When he had stopped the engine another three times, he applied the hand-brake with unnecessary violence, sank back in his seat, and folded his hands.
My sister and I clung to one another in an agony of stifled mirth.
Berry closed his eyes.
"My work," he said quietly, "is over. I now see that it is ordained that we shall not leave this spot. There's probably an angel in the way with a drawn sword, and the car sees it, although we can't. Any way, I'm not going to fight against Fate. And now don't speak to me. I'm going to dwell on bullock-carts and goat-chaises and other horse-drawn vehicles. I shan't last many minutes, and I should like to die in peace."
With a swift rush, Ping drew up alongside. From its interior Adèle,
Jill, Nobby and Jonah peered at us excitedly.
"Hullo!" said the latter. "What's up?"
"Go away," said Berry. "Drive on to your doom. An apparition has appeared to us, warning us not to proceed. It was quite definite about it. Good-bye."
"Jonah, old chap," said I, "I'm afraid you're for it. Unless you take us up, we shall be here till nightfall."
With a groan my cousin opened his door and descended into the road….
One minute later we were at the top of the hill.