diligence would thread the thoroughfares without scattering
anything. Not less wonderful is their power of going
through small arches and apertures. The man who once
wagered that he would get into a pint bottle, did not do any-
thing so wonderful as Laffitte's elephantine vehicles, when
they wCTe wont to creep through the low narrow gateways
of fortined towns. As well, to all probability, might the
late Mr. Daniel Lambert, of mountainous memory, have
determined upon occupying the last seat of a railway omnibus,
an the arrival of a Sunday evening train.
The people crowded into the eating- room, and took their
places at the table; Mr. Wyndham Flitter put himself at the
top, as he was stopping at the house for the night, which, he
assumed, gave him a position of honour; and began imme-
diately to talk to all the party, as though they were old
friends, ultimately offering to pay the bill in its total, and
then divide it afterwards, as they were pressed for time. By
this latter arrangement he not only contrived to come off free
himself, but to make eight or ten francs into the bargain.
During the meal, however, having rubbed his snuff-box
against his trowsers until it became very bright for the time,
he flashed it before the eyes of the company.
But they did not notice it. In the hurry of dinner, and
occupation of changing vehicles and luggage, he could not
attract their attention, so he commanded it.
" That's an interesting memorial, sir, that box," he said to
gentleman on his left, who took a pinch from it — a youthful
tourist, who had let a light pluffy moustache grow, upon the
strength of having been in France a fortnight.
