Page:Headlong Hall - Peacock (1816).djvu/34

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26
HEADLONG HALL.

Cerig, there was only one post-chaise to be had; it was therefore determined that the Reverend Doctor and the luggage should proceed in the chaise, and that the three philosophers should walk. When the Reverend gentleman first seated himself in the chaise, the windows were down all round; but he allowed it to drive off under the idea that he could easily pull them up. This task, however, he had considerable difficulty in accomplishing, and when he had succeeded, it availed him little; for the frames and glasses had long since discontinued their ancient familiarity. He had, however, no alternative but to proceed, and to comfort himself, as he went, with some choice quotations from the book of Job. The road led along the edges of tremendous chasms, with torrents dashing in the bottom; so that if his teeth had not chattered with cold, they would have done so with fear.