But I don't see how we're to get to Windsor and back with such a rheumatic old screw." "You're out there, mister," said the ostler, who was harnessing the animal.

"You'll find he ain't such a screw as you think.

You'll need to keep a steady hand on him all the way, pertikler on the road home, or he'll screw you a way you don't fancy." Whipcord laughed.
"I'll do my best," he said.

"He does look a sort of beast to be nervous of, certainly." The ostler grinned cynically, and we meanwhile mounted to our seats, Hawkesbury and Whipcord being in front, and I, much to my disgust, being placed beside Masham on the back seat.
Despite Whipcord's desponding prophecies, our charger stepped out at a pretty fair pace, and in due time we began to shake off the dust of London from our wheels and meet the first traces of country.
For a considerable time my companion absorbed himself in his cigar--much to my satisfaction--and I, for fear of appearing anxious for conversation, betook myself to mine.
At length, however, after about half an hour thus occupied, Masham broke the silence.
"Know Hawkesbury well ?" he asked.
"Pretty well," I answered; "we were at school together first, and now we're in the same office." "Nice boy at school ?" "Yes; I think so." "Not quite sure, eh ?" "I always got on well with him." "Yes, you would.

Sort of a nest for bad eggs, that school, wasn't it ?" "Yes--that is, a good many of the boys were a bad sort," said I, not very comfortable to be undergoing this cross-examination.
"I understand.