They_Came_to_Baghdad-Agatha_Christie

CHAPTER SEVEN
Travelling by air, Victoria thought, was like being taken on a school trip. Kind but firm air
hostesses, like teachers dealing with children, ordered you around at what seemed like every step.
They were now waiting in a large room opening directly on to Heathrow airport. Outside the loud
noise of a plane gave the perfect background to Mrs Hamilton Clipp who, Victoria had realised, was a
non-stop talker.
'We're all here. Why can't they hurry up? They're running late. What are we waiting for?'
Her question seemed to be answered almost before the words were out of her mouth.
The door from the Customs and Passport Department swung open and a tall man came through in a
very dramatic manner. Air officials were all around him and two large sacks were being carried by a
BOAC officer.
Mrs Clipp sat up straight.
'He's certainly somebody important,' she remarked.
'And he knows it,' thought Victoria.
The late traveller's appearance was calculated to cause a sensation. He wore a dark-grey travelling
cloak. On his head was a very large, wide hat. He had silver-grey, curly hair, worn rather long, and a
beautiful, large, silver-grey moustache. Yes, he certainly knew how to be dramatic. Victoria, who disliked
theatrical men, looked at him with disapproval.
The air officials were, she saw with displeasure, most attentive.
'Yes, Sir Rupert.'
'Of course, Sir Rupert.'
'The plane is leaving immediately, Sir Rupert.'
'My dear,' said Mrs Clipp excitedly, 'That's Sir Rupert Crofton Lee, the great traveller. You've heard
of him, of course.'
Yes, Victoria remembered now. She had seen pictures in the newspapers. Sir Rupert was a great
expert on China. He was one of the few people who had been to Tibet and travelled through the unknown
parts of Kurdistan. His books had sold well because they had been written with humour and in an exciting
style.
Sir Rupert was an excellent advertisement for himself - he said nothing that was not true.
With a swing of his great cloak, Sir Rupert passed through the door to the airport.
'Now then, please,' said the air hostess. 'Take your seats in the plane. This way. As quickly as you
can, please.'
Victoria helped Mrs Clipp into her seat and sat next to her. In front of them was the great man.
The doors closed - the plane began to move.
'Were really going,' thought Victoria with delight. 'Oh, isn't it frightening? What if it never gets off
the ground? Really, I don't see how it can!'
The engines were making a terrifying noise. Louder and louder, the aeroplane moved faster - faster
still - they were rushing along.