to leave
Berry, the line of least resistance was followed, and Daphne and Adele
changed places.

Our way out of Chartres was short and simple, and, with the exception
of temporarily obstructing two trams by the artless expedient of
remaining motionless upon the permanent way, Pong emerged from the city
without a stain upon his character.

The Vendome road looked promising and proved excellent. Very soon we
were flying. For all that, Jonah overtook us as we were nearing
Bonneval....

It was some thirty minutes later, as we were leaving Chateaudun, that a
sour-faced _gendarme_ with a blue nose motioned to us to stop.
Standing upon the near pavement, the fellow was at once conversing with
a postman and looking malevolently in our direction. I think we all
scented mischief.

"What can he want?" growled Berry, as he brought the car to a
standstill.

"He's probably being officious," said I, getting our papers ready.
"We're strangers, and he's in a bad humour. Consequently, he's going
to scrutinise our _triptyque_, passports, passes and certificates, to
see if he can accuse us of anything. Happily they're all in order, so
he'll be disappointed. When he's thoroughly satisfied that he can
bring no charge against us, he'll order us to proceed."

"He's taking his time about it," observed my brother-in-law.

I looked up from the documents.

My gentleman was still talking to the postman, while his pig's eyes
were still surveying the car. From his companion's demeanour, he
seemed to be whetting his wit at our expense.

"This is intolerable," said I. "Ask him what he wants, lady."

Adele leaned forward and put her head out of the window.

"I think you wished us to stop, _Monsieur_?"

The _gendarme_ waved his hand.

"Wait," he said insolently.

The postman sniggered shamefacedly.

Adele sank back in her seat, her cheeks flaming.

In a voice trembling with passion I conjured Berry to proceed.

The moment the car moved, the official sprang forward, gesticulating
furiously.

As we passed him, I put out my head.

"Now it's our turn," I said warmly, "to make the postman laugh."

From the hoarse yells which followed us, it was clear that we had left
the fellow beside himself with rage. Looking back through the little
window, I could see him dancing. Suddenly he stopped, peered after us,
and then swung about and ran ridiculously up the street.

"Blast him, he's going to telephone!" said I. "Where's the m