And simply to shut off the power would not have been enough.

Moreover, that was something both of them would have feared to do.

The slightest mischance, the most trifling circumstance, might arouse suspicion in the watchers on the culvert.

It was necessary, and Ivan had warned them specially of this, to dash under that at the highest possible speed for there would be stationed not private soldiers alone, who would be likely to take it for granted that an officer's coat and helmet meant that all was well, but an officer as well.
And an officer would be curious as to the meaning of this solitary car, rushing over a road that had been deserted, in all probability, for at least two days.

No, there could be no slowing down, even had the fearful grade made it possible.
Then they flashed into the shadow.