The off-side window was open, and, as the
car went by, Jonah waved to us.

There was no doubt about it, my cousin was out to win. It was also
transparently clear that Adele and I, at any rate, had lost our money.
We could not compete with an average of thirty-six miles an hour.

"Boy!"

"Yes, darling?"

"Is that the last _bidon_?"

"Yes. But Berry won't have finished for at least ten minutes.
Besides----"

"Couldn't I drive for a bit, just till he's finished his lunch?"

I stared at my wife. Then--

"I don't see why you shouldn't, dear, except that the streets of
Bordeaux are rather rough on a beginner."

"I'll be very careful," pleaded Adele, "and--and, after all, we shall
be moving. And it can't affect the bets. Nothing was said about Berry
having to drive."

I smiled ruefully.

"As far as the bets are concerned, we might as well stay here the
night. We've got a hundred and fifty miles in front of us, and seven
hours--five of them after dark--to do them in. Berry's shoulder has
put the lid on. We shan't get in before midnight."

"You never know," said Adele.

Berry suspended the process of mastication to put his oar in.

"Let her drive," he said huskily. "One thing's certain. She can't do
any worse than I have."

"You never know," said Adele.

A minute later she was in the driver's seat, and I had folded the rug
and placed it behind her back.

As Berry took his seat--

"That's right," I said. "Now let in the clutch gently.... Well done.
Change.... Good girl! Now, I shouldn't try to pass this lorry
until----"

"I think you would," said Adele, changing into third, and darting in
front of the monster.

"Good Heavens!" I cried. Then: "Look out for that tram, lady. You'd
better..."

As the tram was left standing, I caught my brother-in-law by the arm.

"_She can drive!_" I said stupidly.

"Nonsense," said Berry, "I'm willing her."

"_You fool!_" I shouted, shaking him. "_I tell you she can drive!_"
We flashed between two waggons. "_Look at that! She's a first-class
driver, and she's going to save your stake!_"

"What's really worrying me," said Adele, "is how we're to pass Jonah
without him seeing us."

There was an electric silence. Then--

"_For-rard!_" yelled Berry. "_For-r-a-r-d!_ Out of the way, fat face,
or we'll take the coat off your back." A portly Frenchman leaped into
safety with a scream. "That's the style. For-rard! Fill the fife,
dear heart, fi