Part 15 (2/2)

Algy shook his head. 'That might have been al right last week, but I don't think it would work now; the Riviera is stiff with Italian troops, and the n.a.z.is have taken over farther along the coast-Toulon and Ma.r.s.eil es. You would be stopped, and without papers what story could you tel ? What reason could Mario give for being so far from Monaco?'

Biggles was silent for a little while. 'Yes, I'm afraid this invasion has altered things,' he agreed. 'Stil , it's worth bearing in mind that Mario can get transport if it comes to the pinch. But it's no use talking about that until we've got hold of Ginger and Henri. I'm worried about them. I'm afraid I can't do much about it myself. Neither can the princess, and Mario wil have to look after the food department. What time is it?'

Mario, from the cel ar steps, answered, 'It is seven o'clock, Signor Signor, and a fine night.'

'I didn't know he spoke English,' said Algy in surprise.

'He was in London for a while had a little restaurant in Soho,' explained Biggles.

'Wel , what are we going to do?' inquired Bertie.

'Shal we-that is, me and Algy-toddle along to Peil e, to see what is happening there?'

'What was your final arrangement with Ginger?'

'He said he'd get hold of Henri and make for here.'

'H'm. That makes hard to know what to do for the best. He may already be on his way here. If you go, whichever way you take, you may miss him. At al costs we must try to keep together.'

'It is possible, Signor Signor, to getta from here to Peil e by the ancient mule tracks,' al eged Mario. 'Al the old vil ages are so joined up.'

'You know the path?

'Ah, no. I notta go that way.'

'Then you couldn't be sure of finding the path in the dark?'

'No, signor. signor. In daylight, perhaps.' In daylight, perhaps.'

Biggles thought for a moment. 'I don't see that we can do anything until morning,' he decided. 'If we start blundering about in the dark we may do more harm than good. We'l wait and give Ginger a chance to get here, in case he's on the way. If he isn't here by dawn, then someone wil have to take the mountain path to Peil e, while another watches the Sospel road to see if he comes that way. After al , we're not tied to time. You fel ows must be tired after al your running about. I suggest you make yourselves comfortable-or as comfortable as you can-until morning. Then we'l make a definite plan.

Mario has brought plenty of food, so we shan't starve.'

'And is Mario to stay here also?' asked the princess.

'Yes. I think he'd better wait in case we need him,'

'Yes. I think he'd better wait in case we need him,'

answered Biggles. 'For the moment he had better remain on guard, in case anyone comes snooping round-not that I think it's likely.'

And so it was arranged.

Chapter 15.

Conference at Castillon Just as dawn was breaking Mario came into the wine cel ar where Biggles, Algy and Bertie were sleeping, and having apologized for awakening them, announced that someone, he knew not who, was approaching from the south-west. This, he a.s.serted, was beyond dispute, because on three occasions he had distinctly heard a stone rattle, and each time the sound was nearer. The intervals between the sounds had been long, from which it might be inferred that the approach was slow. He had come to warn them to be ready for action, and to ask for instructions.

Biggles turned to Algy and Bertie. 'You'd better take care of this,' he ordered. 'Don't show yourselves. Try an ambush. Probably the best plan would be to take cover in a house on the line of approach, so that before you move you can see who you have to deal with. Speaking personal y, if it is the police, I am not going to be taken prisoner-I'd sooner fight it out here than face a firing squad. Have you got guns?'

'We have,' answered Algy grimly. 'Come on, Bertie.'

Under the guidance of Mario they made their way to the outskirts of the vil age and entered an empty house, a window of which commanded a view over the direction from which danger threatened. Dawn was now advancing with a rush, the rising sun turning the surrounding peaks to gold, and drowning the morning star in a sea of turquoise, pink and mauve.

For a few minutes nothing could be seen, and then, from a fold in the ground, appeared a brown object, which presently resolved itself into the head of a donkey, walking very slowly. As the animal came into ful view two figures could be seen, one, in pale blue overal s, slumped on its back, the other leaning wearily against it.

'Good heavens!' muttered Algy. 'It's Ginger. By thunder! He's got Henri.'

'Yes, by jingo, you're right-absolutely right,' said Bertie in a startled voice.

With one accord they dashed to the door and raced towards the little party as fast as the state of the ground would permit.

Ginger heard them, and looked up to see them coming. He waved a greeting. 'Hel o chaps, glad to see you,' he said, smiling. 'Look after Heiri-he's in a bad way.'

'You look al in, yourself,' observed Algy, giving him an arm.

'I'm al right-just tired,' murmured Ginger. 'Henri is hurt, though.' Suddenly noticing Mario advancing he groped for his gun. 'Strewth, what's that fel ow doing here?'

'He's al right-he's one of us,' answered Algy.

'But that's the bloke who knifed Zabani.'

'So what? Zabani only got what was coming to him. Believe it or not, Mario is on our side.'

Ginger shook his head. 'I'l take your word for it.

After the last twenty-four hours I'l believe anything.'

Algy spoke to Mario. 'Run back and let them know it's Ginger and Henri arrived,' he ordered, and then devoted his attention to getting the casualties into the vil age.

Ginger was able to walk, but Henri was too far gone. He was conscious, but only just. Even the donkey seemed exhausted.

'We've had a longish hike,' explained Ginger.

'These rocks are the very deuce. They've worn the soles clean off my feet.' He said nothing about his wounded leg.

'Never mind, old boy,' put in Bertie. 'We've got a tonic waiting for you-yes, by jingo, not half.'

'What is it?'

'Biggles.'

Ginger stopped, his eyes saucering. 'What? You mean that?'

'Absolutely.'

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