Adèle backed the car with the speed and skill of a professional. I stood on the running-board, straining my eyes….
The next moment a dilapidated touring car tore round the bend we were approaching and leapt towards us.
It passed us with locked wheels, rocking to glory.
At a nod from me, Adèle threw out the clutch…
As the mechanics came up—
"I'm sorry, Messieurs," I said, "but I fear you've passed him. No, he's not here. Pray look in the car…. Quite satisfied? Good. Yes, we dropped him a long way back. We thought it wiser."
With that I wished them 'Good day,' and climbed into our car.
"But what shall we do?" said Adèle.
"Get home," said I, "as quick as ever we can. So long as we stay hereabouts, those fellows'll stick to us like glue. We must go and get help and come back. Berry'll hide somewhere where he can watch the road."
As we passed over the level crossing, I looked behind.