Page:The London Guide and Stranger's Safeguard.djvu/27

Rh known to restore to its rightful owner such things as may have been so left, at the earliest opportunity, nor unless a handsome reward is offered.

By the way, the number of a hackney coach should be always noted the moment it is called (or ordered); and in so "calling" them, as well as every word that is said to the coachman, a certain air of command or authority should be kept up. This holds them to their tethers; tells them they have no green-horn to deal with, and deters them from extorting too much for the fare. If a person, meekly or hesitatingly, gives his orders, the coachman and attendant waterman pass the word "Johnny Raw;" or if it be a lady, they protract the sound of "Ma'am" to her;—thus, "yes M-a-a-m" and "no M-a-a-a-m."

When a coach is called from the stand, the waterman opens the door as it draws near you, in order to prevent the number, which hangs on it, from obtruding itself on your sight: at setting down, the coachman, with the same view, keeps open the door whilst he gets paid, especially if there be a dispute; or, if he twigs something left behind, he slaps the steps or the door, so as to make the horses move on a step or two; he then halloos at them with who-o-o; swears a good peal of oaths at them, to intimidate his