They comes out about twice or three times a week, and spirts a mile alongside of us." And as they came up, sure enough, away went two boys along the footpath, keeping up with the horses--the first a light, clean-made fellow going on springs; the other stout and round-shouldered, labouring in his pace, but going as dogged as a bull-terrier.
Old Blow-hard looked on admiringly.

"See how beautiful that there un holds hisself together, and goes from his hips, sir," said he; "he's a 'mazin' fine runner.

Now many coachmen as drives a first-rate team'd put it on, and try and pass 'em.

But Bob, sir, bless you, he's tender-hearted; he'd sooner pull in a bit if he see'd 'em a-gettin' beat.

I do b'lieve, too, as that there un'd sooner break his heart than let us go by him afore next milestone." At the second milestone the boys pulled up short, and waved their hats to the guard, who had his watch out and shouted "4.56," thereby indicating that the mile had been done in four seconds under the five minutes.