Besides which, it forms so important a part of Life in London, that few without a residence in a place of this kind can imagine its utility.

It invigorates genius, concentrates ingenuity, and stimulates invention." ~373~~ "Hey dey!" said Tallyho, looking out of the window, and perceiving a dashing tandem draw up to the door--"who have we here?
some high company, no doubt." "Yes, you are right; that man in the great coat, who manages his cattle with such dexterity, is no other than the king of the castle.

He is the major domo, or, in other words, the Bailiff himself.

That short, stout-looking man in boots and buckskins, is his assistant, vulgarly called his Bum.{1} The other is a Gentleman desirous of lodging in a genteel neighbourhood, and is recommended by them to take up his residence here." "What," inquired Bob, "do Bailiffs drive gigs and tandems ?" "To be sure they do," was the reply; "formerly they were low-bred fellows, who would undertake any dirty business for a maintenance, as you will see them represented in the old prints and caricatures, muffled up in Ireat coats, and carrying bludgeons; but, in present Real life, you will find them quite the reverse, unless they find it necessary to assume a disguise in order to nibble a queer cove who proves shy of their company'; but among Gentlemen, none are so stylish, and at the same time so accommodating--you are served with the process in a private and elegant way, and if not convenient to come to an immediate arrangement, a gig is ready in the highest taste, to convey you from your habitation to your place of retirement, and you may pass through the most crowded streets of the city, and recognise your friends, without fear of suspicion.

Upon some occasions, they will also carry their politeness so far as to inform an individual he will be wanted on such a day, and must come--a circumstance which has the effect of preventing any person from knowing the period of departure, or the place of destination; consequently, the arrested party is gone out of town for a few days, and the matter all blows over without any injury sustained.
This is the third time since I have been in the house that the tandem has started from the door, and returned with a new importation." By this time, the gig having been discharged of its cargo, was reascended by the Master and his man, and bowl'd off again in gay style for the further accommodation of fashionable friends, whose society was in such high 1 See Bum-trap), page 166.
~374~~ estimation, that no excuse or denial could avail, and who being so urgently wanted, must come.
"'Tis a happy age we live in," said Merry well; "the improvements are evident enough; every thing is done with so much facility and gentility, that even the race of bailiffs are transformed from frightful and ferocious-looking persons to the most dashing, polite and accommodating characters in the world.