266 STAGE-COACH AND MAIL IN DAYS OF YORE 



on foot, wliicli I did for many miles, until I came 

 to Llangerrig. There I found it was hopeless 

 to think of going over Plinlimmon, and was in- 

 formed that nothing had crossed all day ; so I 

 made up my mind to go round hy way of Llanid- 

 loes, and a night I had of it ! I was almost tired 

 out and henumbed with cold, which brought on 

 a drowsiness I found it very hard to resist. If 

 I had yielded to the feeling for one instant I 

 should not be telling these tales now. When 

 I got about eight miles from Aberystwith I found 

 myself becoming thoroughly exhausted, so I hired 

 a car for the remainder of tlie journey, and fell 

 fast asleep as soon as I got into it. On arriving 

 I was still fast asleep, and had to be carried to 

 bed and a doctor sent for, Avho rubbed me for 

 hours before he could get my blood into circulation 

 again. I had then been exposed to that terrible 

 weather for fifty hours. Next day I felt a good 

 deal better, and started back for Gloucester, but 

 had great difficulty in getting over the mountain. 

 I had the honour of receiving a letter from the 

 Postmaster-General complimenting me on my zeal 

 and energy in getting the mail over the mountain. 

 Even when there was no snoAV, the wind on the 

 top of Plinlimmon was often almost more than 

 Ave could contend A\itli. Once, indeed, it Avas 

 so strong that it blcAV the coach completely over 

 against a rock ; but aa^c soon got that right again, 

 and always afterAvards took the precaution of 

 opening both the doors and tying them back, so 

 that the wind might pass through the coach." 



