oach
over. The top rested upon the bank, and the horses were suddenly
stopped. Sometimes, on such occasions, the _transom_ bolt, as it
is called, that is, the bolt by which the forward wheels are fastened
to the carriage, comes out, and the horses run off with the wheels. It
did not come out in this case, however. The man who had put his arm
out of the window, immediately called out, in great alarm, "Hold the
horses! Hold the horses! Don't let the horses run and drag us." But
this vociferation was needless. A coach full of passengers and baggage
is a full load for four horses, when it is mounted on wheels. It would
require an exertion far beyond their strength to drag it when on its
side. The horses remained quiet, therefore, while the wagoner and the
driver, who was not hurt, opened the door in the upper side of the
coach. The passengers then climbed out, one by one, without injury.
Mary Williams came out last, with her orange-tree safe in her hand.

Chapter III.

The Grass Country.

The scene of confusion, produced by the double accident described in
the last chapter, was great, but not long continued. The wagoner got
his fallen horse up, and then the passengers, with the driver and
wagoner, all taking hold together, soon righted the stage. None of the
passengers were hurt, but the coach itself was so much injured that
the driver thought it was not safe to load it heavily again. The
female passengers got in, but the men walked along by the side of it,
intending to travel in that way about four miles to the next
tavern. Forester, however, was not inclined to take so long a walk.
Fortunately, at a small distance before them, was a farmhouse which
looked as if it belonged to a large and thrifty farmer. The great
barns and sheds, the neat yards, the well-built walls and fences,
and the large stock of cattle in the barn-yard, indicated wealth and
prosperity. Forester concluded to apply here for a lodging for the
night, for himself and Marco. The farmer was very willing to receive
them. So the driver took off their trunks, and then the stage-coach,
with the rest of the passengers, went on.

"How long shall we have to stay here?" asked Marco.

"Only till to-morrow," said Forester. "Another stage will come along
to-morrow. We can stop just as well as not, as we are in no haste to
get home. Besides, I should like to have you see something of the
operations of a great grass farm."

Marco and Forester went into