I racked my brain desperately….

Presently one of the trio lugged out a watch. When he showed his fellows the hour, they flung up their arms. A moment later they were clearing for action.

Le Temps was carefully folded and stuffed out of sight. Berry was informed, with a bow, that, so soon as their car was turned round, they would be ready to leave. The slightest of the three stepped to the starting-handle…

The next moment, with a deafening roar, their engine was under way.

I was standing with my hand upon our off hind wing, and as the driver ran to his throttle, I felt a steady tremor.

Under cover of the other car's roar, Adèle had started Pong's engine.

What was a great deal more, she had given me my cue.

I thought like lightning.

There was not a moment to lose. Already the driver was in his seat and fumbling with his gear-lever….

As slowly as I dared, I strolled to the off-side door.