no use funking it. If the worst happens, we can sit in the car.
The water won't be above our heads and there are some boats about.
Blow your horn well first, in case there's any one within hearing,
and then go for it."

The chauffeur obeyed. They hissed and spluttered into the water.
Soon all trace of the road was completely lost. They steered only
by the tops of the white posts.

"It's getting deeper," the man declared. "It's within an inch or
two of the bonnet now. Hold on."

A wave broke almost over them but the engine continued its beat.

"If we stop now," he gasped, "we're done!"

The engine began to knock.

"Stick at it," Gerald cried, rising in his place a little. "Look,
there's only one post lower than the last one that we passed. They
get higher all the time, ahead. You can almost see the road in
front there. Now, in with your gear again, and stick at it."

Another wave broke, this time completely over them. They listened
with strained ears--the engine continued to beat. They still moved
slowly. Then there was a shock. The wheel had struck something in
the road--a great stone or rock. The chauffeur thrust the car out
of gear. The engine still beat. Gerald leaped from the car. The
water was over his knees. He crossed in front of the bonnet and
stooped down.