Air Stories — page 44: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

AIR STORIES “Our Special Correspondent points out that Towonga is a Crown Colony on the west coast of Africa. In the matter of natural resources this is the poorest of all the colonial territories, and its possession has always been regarded more as a liability than as an asset. A firm administration here is, however, of great importance for the well-being of Central Africa as a whole.” Another outcome of Crookshank’s message was that the Admiralty despatched a signal to the Captain of H.M. Aircraft Carrier ‘‘ Uproarious.’’ It was headed, ‘‘ Urgent and Confidential,’’ and ran :— ** Following minor disturbances in Upper Towonga their Lordships of the Admiralty have been asked to make some display of strength. I am therefore to convey to you their Lordships wish that, when circum- stances permit, a flight of aircraft be made over this district. Their Lordships appre- ciate that there are no landing facilities in the country, and that any form of offensive action may be neither practicable nor desir- able. I am therefore to ask you to use your discretion in the matter.—J. McIntosh, Secre- tary to the Admiralty.” Captain Jervis was far from pleased to get this signal. Indeed, he viewed it almost with dismay. Clearly, some action was expected of him, but the Admiralty were careful to disclaim any authority as to the outcome. Which, he reflected gloomily, was just like the Admiralty. He changed course for Massala, went to his day cabin and sent for the Wing Commander. OT long after Wing Commander Pateman had left the Captain’s cabin, an unwonted look of seriousness on his rubicund face, an orderly came to Flying Officer Meek’s cabin and warned him for duty in fifteen minutes. ‘* What’s up, Beamish P ’’ asked Meek, knowing that orderlies usually got wind of any new developments long before _it reached the wardroom. ‘Country called Towonga, I believe, sir,’? the man replied rather doubtfully. ‘‘ Never heard of it before, but I believe 42 that was the name. It seems the duskies are playing up a bit rough.”’ Left alone, Meek mechanically climbed into his flying-suit and buckled on his harness. ‘‘ Towonga,’’ he muttered, puzzled. Certainly there was such a place and, of course, he had heard of it before. But what puzzled him was that the name was fresh in his mind. He must have heard or read of it quite recently. Which seemed strange. And then, suddenly he remembered. His sister, Mona, had referred to it in her last letter. With a twinge of remorse he recollected that he had not even bothered to read the letter through. He went to a drawer, extracted a sheaf of papers and dropped down on his bunk. He still had ten minutes to spare. ‘* Dear Jim,’’ the letter began, and then followed four closely, but not too clearly, written pages of matter that do not con- cern this narrative. Moreover, Meek had already waded through that part. On page five came the first reference to Towonga. “TI hope you will enjoy your cruise. As you are going to Africa, you may meet my best school-friend, Judy Grant. Her father is Commissioner or something at Towonga.” At this point Meek chuckled loudly. How like Mona to imagine such a meet- ing possible ! His ship was bound for the Cape ; Towonga was thousands of miles north on the vast African continent. How perfectly _—ridiculous ! How absolutely priceless ! Then he remem- bered why he was wearing his flying kit, and turned again to the letter. And as he read his interest grew. A reference to the Towongan habit of human sacrifice he went over several times. He would like to have seen that mountain, and wondered by what means the human bodies were hurled out over the ravine with such force. Perhaps they were discharged from a cannon like a circus stunt he had once seen. Perhaps he would know more about it after the flight. Hz2 stuffed the many pages into an inner pocket and made for the hangar, where he ran straight into Vachell. Vachell scowled angrily. ‘‘ You’re two minutes late!’’ he stormed. COMmicooOokKkS.COnn