33

though, as if, like his Master, he had been well drilled in "the
service". When within a half mile of our destination, our
worthy president astounded us, by suddenly wheeling
to the right, instead of the left; and would have infallibly
led us into Perth before sunset, had not his good
angel whispered to him, his mistake, on which he promptly
retraced his steps, undaunted as ever. At Kingston Mills,
we enjoyed our mulled port and sandwiches, and fain must
confess, that the gallant hearts beat higher, and the fair
faces beamed more brightly, for the refreshment. Our president,
being now like "A giant refreshed with wine," galloped
up the steep and perilous acclivity, before
him, evidently totally unmindful of the safety of his own neck,
and that of his fair companion. The more [underline] sober [/underline] part of our
company, tho't it expedient to lead their teams up. Either
the presdent's horses were not under control, or his sight
was dimmed by the [underline] mull [/underline], for his course was so deviating,
we had much difficulty in divining his intentions, and
at length, saw him descend the hill, on the [underline] wrong side [/underline], and
coolly lead us up it again, as rashly as before. His horses'
heads being at length turned the right way, we fondly imagined