:272 HIGHWAYS AND HORSES. 



master of the ceremonies on this important occasion, 

 ' stick to your tackle ; stand clear, there ! ' and he 

 applied his rattan lustily to the shoulders of the 

 junior branches of the bystanders, avoiding with 

 .astonishing dexterity, only to be acquired by long 

 practice, falling into the error he was so often chal- 

 lenged to commit, of ' hitting any one of his own 

 size.' 



" The ponderous machine swung upon the post 

 which formed its fulcrum, and, by half a revolution, 

 placed the virago in mid-air, her legs performing 

 sundry eccentric fandangos over the river, which was 

 now at high tide. 



" ' Hurrah! hurrah for Roaring Peg!' shouted the 

 multitude. 



"The unfortunate victim of the popular discipline 

 cursed and raved ; but her imprecations were inaudible 

 in the roar of the many-throated voice of the sovereign 

 people. 



" The gold-laced functionary, having allowed the 

 tumult in some degree to wear itself out and subside, 

 gave the signal. The loosened cord, passing over a 

 pulley fixed to the shorter arm of the lever, allowed 

 the chair to descend until the inveterate scold dis- 

 appeared over head and ears in the muddy water 

 of the Thames. Again the chair rose, and again, 

 spluttering oaths and imprecations, was its unlucky 

 feminine occupant immerged. 



" ' Hold hard ! ' cried the beadle, raising his cane ; 

 the fellows who worked the apparatus gave it a half- 

 turn, and the beadle, keeping a respectful distance 

 from the dripping and wretched creature, proceeded 

 to interrogate, with the air of a chief inquisitor. 



"'Well, Mistress Peg, you see "long-threatened 



