Part Four of Raid on the Sher-Li Temple or: The Fort of Jewel-Eye

Through the sticky morning air comes the drone of enormous airscrews. From behind the mountain appears a long grey shape filling the skies over the town. It is the German airship LZ4.5, affectionately known to her crew as 'die Walkure' (the Valkyrie). She majestically makes for the temple, as natives scatter in fear.

The Americans, more used to mechanical wonders, are not so impressed. Their motor truck reaches the elephant idol, and the sailors begin the loading process. The armed naval unit and marines fall back to protect the truck from whatever threat the airship might pose.

The Governor's heliograph team reaches the peak of the mountain north of the pass, and flashes a message to HMS Gadfly in the river. The Royal Marines disembark to begin their march inland, and the gunboat slips her moorings and steams for the estuary.

The pirates are now in full flight from the British regulars. Hoo's deck gun does what it can, but the British use cover skilfully in their advance. Their field gun has the junk's range and reduces the quickfirer's crew.

Junk Sank Sosumi ups anchor and changes his junk's position in the bay to bring its cannon to bear. But suddenly, there is more on Junk Sank's mind than infantry.

The San Juan Hill comes round the point. Both turrets rotate to bear on the junks.

On shore, Junk Sank's pirates regain their composure, but a further assault on the mission school is out of the question. The American auxiliaries have formed a strong battle line, and British sepoys have entered the grounds to take Priscilla from a relieved Sister Clarissa.

The pirates make for the junk, but upon seeing the American warship, they decide the large palm grove at the base of the hill would be a safer spot.

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