"They've slued up your Box now," says he, "and are getting under weigh. There's a blue Peter to the Fore."
"What's that?" said I.
"Why, the Admiral's Flag clapped to the Foremast, for sailing Orders. What I mean now, is, that your Man Peter, looking Blue with Cold, is standing at the Fore Horse's Head, and staring, as well he may, at the Postilion. Well, you won't carry much Ballast this Time. There are some Barrels of Oysters in the Hold, going down to Country Cousins that have sent up Geese and Turkeys."
"Dear me! I wish I had thought of a Barrel of Oysters," said I.
"Too late now!" said Tom. "But yet, if you wish it, I'll make a Rush for them, and come up with you along the Road. You won't make more than three Knots an Hour. Shall I?"
"Oh no, thank you. It's too late now."
"Better late than never. And apply that to me on the Present Occasion. Come, accept me! Arn't I a very good Boy, for a Sailor? You've never seen me smoke, nor drink, nor fight, nor get my Pockets picked, nor use any uncomfortable Expressions. Oh no, I can't bear to put People to the least Inconvenience. Here I am, going, going, going,—say gone!"
"Gone!" said I; and he was off the next Moment.
"A light-hearted young Sailor," says the old Gentlewoman smiling, "I shouldn't think many young Ladies would say 'No' to the Offer he made you."
The Jumbling of the Coach over the rough Stones precluded the Need of an Answer. For some Time we journeyed in the Dark; when Daylight came, I was able to amuse myself with passing Objects; and though the Cold was severe, I liked Travelling very well. We stopped to dine at Twelve o'Clock; there was a great, raw Leg of boiled Mutton, which the old Lady said was bad Meat badly killed and badly cooked. She said, however, that Travelling was improved since her young Days, when the Coach was three Days going from London to Exeter, and halted to observe the Sabbath on the Road. We safely reached the appointed Spot just before Dark, where Gatty, all Smiles and Cordiality,—and a healthy, honest-looking Boy, her Brother, were awaiting me. My Luggage was so light, we carried it between us, laughing and talking as we trudged along to Gatty's Home; which I found what she called "a good Step."