A DANGEROUS RIDE 43 



Now, I thought to myself, is my chance. I got 

 near to the centre of the road, when, just as the 

 carriage passed me, I rushed forward and clutched 

 hold of the springs behind, which assisted me 

 greatly. A slight hill caused the horses to go some- 

 what slower, when I fancied I might make a 

 desperate, but most dangerous, attempt to spring 

 up, and place my feet on the hind axle-tree. This 

 was protected by a spiked iron bar, yet I dex- 

 terously made an effort to place my toes somewhere 

 between the spikes, and eventually succeeded. 

 The horses dashed on in a dense cloud of dust, 

 whilst I clung, like grim death, to the springs, and 

 held on in my hazardous position. When we 

 arrived at the town of Epsom, some wanton boys 

 shouted ' Whip behind ! ' calling attention to my 

 frantic efforts. As was common in such carriages 

 at that time, there was a small circular window at 

 the back of the chaise, which enabled the gentlemen 

 inside to see me. They called to the post-boy to 

 stop, and ordered me down. I had already per- 

 formed that feat, and took off my hat, thanking 

 them for my ride of over three miles. I then rushed 

 off to the Downs. The Derby was timed for three 

 o'clock, it was then about 2.40. I fortunately met 

 a cab returning from the course, and told the driver I 

 would give him five shillings if he drove me there 

 in time to see the race. To this he agreed, when 

 he dashed over the Downs, bumping along as hard 

 as his horse could go, pulling up at the back 

 of the stand whilst the crowd were shouting 



