"What's the matter?" he asked.
"That car," she said. "It's been sticking right behind us for miles. I think he's following us."
Joe took a quick look in the rear-vision mirror. Behind them was a new 1957 Mercury, and at the wheel was a hatless, black-haired man who seemed intent on the back of Joe's car. The man was alone in the Mercury.
"We're going pretty fast," said Joe. "Just because he's been behind us awhile doesn't mean he's following us. Now don't get to thinking every car is following us, and the Devil's behind every tree, waiting to spring out on us."
"Slow down and see if he passes us," suggested Pearl.
Joe lifted his foot very slowly off the gas pedal and the speedometer needle began dropping from 65 to 60, then down to 55, and slowly and steadily down to 40. The car behind made no move to pass, and Joe dropped the speed down to 30, then to 25. Still the Mercury clung to their rear.
"He is following us!" exclaimed Pearl.
"Not necessarily," said Joe. "I've had drivers like this behind me many times. But we will soon find out if he is following us." He tramped on the gas, and the car leaped ahead. In a moment he had the speed up to 70, and kept increasing it until they were hurtling along at 90. The Mercury stayed right behind them.
Jimmy's voice came in his ear now. "Beat him, Daddy!" he said excitedly. "Race him good. He can't beat us!"