“That leaves me and the marlinspike,” said Rex, thoughtfully. “Maybe there are a few spanners at the back. Guess we’ll have to step on the gas if we’ve got to go through any towns, Simon.”
“Birdichy — that’ll be difficult, biggish town — after that, there’s nothing to worry us till we cross the Bug at Vinnitsa.”
“Is there any way of avoiding Birdichy?” asked the Duke.
“Don’t think so — map I saw wasn’t up to much. Birdichy’s out of the way a bit, but it seemed the only decent road.”
“Better going on the highway,” Rex agreed. “Got to take a chance about the towns.”
They had come into forest country now; the trees showed ghostly in the arc of the headlights. They gave the impression that the car was going at immense speed as they rushed to meet it and were swallowed up again in the darkness behind. Occasionally they passed through a deserted village street, but no attempt was made to stop their headlong progress.
At last the road debauched on to a level plain. “Got the time?” asked Rex.
De Richleau looked at the illuminated dial of his watch. “A little after two,” he said.
“Can’t be far off Birdichy, then.”
Ten minutes later they passed some scattered houses. “This’ll be it,” said Rex, and he was right.