Republished in hardback by Norman Wright in 1994 - 127 pages

This book introduces us to Johns' first ever character, Captain James Margerson M.C., D.F.C. and Croix de Guerre nicknamed "Mossyface" (or 'Mossy' for short). The nickname, we are told, could come from a number of sources. In the First World War, Margerson used to be fond of shooting up German guns at 'Mossyface' wood (a location familiar to Biggles fans). Margerson was also fond of cards, but unlucky. Many games involved the use of a joker that was often referred to as 'Mossyface'. In any event, we first meet Margerson when he saves Mr. Augustus Graham and his daughter, Mary, from an armed intruder in the grounds of their garden, where Margerson was sleeping rough. The Grahams' house is under siege (a plot device Johns would use again in 'The Cruise of the Condor' and 'Biggles Hits the Trail'). Graham has ancient documents, which reveal the whereabouts of an ancient Egyptian temple containing ancient treasures. Others want the documents, hence the siege. Margerson comes up with the idea of buying an aircraft and flying to Egypt to find the treasure. With the help of his old gunner, Tommy Vincent, this is what they do. Vincent is sent on weeks in advance to buy and organise the petrol supplies needed. Margerson rescues Graham and Mary from their house and they all fly to Egypt to meet up with Vincent. Eventually discovering the temple, Graham and Margerson find no treasure at all. Returning to camp, they find that hostile Arabs have attacked. All their native bearers are dead. Tommy Vincent has been wounded and left for dead and Mary has been kidnapped. Formulating a daring plan and getting a recovering Vincent to fly the plane, Margerson parachutes in front of the escaping raiders and is able to rescue Mary. When the plane comes back to pick them up, Margerson has to fight off Arabs and has to be left behind, although Mary is saved. Further dramatic adventures follow as Margerson has to fight for his life and make his way back to England to be with the women he loves and who loves him.

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