THE CHURCH CLOCK STRUCK the half-hour just as the coach clattered into
Launceston and drew up at the Inn. The driver grunted, and his companion swung
himself to the ground and ran to the horses' heads. The driver put two fingers to his
mouth and whistled. Presently an ostler came from the Inn on to the square,
rubbing his sleepy eyes in astonishment.
"No time to linger. Bring water at once, and a feed for the horses," said the
driver, and he rose in his seat, and stretched himself, glancing sourly about him,
while his companion stamped his numbed feet on the ground and grinned back at
him in sympathy