The boys applied whip and spur, the waiters shouted, the hostlers

cheered, and away they went, fast and furiously.

Pretty situation,' thought Mr Pickwick, when he had had a moment's

time for reflection. 'Pretty situation for the general chairman of the

Pickwick Club. Damp chaise - strange horses - fifteen miles an hour -

and twelve o'clock at night!'

For the first three or four miles, not a word was spoken by either of

the gentlemen, each being too much immersed in his own reflections

to address any observations to his companion. When they had gone

over that much ground, however, and the horses getting thoroughly

warmed began to do their work in really good style, Mr Pickwick

became too much exhilarated with the rapidity of the motion, to

remain any longer perfectly mute.

We're sure to catch them, I think,' said he.

Hope so,' replied his companion.

Fine night,' said Mr Pickwick, looking up at the moon, which was

shining brightly.

So much the worse,' returned Wardle; 'for they'll have had all the

advantage of the moonlight to get the start of us, and we shall lose it.

It will have gone down in another hour.'

It will be rather unpleasant going at this rate in the dark, won't it?'

inquired Mr Pickwick.

I dare say it will,' replied his friend dryly.

Mr Pickwick's temporary excitement began to sober down a little, as

he reflected upon the inconveniences and dangers of the expedition in

which he had so thoughtlessly embarked. He was roused by a loud

shouting of the post-boy on the leader. 'Yo-yo-yo-yo-yoe!' went the first

boy.

'Yo-yo-yo-yoe!' went the second.

Yo-yo-yo-yoe!' chimed in old Wardle himself, most lustily, with his

head and half his body out of the coach window.

Yo-yo-yo-yoe!' shouted Mr Pickwick, taking up the burden of the cry,

though he had not the slightest notion of its meaning or object. And

amidst the yo-yoing of the whole four, the chaise stopped.

What's the matter?' inquired Mr Pickwick.

The Pickwick Papers