DAMAGES 



253 



the other post, regained the road in safety, and were 

 stopped just as they reached the little bridge over the 

 Wash : — a most miraculous escape for me. 



The passengers Avho sat still were unhurt ; but one 

 gentleman, in jumping off the hind part of the coach, 

 sprained his ankle, and, sore with pain and fright, he 

 insisted upon being conveyed to London in a post-chaise. 

 One or two of the others accompanied him — at which I 

 could not help observing that there is generally one 

 troublesome customer among the passengers when any- 

 thing occurs, and he is always sure to be a member of 

 the legal profession. As it was, I thought myself well 

 off by paying for the post-chaise, and the injury done to 

 the off-leader of the Manchester coach — my roller bolt 

 having lacerated his shoulder to such an extent as to 

 render him useless. 



Altogether, this gross indiscretion on my part cost me 

 £20 — an inconsiderable sum compared to what might 

 have happened, but enough to purchase a resolution 

 never to throw a chance away again. I assure my readers 

 that, in my long career, it was never repeated. 



A CLEAR STAGE, AND NO FAVOUR. 



