When we came to the top of the steep hill leading down to the village, Jack asked me, "Shall we go down a rattler ?" "Oh, do!" said I.
"Hold on to the hat-box, then, and don't tumble out." Down we went.

The carriage swayed from side to side; I sat with my arms tightly clasped round the hat-box, and felt as if I were flying straight down on to the church-tower.

It was delightful, but I noticed that Jack did not speak till we reached the foot of the hill.

Then he said, "Well, that's a blessing! I never thought we should get safe to the bottom." "Then why did you drive so fast ?" I inquired.
"My dear Margery, there's no drag on this carriage; and when I'd once given Neddy his head he couldn't stop himself, no more could I.But he's a plucky, sure-footed little beast; and I shall walk up this hill out of respect for him." I resolved to do the same, and clambered out, leaving the hat-box on the seat.

I went up to Jack, who was patting Neddy's neck, on which he stuck out his right arm, and said, "Link!" "What ?" said I.
"Link," said Jack; and as he stuck out his elbow again in an unmistakable fashion, I took his arm.
"We call that linking, in these parts," said Jack.