Of course both Adèle and I besought him to stop there and then and let the race go to blazes. Of this he would not hear, declaring that, so long as Jonah was behind, victory was not out of sight, and that nothing short of paralysis would induce him to jilt the jade. After a little argument, we let him have his way ... The road continued to offer an abominable passage, and when we stopped at a garage in Bordeaux, it was five minutes to three of a beautiful afternoon. The third bidon was discharging its contents into Pong's tank, and Berry was sitting wearily upon the running-board, with his mouth full and a glass of beer in his hand, when, with an apologetic cough, Ping emerged from behind an approaching tram and slid past us over the cobbles with a smooth rush. 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 Adèle 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 Adèle, "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 Adèle. 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 Adèle. 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 Adèle, 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 Adèle, "is how we're to pass Jonah without him seeing us." There was an electric silence. Then--