BIGGLES GETS HIS MEN

by Captain W. E. Johns

X. THE VELVET GLOVE (Pages 125 - 130)

Petroffsky has been disarmed and bought before von Stalhein by the time Biggles and Ginger are able to view the scene. Von Stalhein says Mayne is not there at the moment but they will find him. He says everyone knows Colonel Alexis Petroffsky and he apologises for the way he has been treated. Von Stalhein offers Petroffsky a drink in his quarters. "Biggles drew a deep breath, and when he spoke his voice had acid in it. "The old game. First, the velvet glove. If that fails, the iron fist. But it won't fail. Von Stalhein's a past-master at it. He went straight for Petroffsky's weakness - vanity; vanity and booze". Biggles realises they have got to get the scientists away before Petroffsky gives their presence away, but it will take time for the bars to be cut. Biggles goes to prevent Petroffsky from telling von Stalhein where the aircraft is hidden whilst Ginger is sent to get the scientists out. Biggles gets to von Stalhein's hut where already he can hear him saying "So my old friend Bigglesworth is here too, with Mayne? I was half expecting him .... I should be delighted to meet him again" Biggles enters the room with his gun and says he has been looking forward to the same thing. Biggles pulls up a chair and sits down.