1914 (British Ace) Read Online Free PDF Page A

terrified.  If I wrecked this car then my new career could be over before it had even started. I just concentrated and tried to imagine that it was Caesar and not a mass of machinery. I barely moved my right foot and the vehicle moved slowly down the drive.  The gears were actually easier to use and soon we were travelling quite quickly.  I was aware that the main gates were looming up and I slowed down. There was a large turning circle at the end of the drive and I turned around. 
    His lordship looked impressed. “How in God’s name did you manage to do that William?”
    “Concentrated sir and barely moved my right foot.” I took a breath, “Why not drive back sir?  There’s no one around.”
    He flashed me a look to see if I was mocking him but my innocent face reassured him. “Very well.”
    I turned, in the passenger seat so that I could see what he was doing. I immediately spotted that he was not using his right foot for the brake and the accelerator.  As soon as I pointed it out to him he began to drive more confidently.  When he pulled the car up next to the Crossley he beamed at the salesman.  “I have to say, old chap, that William here is a much better teacher than you are.  However I am satisfied so come into the house and I will give you the cheque.  William, familiarise yourself with the engine.”
    I had been dreading this part but I did as I was asked.  The man who had driven the Crossley was standing nearby smoking a cigarette. I opened the bonnet and looked inside at the mass of tubes and machinery. “Excuse me, what does this do?”
    Fortunately he seemed an affable chap and he took me through the wires, pipes and piston s.  He explained it quite simply and I picked the basic principles. I knew it would take me some time but I was confident that I could come to grips with this horseless carriage.  I was hooked.  The brief burst of speed had put Caesar’s gallop into the shade.
    By the time his lordship came out I had been given the manual for the vehicle.  I would ask if I could read it.  I didn’t think, for one moment, that his lordship would be bothered to read the tome. 
    “So you’ll bring the other automobile at the end of the month.  It has to be crimson; Lord Burscough loves the colour.”
    “Yes sir.”
    As the Crossley drove away he clapped me on the back. “His lordship doesn’t need to go into town.  They will deliver here.”
    “But sir, how do you know he will like it?”
    “Oh he will like it. I asked for the one which looked the most like a carriage.  This one has a separate compartment for you as the driver and it can seat five.  He will like it.”
    And he did.  He cared nothing about the workings of it but it was comfortable and it even had curtains for him to close for privacy. The first time I took him out in it I was almost shaking with fright.  I needn’t have worried.  The suspension was better than his best carriage and he had me drive him all the way around the estate. I had my new job and I was happy.  I still got to ride Caesar with the Yeomanry.  My duties as a driver were not arduous and I learned to understand both the Lanchester’s and the Singer’s engines. That proved to be advantageous for the young Lord Burscough did not understand simple ideas such as putting petrol in.  As for making sure it had enough oil… suffice it to say I had to check both vehicles every morning and evening. It did result in a pay rise for me for both of them were happy. My father could not believe I was getting more money than him.  He could not resist a dig at his two elder sons.  “If them two daft buggers hadn’t gone off to the factories they could have had a nice little job like you and mother wouldn’t be all upset like she is.”
    He was right.  The family at home were close but there was a void where my brothers had been.  Life was good and I looked forward to 1914 with great optimism.

Chapter 3
    The war got in the way of all of our