The change of belts was effected and the journey resumed. For the next quarter of a mile progress was good, although great care had to be exercised to avoid the snow-banks on either side of the road.
Presently the road dipped with considerable steepness, and bending to the right crossed a small bridge. Beyond, it again rose and with increased gradient, and appeared to plunge directly between two lofty hills. The rising ground was thickly covered with pine trees, each branch bending under the weight of virgin snow.
"Looks like a bit of Switzerland," observed Dick. "Hanged if I can see why people want to go abroad to see scenery when there are places like this at home. But, my word, we've a stiff bit of road to tackle! Wonder if she'll do it?"
"She's got to," said Athol grimly. He was one of those fellows who embark upon an undertaking with evident misgivings, but when fairly in the thick of it warm to their task and are undaunted in spite of difficulties and rebuffs.
But there are limitations even to the capabilities of a three and a half horse power motor. Right nobly the engine did its work, but once again the belt slipped with exasperating loss of power. So deep was the snow at this point that the lower framework of the side-car was ploughing through it, while the heated crank case coming in direct contact with the snow was throwing off vapour like a high pressure steam engine. To add to the difficulty an accumulation of compressed snow had choked the front mudguard.
"All alight here!" shouted Dick. "By Jove, we'll have to jolly well push up this hill."
With the engine still running on low gear the lads literally put their shoulders to the wheel. It was hard work. In spite of the lowness of the temperature they were glowing with exertion, as, under their united efforts, they advanced at the rate of a mile an hour.
"Jolly long way to the top," panted Dick. "Hope we don't get snowed up. I say, that looks cheerful."
He pointed to a derelict motor car, almost hidden in a drift by the side of the road, where the bank of snow had risen to at least seven feet in height.
"Can't be much farther to Church Stretton," said Athol encouragingly. "Buck up, old man."