I started the engine, changed into first and let in the clutch. As I changed into second, uprose a medley of cries and barking. I leaned out, exhorting the pedestrians by words and gestures to come aboard.... Head up, teeth bared, fists clenched and arms working, Mr. Dunkelsbaum was running like a stag. Berry was loping along just behind, apparently offering encouragement and advice, while the Sealyham was alternately running and jumping up and down in front of the frantic alien, barking as if he were possessed. Even as I looked, the inevitable happened. Nobby miscalculated his distance and landed too close to the object of his attentions, Berry gave a warning, but belated, shout, and Mr. Dunkelsbaum made a desperate effort to avoid the stumbling-block, tripped, recovered himself, crossed his legs, and with an unearthly cry fell heavily to the ground. I changed into third speed. As we swung round the corner at the top of the hill, I threw a glance over my shoulder. Berry was sitting on the bank by the side of the road with his head in his hands, Mr. Dunkelsbaum had risen to his feet and was in the act of hurling himself in the direction of Nobby, and the latter, with his small tail well over his back, was circling delightedly about his victim, still barking like a fiend and ricochetting like a roulette ball. The next moment we were out of sight, and I changed into top speed. Adele caught at my arm. "You're not going to leave them?" I nodded. "Best way out," I said. "Berry'll understand and pull out somehow. You see, we're too well known about here to take any chances. And now I think we'll slip along to _The Fountain_ and find Sir Anthony." "You tell me I speak good English," said Adele. "So you do." "Well, I don't want to spoil my record. What's the Anglo-Saxon for 'a thaw-proof nerve '?" "Can't be done," said I. "But I can put your mouth into Italian. _Bocca bella carissima._ Now, isn't that nice?" The sweet pretty lips began to tremble with laughter. "You're incorrigible," she announced. "Fifteen long months, and you haven't changed a bit." "Long months, Adele?" The soft rose of her cheeks was glowing as she turned to reply. "The longest I've ever spent," she said softly. "That--that's the worst of cutting your hair. I thought it was never going to grow." "They've been very long ones for me, Adele." Up went the delicate eyebrows. "Have they?" I nodded. "A close scrutiny will reveal that my hair, once a rich mud colour, is now flecked with grey." "I should attribute that to the march of Time." I shook my head. "The responsibility," I said, "rests with the United States of America. Seriously, I missed you terribly." "That," said Adele, "I refuse to believe. If you had, you would have paid us a visit." "I was not invited." Adele shrugged her shoulders. "Any old way," she announced, "I'm here now. And, while we're on the subject of hair, please remember that since you last saw me, I've put mine up."