had quietly crept down and was now having a sneaky cigarette. He came over to Alf and spoke to him about the game.
“I must admit I thought your team played very well.”
“Thank you,” Alf replied.
The German offered Alf the cigarette to puff on.
“No thank you,” Alf said craving the Nicotine but knowing it would be unwise with his injured lung. The German shrugged, drew on the cigarette until it was almost finished, then threw it to the ground and crushed it with his boot. He nodded at Alf and having a quick look around to make sure he was safe headed back towards the ladder. Alf watched him go. Then he turned to look at Johnny approaching the football, outside the compound now. No one was watching Larder. Alf glanced at the sentry, he would reach the ladder soon.
With his heart thumping in his chest Alf crossed to the tent where he knew the tower couldn’t see him. He felt almost giddy but he checked once more. The guard was just pulling himself onto the wooden platform atop the ladder. Johnny was almost at the football. Alf shoved his hands deep into his pockets, put his head down and set off walking as quickly as he could towards Larder, expecting at any second a whistle, a shout or worse a bullet. Then when he was halfway to Larder he took his hands out of his pockets and ran. He ran as if the devil himself was after him. Larder was aware of someone running up behind him and as he started to turn Alf grabbed him by the arm and shoved him forward.
“Run Johnny Run!”
Johnny tried to resist.
“Alf what are you doing?”
“Run! Do exactly as I say.” Alf ran past him looking back over his shoulder to make sure Johnny was there. He was. Another quick glance revealed that so far they were undetected. When they got to the aeroplane Alf shoved Johnny to the front.
“You go round that way.”
Johnny put his hands out.
“Alf what are we doing?”
“We’re taking the plane.”
“What!”
“No time to discuss it. Go!”
Johnny did as he was told. Alf went around to the tail and crept along the body. Kleber was at the front checking the oil level.
“Here what do you want?” he asked Larder, slightly startled. Alf tapped Kleber on the shoulder and as he turned Alf landed the punch. It had the desired effect. Alf caught the German pilot and lowered him gently to the ground. Kleber was out cold. Johnny was watching Alf. He could hardly believe this was happening.
“Johnny check on the camp. Is anyone coming after us?”
Alf quickly positioned Kleber’s inert form near the wheels where he hopefully wouldn’t be so conspicuous.
“No. No one has noticed us yet.”
“Would you say we’re out of range of that MG42? The one in the tower.”
“Maybe but only just.”
“Johnny I need you to grab the propeller and pull it down as hard as you can.”
Johnny was about to rush off.
“But only when I say so.”
“Right.”
“Keep your eye on what’s going on over there.”
“O.K.”
Alf climbed into the cockpit and began flicking switches remembering everything the Indian had told him. The instruments were slightly different but the basics were similar. He put his feet on the pedals to get their feel. Johnny was waiting patiently for Alf to give the signal. Alf suddenly put his thumb up and Johnny pulled down with all his might. The propeller rotated once and the engine turned over, then silence. To Johnny’s nerves the noise was deafening but the sound barely made it across the desert.
Kahler had just put the last of the oil drums back when he glanced at the plane. He saw the pilot trying to start it. Then he snapped back. The football was still in the same place where he sent Larder to get it. He stopped and searched the faces inside the compound looking for the young Englishman. He couldn’t see him. Kahler was staring at the pilot trying to start the plane.
Suddenly the door to Schwann’s office opened and Schwann shouted “Attention!” as Von Brockhorst stepped out onto the wooden balcony behind him. They both stopped at the top of the stairs.
“Well everything seems satisfactory Captain. I know….”
Von Brockhorst stopped talking when he heard the Fiesler’s engine splutter into life. Schwann was watching Kahler who was sprinting for the watch tower.
“What is that man doing?” Von Brockhorst asked as Kahler reached the ladder and rapidly began climbing it shouting at the top of his voice. Kahler