The shot went home. "What is this fairy tale," the Professor asked contemptuously. But he had paused before he asked it--the pause had been perceptible. "Now will you get into the car, Professor Trouville," John said politely. "I think you see that we have some grounds for this--outrage." He turned to the girls. "I'll drive you to the match if you like, and then this gentleman on to the police station." The Professor struggled unwillingly to his feet. Joey looked at Gabrielle and Noreen. The match had ceased to be of the first importance. Besides John was very lame; if the Professor got loose, by any chance, he might need their help. She turned to Gabrielle. "Do you think we might go with John? John, this is Gabrielle, she's Head of the Lower School and a frightful knut, and can give leave for all kinds of things. The other is Noreen, and they're both special friends." "Look here," said John to Gabrielle, "I really think you had better give leave for the three of you to see the affair through. The circumstances are exceptional--and I doubt if there will be much of a match to-day in this wind, anyhow. Besides I'll run you back to Deeping Royal before anyone's missed you, and then you can explain to your boss." "Well I think we might, and thank you ever so much," Gabrielle answered very properly, but with eyes that sparkled. "Right!" John said, and then they all bundled into the car, Professor and all, leaving the damaged bicycle in the road. It was a terrible squeeze, of course, to get five into a two-seater; but much can be done when people are determined. The Professor, yellow and strained-looking, was wedged in between John and Gabrielle; while Joey and Noreen squeezed somehow into the little emergency seat behind. The car dashed back along the road they had come. As they had tucked themselves in Joey noticed that Noreen's shoes were squelching with wet. "Did you sit on the edge and put your feet in the reservoir?" she asked. Noreen laughed. "No, but when I wedged my feet at the angle it seemed to have sprung a leak. Hush! Don't tell Gabrielle. She'll probably think we ought to go back like the Dutch kid, and stop it with a finger." "I expect it will do all right if we report it at the police station," Joey said. "But it must be a healthy leak, if it's made you as wet as all that." "It's always happening," explained Noreen, the experienced. "The reservoir was done with scamped work in the first instance--haven't you heard our beloved Miss Craigie draw a moral for our benefit? Oh, well, if you haven't, you will. And they're always having to shore up one bank or another.... I say, you're shivering; it is jolly cold for motoring." John caught the words, and rammed on his brakes. "What an ass I am! Put on my coat, Kid."