An investigation of the phenomenon revealed the unpleasant truth that the radiator was leaking.
I explained this to Berry.
"I see," he said gravely. "I understand. In other words, for the last twenty minutes I have been at some pains to be introducing water into an inconveniently shaped sieve?"
"That," said I, "is the idea."
"And, for all the good I've been doing, I might have been trying to eat a lamb cutlet through a couple of straws?"
"Oh, no. You've cooled her down. In fact…"
It took five minutes and all the cajolery at my command to induce my brother-in-law to continue his Danaidean task, until I had started the engine and we were ready to move.
Then he whipped its cap on to the radiator and clambered into the car.
I was extremely uneasy, and said as much.
It was now a quarter to five. Pampeluna was some thirty miles away, and Heaven only knew what sort of country lay before us. We were nearly at the top of the pass, and, presumably, once we were over we should strike a lot of "down hill." But if the leak became worse, and there was much more collarwork….