“It will be rather unpleasant going at this rate in the dark, won’t it?” inquired Mr. Pickwick.

“I dare say it will,” replied his friend dryly.

Mr. Pickwick’s temporary excitement began to sober down a little, as he reflected upon the inconveniences and dangers of the expedition in which he had so thoughtlessly embarked. He was roused by a loud shouting of the postboy on the leader.

“Yo-yo-yo-yo-yoe!” went the first boy.

“Yo-yo-yo-yoe!” went the second.

“Yo-yo-yo-yoe!” chimed in old Wardle himself, most lustily, with his head and half his body out of the coach window.