to be Marlong the foreman at Shansie, but it is mispelt, presumably by Johns). Algy is interrogated by Tamashoa. "What were you doing in airplane?" "Flying," answered Algy. "What were you doing in sea?" "Swimming," replied Algy. "What are you doing here?" "Standing," replied Algy evenly. It is soon clear to Tamashoa that this is going nowhere. He makes both Algy and Marling watch the execution of Melong's son. He is beheaded in the courtyard. "Does that help you to find your tongues?" queried Tamashoa. "No," answered Algy and the major together. Both Algy and Major Marling are marched out to face the executioner.