They were private carriages, and all, therefore, inaccessible.
Did I say inaccessible?
A bold idea occurred to me.

The rain was so heavy that it could scarcely be expected to last many minutes.

The carriage at the very end of the line was not likely to be the first called; and, even if it were, one could spring out in a moment, if necessary.

In short, the very daring of the deed was as attractive as the shelter! I made my way swiftly down the line.

The last carriage was a neat little brougham, and the coachman, with his hat pulled down over his eyes, and his collar drawn up about his ears, was too much absorbed in taking care of himself and his horses to pay much attention to a foot-passenger.