They examined the vehicle, perfunctorily and without knowledge, until Templeton called out that the oiling was finished.
"Quite time too," said the stranger, looking at his watch. "She'll go all right?" he asked, as he rejoined Templeton in the road.
"Naturally I can't give any guarantee," replied Templeton, "but in all probability the engine will last out a few hours—until you have time to give it a thorough overhauling. If I may make a suggestion, let it cool down and run slowly, or the big ends will go altogether."
"H'm! S'pose you know! How much?"
"Oh! say half-a-crown."
"Here y'are. Get in, Thomson." He shoved the chauffeur into the car. "Straight up!" he cried.
The car rattled away, still smoking, but less vigorously than before.
"Charming man!" said Eves, as the two returned to the shop. "Come across many like him, Bobby?"
"Oh! one meets all sorts. But I really think, Tom, I should be in danger of losing my temper if everybody who stopped here for repairs were quite so—so——"
"Exactly. Well, old sport, do hurry up with those valves. I had an early breakfast, and no squish—simply rotten, breakfast without squish. So hurry up, and we'll go and swop some coupons."