He was pleased to hear that, for all the badness of the road, he had gained upon it: plainly the horses were tiring.
Another steep climb brought him up to Islabona, to learn that the carriage had turned to the right along the road to Apricale.

To his surprise and satisfaction he found this road smooth, and once more, after long crawling, sent the car along at full speed.

It was time to make haste, for the sun was setting.

A mile from Apricale he saw a cloud of dust ahead of him, and he knew that he had the kidnappers in sight.

He slowed down, for he did not wish to be seen by them.