“I never did feel such a jolting in my life,” said Mr. Pickwick.
“Never mind,” replied his companion, “it will soon be over. Steady, steady.”
Mr. Pickwick planted himself into his own corner, as firmly as he could; and on whirled the chaise faster than ever.
They had travelled in this way about three miles, when Mr. Wardle, who had been looking out of the window for two or three minutes, suddenly drew in his face, covered with splashes, and exclaimed in breathless eagerness—
“Here they are!”
Mr. Pickwick thrust his head out of his window. Yes: there was a chaise and four, a short distance before them, dashing along at full gallop.
“Go on, go on,” almost shrieked the old gentleman. “Two guineas a-piece, boys—don’t let ’em gain on us—keep it up—keep it up.”
The horses in the first chaise started on at their utmost speed; and those in Mr. Wardle’s galloped furiously behind them.
“I see his head,” exclaimed the choleric old man, “damme, I see his head.”
“So do I,” said Mr. Pickwick, “that’s he.”