Approaching the building at an angle, he saw a man pottering about in the yard. While he was still at some distance the man happened to glance towards him, then went into the house. Harry quickened his pace, and entering the yard, was met at the house door by a burly individual who gave a somewhat surly response to his salutation. In his best French Harry explained the circumstances, and asked for the loan of a stout board.
"You'll find one in the shed yonder," said the man. "You'll bring it back?"
"Oh yes," Harry replied, thinking that the farmer might at least have offered to help. "By the way, could you lend us a horse to pull the lorry on to the roadway when we get it up?"
"I haven't got one; all my horses are requisitioned."
"That's hard luck. I hope we'll soon clear the country, and there'll be better times. Many thanks: I'll return the board presently."
Reflecting on the hardships war inflicted on honest country people, Harry trudged back with the plank, this time taking the cart track.
"Good man!" said Kenneth. "Where did you get it?"
"At a small farm. The farmer's rather a bear, but I suppose the war has pretty well ruined him. Now, Ginger, let's see what we can do."
Placing the plank by the embedded wheel, they set the jack on it and screwed up the axle until they finally succeeded in releasing the wheel.
"The lorry isn't damaged, luckily," said Kenneth. "We'll get the wheel on to the plank, then I'll start the engine and we'll back on to the road. You fellows shove."