"I have seized that foot and pulled with all my strength," he said, "and
I cannot make him move one centimetre. It is necessary that as many
people as possible lay hold of the car on the side away from the fire
and all lift together. Yes," he added, "and very soon!"

Some carters had come from the road and one of them lay full length on
the ground peering beneath the wreck. "It is the head of monsieur,"
explained this one; "it is the head of monsieur which is fastened under
there."

"Eh, but you are wiser than Clemenceau!" said the chauffeur. "Get up, my
ancient, and you there, with the brushwood, let the fire go for a moment
and help, when I say the word. And you, monsieur," he turned to Ward,
"if you please, will you pull with me upon the ankle here at the right
moment?"

The carters, the labourers, the men from the other automobile, and I
laid hold of the car together.

"Now, then, messieurs, LIFT!"

Stifled with the gasoline smoke, we obeyed. One or two hands were
scorched and our eyes smarted blindingly, but we gave a mighty heave,
and felt the car rising.

"Well done!" cried the chauffeur. "Well done! But a little more! The
smallest fraction--HA! It is finished, messieurs!"

We staggered back, coughing and wiping our eyes. For a minute or two I
could not see at all, and was busy with a handkerchief.