For this new order of battle Nobby was solely responsible. Upon the first day's journey the terrier had whined all the way to Rouen because he had wanted to be with me. As one of his audience, Jonah had been offensively outspoken regarding this predilection. Upon the following day the dog's desire had been gratified, whereupon he had whined all the way to Chartres because he was apart from Adèle. Commenting upon this unsuspected devotion, Berry had been quite as outspoken as Jonah, and much more offensive. Naturally, to withstand such importunity was out of the question, and, since it was impossible for me to leave Berry, the line of least resistance was followed, and Daphne and Adèle 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 Vendôme 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 Châteaudun, 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." Adèle 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. Adèle 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.