The Aeroplane of Adventure

©2009 David Marlor

This novel is based on the characters created by Enid Bylton in the Adventure Series. In this regard, it is the ninth adventure and follows The River of Adventure.

Back | Index | Next

Chapter 26: Off the Island at Last

"How are we going to get off this island?" repeated Bill to himself, looking around the deserted airstrip.

"In your aeroplane, Bill," said Philip unexpectedly.

"But, I thought you said the men couldn't get it started. How could we get it started?" asked Jack.

"With this," said Philip, holding up a small metal box.

"What is it?" asked Jack.

"It's the starter," said Bill, suddenly grinning. "Philip, how did you –"

"Remember I told you about taking Mechanics at school last year? Well, we got to pull a small aeroplane engine apart and rebuild it. As soon as Wainwright and I got here, I thought the men might try to strand us if something went wrong, so I pulled out this starter. I knew the plane wouldn't start without it. Of course, it meant we couldn't escape in a hurry in the aeroplane either."

"Good Job, Philip," said Bill in admiration. "I must say, you children think of everything. What do you think of them, Wilson? Good enough to work for you?"

"Any day," said Peter. "You boys are plucky, I'll give you that."

"Come on," said Bill, "let's go for a night flight. Would you like to replace the starter, Philip?"

Philip grinned and ran over to the aeroplane. He soon had the starter installed using the tools that Bill always kept in the back of his aeroplane. Thank goodness the men had never thought to remove them.

Bill looked at his aeroplane. The gang had started to repaint it in a neutral colour. "Well," thought Bill, "I never liked the colour anyway!" Now at least he could get it repainted.

After Bill had inspected Philip's work and removed the netting covering the plane, he declared the aircraft fit for flight. Philip sat next to Bill in the co-pilot's seat. Jack and the scientist sat in the back. There was more room now, since the gang had removed the crate the children had sat behind when they flew to the island. Bill started the engine and the plane bumped over the rough airfield. With a roar the aeroplane became airborne. As they lifted above the small island, Jack and Philip looked out of the window back at the place they had lived for the past few weeks.

As they watched, a muffled explosion rocked the aeroplane and the hill in the centre of the island seemed to collapse.

"Bill, Bill," shouted Philip above the roar of the aeroplane. "The island's collapsing! It really is!"

Bill took a quick look out of the side window and saw the hill slowly sinking into the ocean. Already the airstrip they had taken off from was underwater.

The aeroplane droned on through the night. Bill set a course for the nearest air base as he knew that his aeroplane did not have enough fuel to make it to England. Bill was secretly worried. He had checked the fuel gauge before leaving the island and he didn't think he had enough to make it to land.

Bill picked up his radio receiver and tried making a general distress call. He got no response, but kept trying, hoping somebody would hear him. After another hour the engine began to splutter and Bill knew that they were almost out of fuel. Over to the east, Bill could make out something in the dawn light. He squinted, but he couldn't make out what it was. He awoke Jack, Philip, and the old scientist, who had fallen asleep once the excitement of watching the island disappear had worn off.

"Jack, Philip, Peter," said Bill urgently. "We're going down. Get into the crash position and hold on. Once we're on the water, grab a cushion or something that floats."

Jack and Philip awoke with a rush. Going down? After all that and they were running out of fuel! It was really too bad. Jack fumbled around at the back of the aeroplane and found an old cushion. He grabbed it and then held on tight to the side of the aeroplane. Peter Wilson did the same. Philip held tight to his seat and watched as Bill skilfully brought the plane down on a steep glide. As they were about to hit the water, Bill pulled back on the yoke and the plane skimmed on the water and came splashing to a rest.

"Everybody out before she goes down!" yelled Bill. He reached over and helped Philip to open the door and get out of the aeroplane. Jack and the scientist managed to open the door at the back and jumped into the cold sea.

As they were watching the plane sink, a loud throbbing noise came to their ears. Jack scanned the sky and saw a faint speck moving closer. "What is it?"

It was Philip's sharp eyes that saw it first. "It's a helicopter," he yelled.

Bill squinted at the horizon. "I'll take your word for it, I can't make anything out but a speck. It certainly sounds like a helicopter though."

It was a helicopter. It slowed and hovered over Jack, Bill, Philip and Peter. A long wire appeared from a door on the side. Then a man in a wetsuit appeared and was lowered down to the surface.

"Hi," he said in a friendly voice. "Lieutenant Donaldson from the HMS Ark Royal at your service, sir." He saluted Bill. "I'll take the boys first. One at a time please."

"Take Dr. Wilson first, sir," said Jack. "I can swim. I'll be all right for a bit longer."

"All right," said the Lieutenant. He looped a harness around the old scientist and then spoke into a small radio on his shoulder. The wire rope started to wind back up to the helicopter.

Soon all four of them were safely on the helicopter, wrapped in blankets and drinking hot tea. The helicopter flew in the early morning light and soon the boys could see their destination through the window. Jack and Philip watched fascinated as the pilots guided the big rescue helicopter onto the deck of the aircraft carrier HMS Ark Royal. The huge aircraft carrier looked so small in the open ocean. The helicopter landed on the deck near the back of the carrier. The boys, scientist and Bill were met by the ship's officers who escorted them to a day room six floors above the deck.

And then the boys had a surprise. As an officer opened the door for them, Dinah and Lucy-Ann came rushing out to hug them. "Oh Jack, Jack," said Lucy-Ann. "I'm so glad to see you. I was so worried."

"Hi Philip," said Dinah, giving her brother an affectionate thump on the back. "You look a little scraped up."

"I'm fine," said Philip, happy to see his sister and Lucy-Ann again. "Oh, goodness, it's Morris. What are you doing here?"

"Where's Kiki," asked Jack looking around. "Oh, there she is. Come here Kiki." Kiki flew over to Jack and perched in her favourite spot on his shoulder.

"Bill!" shrieked Lucy-Ann as Bill walked into the room. Bill gave Lucy-Ann a big hug as she jumped up into his arms.

Continues tomorrow...

Back | Index | Next