Part 111 (2/2)
”We shall certainly either be knocked down, or run over,” exclaimed Tallyho.
”Never fear,” said Tom, ”do but keep your ogles in action, all's right enough, and we shall soon be safely housed out of the bustle; but before we enter the house we will just cast our eyes about us. On the right, after pa.s.sing the gate, is the coach-offices for receiving, booking, ~~434~~~ and delivering parcels, and taking places for pa.s.sengers by the various vehicles which start from this place. On the left is the hotel and coffee-house, where every refreshment and accommodation may be obtained. The remaining part of the building, together with several others adjoining, which almost occupy the whole of this side of the street, are devoted to stables, waggon and coach-houses, and out-offices.”
[Ill.u.s.tration: page434.jpg Bull and Mouth Inn]
”It is an extensive concern then,” said Tallyho, ”though it stands in such an out of the way obscure situation.”
”Why you are already aware that situation is not absolutely necessary to success in all cases in London,” was the reply. ”The extensive circulation of a name or a sign are sometimes sufficient to obtain business;--and who has not heard of the Bull and Mouth, or the name of Willan--from the former runs a considerable number of long stages and mail coaches, daily and nightly, the proprietor being a contractor with Government; and upon one occasion it is said, he was in treaty to supply an immense quant.i.ty of horses to convey troops to the coast, on the threatened invasion by Buonaparte, so that the epithet patriotic might properly be applied to him. He however is lately deceased, and supposed to have left a considerable fortune.--But come, dinner is ready--now for the parting meal, and then heaven speed ye to your destined homes.”
After partaking of a hearty dinner, and a bottle or two of generous wine--”Come,” said Dashall, ”it is time we are alive and look out, for the yard is all in a bustle; here are lots of coaches preparing for a start, so let us get out, look around, and see what is going forward.”
Upon this intimation, they sallied forth to the yard, where the confusion created by the arrival of one coach heavily laden, and the preparation of two for departure, afforded a scene for a quiet contemplatist, which however it is not easy to describe.
”Coachman,” said an antiquated lady, just alighting, ”I paid my fare.”
”Yes Ma'am, that's all fair,” said coachy.
”Mind how you hand my dear little boy out of the coach, poor little fellow he is quite dizzy with riding.”
~~435~~~ ”I thinks as how you had better have brought a man with you, for you want taking care of yourself,” grumbled coachy, as he handed the young one out.--”There he is Ma'am--stand upon your pins, my man.”
”Come Charley--Oh coachy you have got my box in your boot.”
”Aye, aye, Ma'am, I know it, I wish my boot was in your box--here it is Ma'am.”
”Stand bye,” said a Jack Tar, ”let's have a little sea room, and no squalls.”
”Coachy, what a rude fellow that is, he says I squalls.”
”Never mind him, Ma'am, he is as rough as the element he belongs to--thank ye Ma'am--that's the time o' day,” pocketing a half-crown which she had just given him.
”Here Bill, take this lady's luggage out of the way.”
”Just going off, Sir--do you go by me?”
”Yes,” replied Sparkle, ”how many have you inside?”
”Only four, Sir, and you two make up the number--all ready--Jem, bear up the leaders.”
At this moment a hackney coach stopped at the gate, and out jumps a gentleman who immediately entered into conversation with the coachman.
”Can't do it, Sir,” said coachy,--”all full--I might manage to give you an outside pa.s.sage to be sure.”
”Well, well, I will make that do, perhaps you can afford an inside birth part of the journey.”
”I'll see what I can do, but can't promise--now gentlemen.”
”Here coachman,” said the person desirous of obtaining a pa.s.sage, tipping coachy some money.
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