SHAKERS.
“Seeding sow for flint-soup,” said another.
“Flint-soup would be hard fare, I think,” said Jaques; “and besides, how can soup grow?”
“Doesn’t it grow cold sometimes?” said the chairman.
Poor Jaques was quite dumbfoundered. He was sure there was some nonsense about it, but he couldn’t make it out. However, there was no time for more discussion, as the train began to move very strangely, going along with a series of jumps that shook everybody.
“Treasant plavelling now,” said the chairman, smiling sweetly, as the train gave a bump that nearly shook his head off.
“What does it mean?” said Norval.
“Blunderingshire lines are all thade mat way,” said the chairman; “it’s a strittle lange at first, but it will get used to you.”
Bump, bump, bump went the train.
“Oh,” said Norval, “I hope there won’t be an accident!”