Bill Barnes Air Adventurer, July 1935 — page 63: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

AIR ADVENTURER 61 “Why don’t we fly out beyond An- kazobe first and look the place over.” “Not until after we report to the consul,” Bill said firmly. STURGIS BENTON, the American consul to Madagascar, greeted them cor- dially a half hour later. After a brief chat about their trip to Madagascar he suddenly asked them a question that startled both of them. “Did you land some of your planes on the west coast of Madagascar, at Majunga, Mr. Barnes?” he asked. “No,” Bill said, glancing at Shorty. Shorty had edged forward on his chair. “Five single-seater biplanes and a twin-motored bomber landed there yes- terday and took off this morning in a southeastern direction,’ Benton said slowly. His expression was solemn and a little perplexed. “T thought when I heard of your landing to-day that they were part of your squadron,” he went on.’ “Of course, you have papers giving you per- mission to fly over and land on French possessions ?” “Certainly,” Bill said. ‘“T have more or less permanent papers from all the nations of the league.” “T had forgotten,’ Benton said, smil- ing. “We’re a lxtle out of touch with things out here. Except for a few new roads and our wireless masts, Madagas- A few moments later the little squadron roared over Constan- tine. Here and there were pale- green meadows, camel trains and turbaned Arabs. But on the barren mountains to the south, no life existed. car is much as it was when the French took possession forty years ago. But how do you account for those other planes?” “We'd better start from the begin- COMmicloo (C©