“That’s the programme, is it?” he was asking.
“To a T.”
“You will look out for the Nelson boy.”
“Don’t fret on that score. We’ll cage him safe and sound until the race is over.”
“You think I had better use the bottle?”
“Yes, here it is. Stow it anywhere in your clothes.”
“Isn’t there some easier way? What’s the use of fire? It may strike investigators as suspicious.”
“Not at all. They tanked you too full, a spark did the mischief, see? You know enough to descend in among some trees?”
“Of course.”
“Let the flame singe your clothing, tell some sensational story of a hairbreadth escape, and you’ll be quite a hero.”