the mercedesplunged forward , skirting past frau geyner 's car , and in a sudden attempt to avoid a hole in theovergrown pavement , the driver swung to his left , then to his right , skidding on the surface , the tiressliding on the crawling vine weeds until the side ofthe car careened into the disintegrating stone gate.roars of abuse from both men filled the morningair as the mercedes straightened itself out and racedthrough the exit .