"Let go, while I'm driving.

Do you hear, Coote; let go, or there'll be a smash!" But as "letting go" was an accomplishment not taught at Mountjoy House, Richardson had to adopt stronger measures than mere persuasion in order to clear himself of his embarrassments.
Dropping the reins and flinging his arms vehemently back, he managed to dislodge his assailants, though not without dislodging himself at the same time, and a long and somewhat painful creditors' meeting down in the waggonette was the consequence.
The mare, whose patience had been gradually evaporating during this strange journey, conscious of the riot behind her, and feeling the reins dropping loosely over her tail, took the whole matter very much to heart, and showed her disapproval of the whole proceedings by taking to her heels and bolting straight away.
The business meeting inside stood forthwith adjourned.

With scared faces, the boys struggled to their feet, and, holding on to the rail of the box-seat, peered over to ascertain the cause of this alarming diversion.
"It's a bolt!" said Richardson, the only one of the three who retained wits enough to think or speak.

"Hang on, you fellows; I'll try and get the reins.

Help me up!" As well as the swaying of the vehicle would allow it, they helped him hoist himself up on to the box.