BIGGLES AND THE NOBLE LORD

by Captain W. E. Johns

2. ROUND TABLE CONFERENCE (Pages 15 – 20)

‘Just a minute before we start,’ requested Ginger. ‘Is there any reason to suppose this has anything to do with aviation?’ ‘None at all, as far as I’m aware, although of course flying may come into the picture,’ returned Biggles. Bertie thinks the man must be a genuine collector. ‘A chap who goes in for antiques and objects of art for no other reason than because he likes the look of ‘em – if you follow me’. Bertie says that when Lady Loxton’s jews were stolen from her place in Sussex, he went through a list of missing goods with Inspector Gaskin and something was out of step with the rest. It was a hand-painted French porcelain cake stand, described as a party of cupids holding up a plate. Bertie says “It caught his eye and he couldn’t resist it”. Biggles says they might get a line on him by checking the London sale rooms to watch who buys this sort of stuff. Algy thinks most of the robberies were “inside jobs”. ‘The bribe has only got to be big enough to turn some men crooked’ agrees Biggles, but ‘You can’t prove anything. The suspect can say he won the money gambling’. Ginger suggests they set a trap. Lady Charlington’s jewels were lifted from her chauffeur-driven Rolls Royce on the way to Scotland when she stopped for lunch and the chauffeur slipped into the gent’s toilet. He was away less than two minutes, yet when he came back the jewels were gone. Algy suggests he was in on the job, but Biggles counters that he had been driving his boss for thirty years and has blamed himself ever since. ‘Of course chauffeur’s of wealthy people are always being approached by crooks to play in with them. That’s a well-known fact’ adds Biggles. Ginger suggests they organize something of that sort. All they need is a Rolls and he can play the part of a foreign princess. Let is be known in the press that famous jewels are being carried by the Princess. All you have do then is follow in another car and nab anyone who tries to steal the jewels. ‘I should find myself with some small-time crook. The man I want is the top man, the crafty type we believe to be organizing these raids’ (which is the quote on the very first page of the book). Ginger has his answer ready. Don’t grab him, follow him and see where he goes. Biggles decides to try that plan out. Bertie will chauffeur Ginger whilst Algy can check the leading auctioneers and sale rooms for someone with money who collects antique French porcelain. ‘If we fail there will be no harm done. Let’s see about getting organized.’