IN AUSTRIAN TURKEY 197 



the driver's seat. This last was so low 

 that it seemed inconceivable a team could 

 be driven from it, and the length of the 

 driver's whip made it appear incredible 

 that he could possibly hit the leaders, 

 which, like the wheelers, were somewhat 

 leggy but well - bred - looking Croatians. 

 The immensely high boots, shiny hats, 

 and curly horns one naturally associates 

 with a diligence were conspicuous by their 

 absence, driver and guard being dressed 

 in a simple uniform far more suggestive of 

 a steamboat than a coach. 



The stationmaster bowed, the gendarme 

 saluted, I took off my hat in reply, and 

 we were off. The pace at first was 

 decidedly moderate, as numerous wooden 

 bridges over affluent streams had to be 

 crossed, and this must be done at a walk. 



