It looked like a lump of polished stone carved into the shape of an ugly little man, with a piece of red glass stuck in his forehead. But to the expert the idol became an exquisitely carved piece of jade, its single red eye consisting of a large ruby. Was the disappearance of the aircraft carrying its precious package to Santiago a normal accident, and why did Senor Pallimo suspect foul play? Biggles and Algy have to fly 5,000 miles and face many hazards before they have the answer to this conundrum.