BIGGLES - AIR DETECTIVE

by Captain W. E. Johns

THE CASE OF THE UNREGISTERED OPERATOR (Pages 29 - 41)

The door of the Air Police Operations Room at Gatwick Airport opens to admit a heavily built, bowler-hatted man, well known by sight to Biggles. It is Inspector Gaskin of "C" Department, C.I.D., New Scotland Yard, making his first appearance in a Biggles book. The detective tells Biggles that Charlie Cotelli, the cracksman was discharged from prison and the same evening he broke into Plevington Castle and stole £6000 worth of jewellery. The police know his way of working as clear as fingerprints. However, the same night he was in Belfast. Joe Lasker, a smash-and-grab specialist, broke a window of a Bond Street jeweller and got away with rings worth £8000. He was seen by a constable on duty who recognised him. However, two hours later he was in Paris. These get-aways are being organised by somebody with brains. "Not only brains," murmured Biggles. "This smart guy also has an aircraft". Biggles says that for a couple of months, the Air Ministry have been reporting that their radar operators have been picking up an aircraft they are unable to trace. Biggles comes up with an idea and two days later, for the first time in his life, Biggles is sitting in a cell of a British convict prison. A notice has been put in the paper that a J. A. Bensil, a bank cashier who stole £10,000 is due for release from prison and the money was never recovered. The Governor of the prison releases him and in due course, in Lambeth Street, a dark saloon car draws up and offers Biggles a lift. The man says "Call us the P.P.A. - the Personal Protection Association". Biggles gets in and the car drives away at high speed to dodge anybody following. Taken to an unknown location Biggles is offered a drink. "I never touch alcohol, it doesn't agree with me - thanks all the same" he replies. The man offers to take him and his stolen money abroad and they agree a price, £1,250. Biggles says the money is already in France. The following day, the man, who is referred to as Darkie, and Biggles travel about an hour out of London by car on the Great West Road. They stop at a lane or farm track. Here an old Puss Moth is covered with tarpaulin and straw. When they take off Biggles notes the landmarks to mark the area of the airfield. "Ever been up before?" asked Darkie. "Once or twice," murmured Biggles blandly. They land in France only about a twenty minute drive away from Paris. Going to 41 Rue Chantonesse, Biggles gets out a suitcase when suddenly Darkie pulls a gun. Biggles grabs his hand as Inspector Gaskin and some plain clothed men and two gendarmes come into the room. After a brief struggle, the man is arrested. Gaskin introduces Captain Joudrier of the Surete to Biggles and Biggles thanks him for his co-operation.