"Good! You go to the right, I to the left."
Loupart had scarcely given these orders, when, on the horizon, a bright gleam became visible, growing larger every minute, while the noise of a motor broke the silence of the open country.
Loupart laughed.
"Look, Beard. Acetylene lamps, eh? That car will do our job splendidly."
An automobile was fast nearing them. As it passed by Josephine, she rushed into the road, uttering piercing cries.
"Help! Murder! Have pity! Stop!"
With a hasty movement the chauffeur, taken aback by the sight of a woman rising unexpectedly on the lonely road, made a dash at his brakes. Meanwhile from the inside of the car a traveller leaned out.
"What is it? What's the matter?"
As the car was about to stop, Loupart and the Beard rushed out.
"You take the passenger!" cried the former; "I'll attend to the chauffeur."