"D--- that off-hand leader," said the coachman, as the right-hand front horse made a desperate start at something he saw in the road; and, half rising, he with great dexterity hit with his long whip the off-hand leader a cut on the off cheek.

"These seem to be fine horses," said I.

The coachman made no answer.

"Nearly thorough-bred," I continued; the coachman drew his breath, with a kind of hissing sound, through his teeth.

"Come, young fellow, none of your chaff.