1877—78.] 



THRUST AND THIRST. 



239 



themselves up to livid despair ; and the howl that rose from 

 the trio as they found themselves rapidl}' nearing their doom 

 thrilled through the assemhled multitude beyond. Dobbin 

 jumped with a strength and vigour that would have carried 

 him over a double-oxer — his force intensified by the downhill 

 approach. But the opening that was wide enough for 1dm did 

 not nearl}' admit of the cart. With a crash that might have 

 been heard at Leicester, both wheels struck the stout black- 

 thorn. Dobbin rushed madly on with tlie shafts clattering at 

 his heels, while the hapless butchers rolled harmlessly down 

 the hill. Their affrighted steed galloped, kicking furioush', 

 through the whole crowd (and close to the hounds) — but fortu- 

 nately without coming into collision with anyone. A scene 

 so absurd would have been much more in keeping with 

 Epping Forest, or as the subject of an old sporting print, 

 than with the reality of a Quorn Friday — but I give it as it 

 occurred. 





