CHAPTER IX
THE FREE PARDON
Ten minutes later they went down the dripping avenue in the squire's little car. The drifting fog made an inky blackness of the night, and progress was very slow under the trees.
"We should be quicker walking," said Dick impatiently.
"It'll be better when we reach the open road," said Fielding, frowning at the darkness.
The light at the lodge-gates flung a wide glare through the mist, and he steered for it with more assurance. They passed through and turned into the road.
And here the squire pulled up with a jerk, for immediately in front of them another light shone.
"What the devil is that, Dick?"
"It's another car," said Dick and jumped out. "Hullo, there! Anything the matter?" he called.
"Damnation, yes!" answered a voice. "I've run into this infernal wall and damaged my radiator. Lost my mascot, too, damn it! Sort of thing that always happens when you're in a hurry."