THE TRIO RETRIEVED their helmets and strode off into the night. By then, the skyport was deserted and the floodlights taken in. When they reached the copter they saw the flash and heard the woosh as the big ship roared away on her rockets.
“Back to the old routine and bedroom,” sighed Mr. Carstairs as he heard it leave. “It was good while it lasted, though.”
“Yep,” chuckled the colonel. “Hop in and we’ll drop you at home.”
Three minutes later they were before the Carstairs’ truly-palatial mansion.
“Come in a second and speak to Mariquita,” invited the magnate.
“No, thanks. It’s late....”
Neville’s elbow dug into his superior’s ribs with a vicious nudge.
“... but if you insist....”
Mrs. Carstairs met them in the ante-room, greeted the inspector cordially and kissed her husband affec
