BIGGLES WORKS IT OUT

by Captain W. E. Johns

XIV. ENEMIES OR ALLIES? (Pages 160 – 170)

“For an aircraft, a punctured petrol-tank is a serious matter at any time; if it occurs when the machine is flying over such an area of the earth’s crust as Algy and Bertie knew was beneath them, then the expectations of life for the occupants becomes very slim indeed”. The fuel was coming out under pressure and the spray and fumes made it impossible to find the leak. Additionally, the vapour presented a very real danger of ignition, especially as the exhaust gases from the aircraft glow lurid in the dark and are unpleasantly close. Algy seeks Bertie’s opinion and Bertie advises landing at once. Algy lands, knowing that if the sand is soft, they will overturn, but the sand is firm and they land safely. “Let’s get clear and have a cigarette,” suggested Algy, “I’m all of a dither”. “You chose a bad moment to start hitch-hiking,” he told Emile, with grim humour. They sit in silence waiting for the morning, but in the moonlight see Tuareg Arabs approaching, not fewer than fifty of them and every man carries a rifle and a lance. Emile is able to speak some of their language, but after the conversation he tells Algy and Bertie “They are going to kill us because the white men in the valley refused them water and shot two of their warriors”. Algy gets Emile to tell the Tuareg that they were enemies of the men in the valley, who are thieves and murderers. The Government has sent them here to seize the men and take them away. When the men have gone the Tuareg will be able to take as much water as they want. After much talking, they are told to go with the Arabs as they intend to attack the valley. They can fight against the men in the valley and prove that they are their enemies. Having no choice, Algy, Bertie and Emile set off on foot. (Between pages 156 and 157 is a colour plate, of camel mounted Arabs menacing two men with guns. On the rear of the plate is the caption “They had no fear that they would try to run away (see page 167))”. They journey through the night but at least the night air is cool. The sand gives way to rock as they reach the hills. Algy tells Emile to warn the Tuareg about the two sentries on duty and the information is well received. It is nearly dawn when the Tuareg dismount from their camels to prepare to attack the valley. “It was not to be supposed that Algy watched these preparations without misgivings. Putting aside the characters of the men in the valley, they were, after all, white men. They were going to be attacked and probably killed”. “He would have warned the men in the valley had it been possible; but it was illogical to throw his life away in a futile attempt to save men who, given the opportunity, would kill him without the slightest compunction”. Algy, Bertie and Emile sit on rocks to wait. As the sun rises shots are fired.