BIGGLES AND THE PENITENT THIEF

by Captain W. E. Johns

3. BIGGLES HAS A PROBLEM (Pages 27 – 37)

“Biggles lost not only his beauty-sleep but a good deal more, for he went to bed with a problem on his mind, and that is never conducive to easy slumber”. Biggles knows that if he reports what he now knows, it seems likely that both Miller and his son will end up in Court, Miller for harbouring a criminal. If Biggles withholds the information, he would be failing in his duty. “Whether to keep silent or divulge the facts of the case was the question that worried him for most of the night, although in his heart he knew there was only one course open to him”. Biggles does not want to let down Miller who “had been an efficient, conscientious mechanic”, whereas Biggles does not know Tommy and only has his father’s word for his moral character “and parents, naturally, are inclined to be prejudiced in their judgment in favour of their children”. Had Tommy been wise “he should have gone to the police the moment Lew Darris had made contact with him. That was his chance to clear himself”. Biggles thinks the best Tommy can hope for is a reduced sentence in return for telling all he knew. Biggles gets up and gets a taxi to Scotland Yard. When Assistance Commissioner Air Commodore Raymond, head of the Special Air Section arrives, Biggles calls and asks to go and see him. Biggles asks Raymond if he remembers a Corporal-armourer named Miller. Raymond doesn’t. Biggles says “Last night he came to see me with as tall a tale as I’ve heard for a long time: but knowing Miller I’m convinced it’s true. He could have no possible reason for making up such a fantastic yarn, anyway”. Biggles related the sinister story the ex-corporal had told in his flat. Raymond asks “What do you expect me to do about this?” Biggles says “That’s for you to tell me, sir”. Raymond asks what Biggles would do and Biggles says he would try to get confirmation of the story, firstly by going to see Tommy Miller and putting a few searching questions to him. Raymond says he will talk to the Chief Commissioner, but the Chief may issue a warrant for young Miller’s arrest. Biggles says that would be a daft thing to do. Miller may deny the entire story. “In that case you could say goodbye to the jewels and you’d never be able to build up a case against Raulstein for murder. Tommy is the only witness”. Raymond reminds Biggles the jewels are in Labrador, which is administered by Canada and they can’t go treasure hunting there “without so much as by your leave”. Biggles says they’ll be interested to know there have a murderer running loose. “He might get up to any devilment in Canada”. Biggles says Raulstein will still be there as he is not likely to abandon a quarter of million pounds’ worth of jewels. Raymond gives Biggles permission to go and see Tommy. “See him but don’t give him the impression all is forgiven” are his instructions. Biggles says it would be a good thing to get Tommy’s confidence and co-operation. It would be a waste of time to go looking for the jewels without him as Tommy can go straight to them. Biggles says he could fly to Labrador in the Merlin aircraft, via Iceland and Greenland. Raymond says he will get in touch with the Canadian authorities if it is decided to send someone out. Biggles says if anyone has to stick his neck out, it will probably be him and he will speak with young Miller and let Raymond know the results. Biggles leaves the room.