[pshrynk]

"The thing is," said Biggles, "We aren't exactly sure that she's involved with anything that Miyatake was getting up to, at all. But she just up and disappeared the same day that that little contretemps on Lake Gatun took place."

"Any idea where she went?" asked Vera.

"Our man at the Airport said that she was seen leaving on a flight to Mexico City."

"That's like three plane changes away. How do you know that was her destination?"

"He pinched her handbag and looked at her ticket."

"Then you were suspicious to begin with?"

"No, he's just a kleptomaniac. Dr Montsnmags is working with him on getting over that, so he returned it to her without her being aware."

"He must be a good pick pocket, then."

"Well, Dr Montsnmags is working with him..." Biggles trailed off and looke ill at ease.

Vera shuddered as she thought of the possible 'alterations' that may have been added.

"Well. there's nothing for it. I have to go to Mexico City and track down what this Teutonic hussy is up to!" Vera stood and took the check. She knew Biggles well enough to avoid the inevitable extended embarrassing moment as he tried to avoid the tab.

"Why not just send a message to the Embassy? Surely they have agents that can track her?"

"Yes, but I need to pick up some Talavera pottery for Christmas presents for my Mom." Vera turned and walked from the cantina.

As she walked away, she vaguely heard Biggles calling after her, "But Christmas was last week!"

"That's the beauty of international shipping, it takes weeks and you can send a wire inquiring about the package you haven't yet shipped and it won't seem strange," she called over her shoulder.