The reins were twisted rope, the wheels uneven.

It went jolting along in such a careless, jolly way, as if it would not care in the least, should it go to pieces any minute just there in the road.

The donkey that drew it was bony and blind of one eye; but he winked the other knowingly at you, to ask if you saw the joke of the thing.

Even the voice of the owner of the establishment, chirruping some idle song, as I told you, was one of the cheeriest sounds you ever heard.

Joel, up at the barn, forgot his dignity to salute it with a prolonged "Hillo!" and presently appeared at the gate.
"I'm late, Joel," said the weak voice.