`Better not go away until you've had a word with the Captain,' advised Delaney.
They stood still as a little procession passed them, carrying a body. They learned that it was McBain, and that he was dead. A bullet had gone through his heart, killing him instantly. Ferroni, with handcuffs on his wrists, was standing near the troopers, towards whom Delaney now continued his way.
`You'll find us in Arctic Airways shed if you want us,' Biggles told him, as their paths separated, the airmen making for the Jupiter with the object of putting it in the shed. This they did, after which, over a hastily prepared meal, Ginger gave an account of his adventures at the cabin. When he had finished, the others, for his benefit, described what had happened in Fort Beaver.
They were concluding the meal with coffee when Delaney and his superior officer entered. At the officer's request Biggles narrated the entire story of their adventures from the time they had received Wilks's letter in London. The tale took a long time to tell, but both the officer and the constable listened breathlessly, particularly when Biggles related the events that had occurred near Angus Stirling's cabin.
Ànd what are you fellows going to do now?' the officer asked, when at last the story was told.
Às far as I can see our work is finished,' answered Biggles. 'The transfer which we got from Angus Stirling settles any doubt as to who owns the aerodrome, and now that there is only one line operating between Fort Beaver and Moose Creek, the goldfields people will be glad enough to use it. Anyway, they should be grateful for the recovery of that last consignment of metal, because, but for Arctic Airways, they would have lost it. I reckon that Can-well, when he hears what has happened, ought to give Arctic Airways a contract for handling all their freight.'
Ì think so, too,' agreed the officer. 'I know the chairman of the company; I'll have a word with him about it at the first opportunity.'
Which, in fact, he did a day or two later, with the result that the contract was soon forthcoming, as well as an offer of extra finance for spare equipment should it be required.
And that is really the end of the story. Wilks implored the others to remain on at Fort Beaver and share the profits of his enterprise which had been so nearly wrecked, but Biggles was adamant in his refusal to tie himself to any one spot. However, they stayed on until Arctic Airways was reorganized on proper lines, which did not take very long, for Wilks found no difficulty in getting staff once McBain and his gang had been removed.
Wilks flew the party back to Quebec in one of the two Jupiters the firm now possessed, and it was there that goodbyes were said.
`Let me know how things go on,' shouted Biggles from the deck of the ship that was to take them back to England.
Ì will,' promised Wilks. 'Thanks for coming over.' `Don't mention it,' grinned Biggles. It'
s been a pleasure.'
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