by W E Johns
‘He certainly applied for the post here, although this climate is one few people would choose.’
‘He had the backing of a foreign government. The whaler that put in came to help him. He’s aboard her now, or he was a little while ago.’
The officer frowned. ‘If he’s wise he’ll stay on her. Where is she?’
‘The last I saw of her she was stuck on a sand-bank near the island where the gold was buried.’
‘Very well, señor. We need not detain you any longer. You will make a report of this when you return home, no doubt. Will you, if necessary, come back to Chile to give evidence if there is an official inquiry?’
‘With pleasure.’
‘Good. Then that is all.’
Biggles offered his hand. ‘Muchas gracias, señores. In my report I shall not forget to mention your courtesy.’ He turned to Vendez. ‘I shall also see to it that your good services are not overlooked. We remember our friends. Should any of you find yourselves in London I hope you will look me up and give me the pleasure of returning your hospitality.’
Well content with the way the affair had terminated, Biggles went out, found the car and drove into the town, looking forward to a bath, a good meal and a change of clothes.
There is little more to relate. The following morning, having settled his affairs, said goodbye to Mr Scott and made a present of the car which he would no longer need to the helpful Vendez, Biggles took off in fair weather and returned to Rio Gallegos. There he found Mr Barlow well on the way to recovery and handed over the documents that had been salvaged, much to Mr Carter’s delight. One night was spent in the town, after which began the long cruise home.
In due course the gold arrived in England and the business was settled amicably with the Chilean government. Biggles kept his word about Vendez who received a present for his assistance, as of course did the plant hunters for the part they had played; although, to be sure, had it not been for the quest for the gold which they had found by accident they would probably have perished on the desolate island on which they had been cast away.
What happened to Gontermann and his friends was never learned; but long afterwards Biggles heard through Admiralty sources that the whaler had been abandoned and looked like becoming a total wreck. It is hardly necessary to say that he lost no sleep over that.
THE END