Hobson and Carter had always been at loggerheads. What makes two otherwise sensible men behave like little boys ? In this case it was cars. There is nothing like cars for bringing out the worst in people. Carter possessed a sleek and powerful Jaguar sportscar of the latest design. Hobson on the other hand, owned an even more powerful but much older spectacular, but as Carter pointed out, in terms of speed and everything else for that matter, there was very little to touch his 4 litres worth of modern car design.

As a showpiece the Bentley was a beautiful animal, to cherish and be proud of. But the Bentley’s rightful home was in a museum. This was Carter’s true and earnest opinion. I remember I was standing around in the pits, listening to Carter and Hobson arguing as usual. I did not car for either of them much, but had always hankered after a ride in Hobson’s Bentley. So when Hobson said :

“Like a lift back ?”

(only he said beck instead of bak), I jumped at the opportunity.

“Rather !” I replied.

“Right. See you here at five. I should wrep up if I were you. Can be a bit chilly this time of year.”

Carter lit a French cigarette and shoved off.