Page:Carroll - Sylvie and Bruno Concluded.djvu/146

108 runs half-way down-hill, and that gives it force enough to run the other half up-hill."

"Thank you. I understand that perfectly," said Lady Muriel. "But the velocity, in the middle of the tunnel, must be something fearful!"

'Mein Herr' was evidently much gratified at the intelligent interest Lady Muriel took in his remarks. At every moment the old man seemed to grow more chatty and more fluent. "You would like to know our methods of driving?" he smilingly enquired. "To us, a run-away horse is of no import at all!"

Lady Muriel slightly shuddered. "To us it is a very real danger," she said.

"That is because your carriage is wholly behind your horse. Your horse runs. Your carriage follows. Perhaps your horse has the bit in his teeth. Who shall stop him? You fly, ever faster and faster! Finally comes the inevitable upset!"

"But suppose your horse manages to get the bit in his teeth?"

"No matter! We would not concern ourselves. Our horse is harnessed in the very