“ ‘Is the fare paid?’ inquired my uncle.

“ ‘Of course it is,’ rejoined the guard.

“ ‘It is, is it?’ said my uncle. ‘Then here goes! Which coach?’

“ ‘This,’ said the guard, pointing to an old-fashioned Edinburgh and London mail, which had the steps down and the door open. ‘Stop! Here are the other passengers. Let them get in first.’