One more example I may adduce—which, had I not been an eye-witness of it, I should find it difficult to believe—illustrates the courage of the horse and the folly of the man.
A dealer was showing a horse, in harness, to a customer who, after a short trial, finding that the animal was likely to suit him, inquired if he would jump. Being assured that he would, the intending purchaser requested that a hurdle might be set up.
Another gentleman, probably Irish, then assumed the vacant seat in the tilbury, and to the dealer’s utter amazement the horse was dashed at the obstacle.
There was no refusal; the obedient animal bounded at the hurdle (a good stiff one), was brought up by the wheels and shafts of the gig, and tumbled backwards into the vehicle, uninjured.
The results to the gentlemen were less than their folly deserved—a broken collarbone apiece—sprained wrists, and various contusions, at least severe enough to confine them to their beds for several days.
I now humbly submit these my Road Scrapings to the reader, in the earnest hope that I may have, in some measure, cleared the way for those who are disposed to avail themselves of my suggestions, and enlivened it for those who are not.
THE END.
CHARLES DICKENS AND EVANS, CRYSTAL PALACE PRESS.