He knew it was too risky to go on to Kansas and he turned off on to the dirt road that led to Fayetteville.
The needle of the speedometer climbed until it stood at 65. On a dirt road that was fast enough. As he drove his mind crawled with schemes. His hair no longer afforded him a disguise. They must be on to that. God!
These Federal dicks were smart. If he could only put enough miles between them before they reached Odessa he might stand a chance of beating them. Otherwise it would mean a show−down.
Marie said in a low voice, “Can’t you stop a moment? I’m freezin’.”
“I’d rather you freeze than me burn,” he said with a savage laugh. “Sit on the floor, it’s warmer down there.
I ain’t stoppin’ for no one.”
She slid off her seat and crouched down on the floorboards. “Can’t you let me go?” she pleaded. “I’m no use to you now.”
He considered this, then decided to take her a little further. “You shut up,” he said. “I don’t want another yap outta you.”
The road improved as the car ate up the miles, and he was able to increase his speed. He swung through Fayetteville at a terrific speed, and headed south again.
He knew he’d got a tank full of petrol, and with luck he ought to shake them. After a few miles he slowed down and got out.