By the way, the one who was hurt is out of danger, I hear. We took him to the hospital.'
`That was Carter,' put in Ginger. 'He got knocked on the head. I'll tell you about that later on.'
Algy yawned. 'If we don't soon go somebody will have to carry me,' he declared.
Ì'll drive you down,' offered Ludwig, as they moved towards the door.
There is little more to tell. The crisis passed, as Biggles had prophesied, as soon as the Lovitznian government realized into what a dangerous position its prince had placed himself. It accepted the Maltovian ultimatum unconditionally, and the whole case was submitted to the League of Nations, who demanded that all preparations for war should cease while the circumstances were examined.
On the day following the events narrated in the foregoing chapter, the three airmen, with Smyth in attendance, reported at the palace, where they were graciously received by Princess Mariana, who thanked them in terms of sincere regard for what they had done, and with her own hands pinned on their breasts the Maltovian Order of Saint Peter which was the highest decoration the country could bestow. She concluded by asking them to remain in the country until things were quite settled, and to occupy their time by organizing a Royal Air Force on British lines.
To this Biggles- agreed readily, and his task was made easier when the League of Nations not only issued a verdict in favour of Maltovia, but awarded an indemnity, to be paid by Lovitzna, for what had transpired. A part of this money was allocated to the Air Arm for the purchase of aeroplanes and the training of pilots.
They were still in the country when the forthcoming marriage of Ludwig and his princess was announced, and they were invited to the ceremony. Bethstein and Klein they saw only once again, and that was when they gave evidence at their trial for high treason.
They were found guilty and sentenced to death, and in due course met their fate in the very courtyard where Biggles and Algy had so nearly met theirs. Zarovitch was permitted to return to Lovitzna after signing a document to the effect that he would never set foot in Maltovia again.
Their work finished, Biggles at length asked permission to return to his own country, and this was, of course, granted. The occasion was made a bank holiday, for the whole story having been published, they were regarded by the entire nation, rightly perhaps, as the saviours of their country. The procession to the station was in the nature of a Roman triumph, the princess, her consort, and the Count accompanying them on to the platform, where they were the last to shake hands with them.
As the train steamed out of the station to the cheers of the populace Biggles sank back on his seat and lighted a cigarette. 'Well, you fellows, I hope your craving for adventure has now abated somewhat,' he murmured.
'I think we've had enough to go on with for a bit,' agreed Algy.
Ginger smiled. 'Where do we go next?' he inquired.
Biggles shook his head sorrowfully. The trouble with some people is that they are never satisfied,' he said sadly.
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14 Biggles Goes To War Page 16
