‘Then I say,’ cut in Martin excitedly, ‘they’ll try to dodge us. I’d get as near as you can and then sit on their tail if I were you.’
Abbershaw said nothing and the Riley slowly crept up on the other car until she was directly in her head-lights. The Rolls swayed to the side to enable them to pass, but Prenderby did not avail himself of the invitation. Eventually the big car slackened speed but still Prenderby did not attempt to pass.
The next overture from the Rolls was as startling as it was abrupt. The little rear window opened suddenly and a bullet hit the road directly in front of them.
Prenderby swerved and brought the Riley almost to a full stop.
‘A pot-shot at our front tyre,’ he said. ‘If he’d got us we’d have turned over. Martin, I believe you’re on the right tack. The cove is desperate.’
‘Of course I’m right,’ said Martin excitedly. ‘But don’t let them get away, man, they’ll be out of sight in a minute.’
‘Sorry,’ said Prenderby obstinately, ‘I’m keeping my distance. You don’t seem to realize the result of a tyre-burst at that pace.’
‘Oh, he won’t do it again,’ said Martin cheerfully. ‘Besides, he’s a rotten shot anyway.’
Prenderby said no more, but he was careful to keep at a respectable distance from the Rolls.
‘They’ll start moving now,’ said Martin. ‘We shall have our work cut out if we’re going to be in at the death. Look out for the side turnings. Do you know this road at all?’