172 ANNALS OF THE ROAD. 



CHAPTER AAA11. 



RETROSPECTIVE. 



1 A bright morning- towards the end of May ; a coach, 

 primrose colour ; a team of two powerful bay wheelers 

 and blood greys at lead, all with plenty in front of the 

 collar, and bone to support them ; the whole turn-out 

 having a lot of sort about it, thoroughly bang-up in fact. 

 Throw your fastidious eye over the horses, leathers, and 

 coach, and all you can say is capital ! 

 ' With truth also can you say — 



' Here's to the shape that is shown on the near side, 

 Here's to the blood on the off, Sir ; 

 Limbs with no check to the freedom of stride, 

 Wind without whistle or cough, Sir. 



' A full way bill, " time up " from the guard, " all right " 

 from coachee to the horsekeepers, the horse-cloths being 

 pulled off at this signal, the traces tightened, as with one 

 move, bringing the swingle bars up with a jerk, pole- 

 chains rattle to each step, and then "with elbows squared, 

 and with wrists turned down, he sends his tits along." 

 The " three feet of tin " sounds its seven notes musically, 

 and with "all quality, pride, pomp, and circumstance of 



