to see that to collect Berry now was
out of the question. The sheep were all round us--like a
flood--lapping our sides.

Adele changed into first.

I was physically afraid to look behind.

The next moment we were through.

We stormed round a curve to see a level crossing a quarter of a mile
ahead.

_The gates were shut_.

Adele gave a cry of despair.

"Oh, Boy, we're done!"

"Not yet," said I, opening the door again. "Go right up to them, lass.
At least, it'll give us a chance to get Berry inside."

We stopped with a jerk three feet from the rails.

As I ran for the gate, I glanced over my shoulder.

"Now's your chance!" I shouted. "Get..."

I never completed the sentence.

_The English Rose was gone_.

I stopped still in my tracks.

Then I rushed back to the car.

"He's gone!" I cried. "We've dropped him! Quick! Reverse up the way
we've come, for all you're worth."

Adele backed the car with the speed and skill of a professional. I
stood on the running-board, straining my eyes....

The next moment a dilapidated touring car tore round the bend we were
approaching and leapt towards us.

It passed us with locked wheels, rocking to glory.

At a nod from me, Adele threw out the clutch...

As the mechanics came up--

"I'm sorry, _Messieurs_," I said, "but I fear you've passed him. No,
he's not here. Pray look in the car.... Quite satisfied? Good. Yes,
we dropped him a long way back. We thought it wiser."

With that I wished them 'Good day,' and climbed into our car.

"But what shall we do?" said Adele.

"Get home," said I, "as quick as ever we can. So long as we stay
hereabouts, those fellows'll stick to us like glue. We must go and get
help and come back. Berry'll hide somewhere where he can watch the
road."

As we passed over the level crossing, I looked behind.

The dilapidated grey car was being turned round feverishly.

* * * * *

Forty-five minutes later we sped up the shadowy drive and stopped by
our own front door.

'Pierrette' switched off the engine and sat looking miserably before
her.

"I wish," she said slowly, "I wish you'd let me go with you. I did
hate leaving him so, and I'd feel----"

With a hand on the door, I touched her pale cheek.

"My darling," said I, "you've done more than your bit--far more, and
you're going straight to bed. As for leaving him--well, you know how
much I liked it, but I know when I'm done."