MAIL-GUARDS 271 



consequence, as he explained, of his having lost 

 his front teeth. 



Nobhs died. May 18th, 1897, in his eighty- 

 first year, at Uxhridge. His portrait is one of 

 the cherished items in the Post Office Record 

 Department. 



One of those who, for some reason or another, 

 was not continued in Post Office employment 

 was an odd character popularly called " Cocky " 

 Murrell, who for many years afterwards was a 

 solicitor's clerk at DoAvnliam Market, Norfolk. 

 " Cocky " he was called from his prodigious 

 amount of bounce. He had formerly been guard 

 of the mail between Ely and King's Lynn, and 

 though not much taller than the horn he blew, 

 assumed as much authority as though he had 

 been the Postmaster- General himself. 



