‘Beg pardon, sir, but Major Paynter wishes to speak to you, sir.’
Biggles glanced up, folded the letter he was reading, and put it in his pocket. ‘On the phone, do you mean?’ he asked the mess waiter, who had delivered the message.
‘No, sir, in his office. Mr Todd rang up to say would you go along right away.’
‘All right, Collins, thanks.’ Biggles picked up his cap as he went through the hall and walked quickly along the well-worn path to the squadron office. Two people were present in addition to the C.O. when he entered—one a red-tabbed staff officer, and the other, a round-faced, cheerful-looking civilian in a black coat and bowler hat. Biggles saluted.
‘Just make sure the door is closed, will you, Bigglesworth?’ began the C.O. ‘Thanks. This is Major Raymond, of Wing Headquarters.’
