“Not above three-quarters of an hour,” was everybody’s reply.

“Chaise-and-four directly!⁠—out with ’em! Put up the gig afterwards.”

“Now, boys!” cried the landlord⁠—“chaise-and-four out⁠—make haste⁠—look alive there!”

Away ran the hostlers and the boys. The lanterns glimmered, as the men ran to and fro; the horses’ hoofs clattered on the uneven paving of the yard; the chaise rumbled as it was drawn out of the coach-house; and all was noise and bustle.

“Now then!⁠—is that chaise coming out tonight?” cried Wardle.

“Coming down the yard now, Sir,” replied the hostler.

Out came the chaise⁠—in went the horses⁠—on sprang the boys⁠—in got the travellers.