Mr Pickwick thrust his head out of his window. Yes: there was a

chaise-and-four, a short distance before them, dashing along at full

gallop.

Go on, go on,' almost shrieked the old gentleman. 'Two guineas a-

piece, boys - don't let 'em gain on us - keep it up - keep it up.'

The horses in the first chaise started on at their utmost speed; and

those in Mr Wardle's galloped furiously behind them.

I see his head,' exclaimed the choleric old man; 'damme, I see his

head.'

'So do I' said Mr Pickwick; 'that's he.' Mr Pickwick was not mistaken.

The countenance of Mr Jingle, completely coated with mud thrown up

by the wheels, was plainly discernible at the window of his chaise; and

the motion of his arm, which was waving violently towards the

postillions, denoted that he was encouraging them to increased

exertion.

The interest was intense. Fields, trees, and hedges, seemed to rush

past them with the velocity of a whirlwind, so rapid was the pace at

which they tore along. They were close by the side of the first chaise.

Jingle's voice could be plainly heard, even above the din of the wheels,

urging on the boys. Old Mr Wardle foamed with rage and excitement.

He roared out scoundrels and villains by the dozen, clenched his fist

and shook it expressively at the object of his indignation; but Mr

Jingle only answered with a contemptuous smile, and replied to his

menaces by a shout of triumph, as his horses, answering the

increased application of whip and spur, broke into a faster gallop, and

left the pursuers behind.

Mr Pickwick had just drawn in his head, and Mr Wardle, exhausted

with shouting, had done the same, when a tremendous jolt threw

them forward against the front of the vehicle. There was a sudden

bump - a loud crash - away rolled a wheel, and over went the chaise.

After a very few seconds of bewilderment and confusion, in which

nothing but the plunging of horses, and breaking of glass could be

made out, Mr Pickwick felt himself violently pulled out from among

the ruins of the chaise; and as soon as he had gained his feet,

extricated his head from the skirts of his greatcoat, which materially

impeded the usefulness of his spectacles, the full disaster of the case

met his view.

Old Mr Wardle without a hat, and his clothes torn in several places,

stood by his side, and the fragments of the chaise lay scattered at

their feet. The post-boys, who had succeeded in cutting the traces,

The Pickwick Papers