COACHMEN 55 



ally pulled down by the coaclimen who ducked them 

 joyously in the river. 



Oxford in those days could have produced a perfe6l 

 regiment of coachmen had occasion required, for the 

 University town was a most important junction in the 

 coaching era, as many as seventy-three coaches passing 

 through the city daily. 



It naturally followed that a great many coachmen 

 resided in the town, and St. John's Street alone could 

 boast the honour of no less than fourteen of the coaching 

 fraternity. Two of these were old John Bayzand, who 

 drove the Southampton Oxonian for thirty-six years, 

 and Will Stacey, of the Alert, and one evening as they 

 were on their way home they chanced to meet three 

 retired tailors who resided in Beaumont Street, and 

 rejoiced in the names of Mr. Speakman, Mr. Dry, and 

 Mr. Banting. These tailors thought not inconsiderably 

 of themselves, and had planned a joke at the coachmen's 

 expense. 



"Well, gentlemen, done your daily toil?" inquired 

 Mr. Banting. 



"Yes," replied Bayzand, and would have passed but 

 the tailors detained him. 



"We have had a consultation, and with your per- 

 mission, we are going to change the name of your 



street." 



"Oh, certainly," replied Bayzand, "may I inquire 

 what name you intend to bestow on it?" 



"Oh, Whipcord Terrace," returned the tailor, whilst 

 the others acclaimed his wit. 



