666 and the Lost Island

[Fairblue]

"Yes," Bggles whispered. "How many japs do you think there are?"

[tiffinata]

" maybe twenty. They dropped something onto our camp that knocked us out and we've been tied up here ever since. They've got two of your boys in another hut."

[Kismet]

'We'll get you out of here and clean up the camp.' promised Biggles. ''You know the place better than us. Any suggestions?'

[Fairblue]

Wilks thought rapidly. "At sundown. They all seem to congregate in their mess except for the guards on this hut and the other one with your boys in it."

[Kismet]

'I'll try to get you out by then. If I got you a spade, could you dig your way out? You're of more use to me out than in.'

[Fairblue]

Wilks reckoned he could. Bertie crept off to find a spade,

[Kismet]

There was an unguarded hut that contained a spade and a number of other useful items. Bertie filled his pockets and returned to the prisoners.

[tiffinata]

He slipped a knife through first so Wilks could cut his bonds. Wilks began digging quietly.

[Fairblue]

In a few moments he had wriggled through, after telling his men to stay put and carry on singing.

[Kismet]

Biggles, Bertie and Wilks retreated quietly to a grove of palm trees, from where they could keep an eye on the camp and plan their attack.

[Fairblue]

Wilks thought they should wait until everyone apart from the Hut guards were in one place. Biggles said they would have to sabotage any transport they found apart from the boat Wilks said had carried them o the island.

[tiffinata]

The first part of the plan went without a hitch. Bertie locked most of the enemy into the hut.
Wilks had crawled back inside and cut the bonds of his pilots. He then called out something to the guard. The guard, still believing everyone was bound opened the door and was quickly overpowered.

[Fairblue]

The guards on Algy's and Angus's door were next.

[Kismet]

The island was theirs in a remarkably short period of time. Some of Wilks's men were put on guard duty. Others were told off to check for any guards not captured.

Biggles and Wilks explored the technical set up.

[Fairblue]

"We need the experts here," Biggles said. "I'll call the Serendipity."

[tiffinata]

The signal came through with remarkable clarity, and soon the Serendipity was on its way.

[Fairblue]

"Well, you old fox, I guess you'll be wearing fancy shirts soon," Wilks told Biggles.

[tiffinata]

"Technically you found it first by being captured and imprisoned on it," Biggles lit a cigarette.

[Kismet]

'But my WAAFs will mutiny if I don't claim the prize, so sorry old boy, but that's the way it goes. Finding it by being captured and taken there doesn't count, I'm afraid.'

[Fairblue]

"Unless...." Biggles carried on, "We claim a draw. A joint find."

[tiffinata]

Wilks agreed and they shook hands on it. He reflected allowing himself to be captured would seriously impede his future chance of promotion to Wing Commander and hopefully Group Captain.

He realised this was the best outcome and he was looking forward to having a holiday with Biggles' squadron and getting to know the WAAFs.

[Fairblue]

The Serendipity glided in as far as she could. Then a boat was powered and, powered by six blue jackets at the oars made its way to the shallows, where Biggles, Algy and Wilks were waiting.

"Strike me," Algy murmured, looking at the boat through binoculars. "Raymond's there."

[tiffinata]

Raymond congratulated them on a wonderful result and a joint effort.

[Fairblue]

"I had a feeling this might happen," he told them. "No clear winner. By all accounts this setup is pretty unique. When the prisoners have been taken away our experts will be examining this island inch by inch." He looked at the three airmen. "And they'll want you off it. Now, have you any idea where you could spend, say, the next two weeks before you return to your stations?"

[Kismet]

'No,' Biggles told him, grinning.

[tiffinata]

"I think the prize was a tropical island somewhere?" Raymond smiled. "Now I suggest you all look out your bathing costumes as soon as we get back to terra firma. After a celebratory dinner at the Savoy."

[kylie_koyote]

And celebrate they did. Much fun was had by all, and they happily forgot the war for a while, while they sunned themselves, drank little drinks with umbrellas, and got to know the local ladies.

They all lived happily ever after, the end.

[Fairblue]

Neat ending, KK. Well done.

[Kismet]

Hurray! Well finished everyone!