Strap’s Lamentations
Strap reproaches the narrator for squandering money, recalling his own hardships as a barber’s boy and boasting that he could have fought the debt collectors. When the narrator offers to bear all expenses alone, Strap is offended, insisting that though he is poor, he has the soul to spend like a gentleman.
We Descry the Waggon
After walking all day at a fast pace, the narrator and Strap sight the waggon about a quarter of a mile ahead. Overcome with weariness, they bargain with the driver Joey to ride the remaining distance for a shilling.
The Captain’s Tremendous Voice
As Strap climbs into the waggon, a tremendous voice thunders, “God’s fury! there shall no passengers come here,” freezing both Strap and the narrator with terror.
Strap’s Terrified Retreat
Terrified by the roar, Strap descends from the waggon with great speed, his face as white as paper, and refuses to re-enter despite Joey’s mocking encouragement.
A Jolt of the Carriage
The narrator enters the dark waggon and takes an empty seat on the straw. Strap follows with the baggage, but a sudden jolt pitches him directly onto the captain’s stomach.
The Waggon Discourse
Inside the waggon, the passengers converse in the dark. The captain and his wife lament traveling in such humble conveyance, while Miss Jenny teases them for their affectations and flirts with the old usurer, who responds with a feeble, coughing laugh.
Arrival at the Inn
Upon reaching the inn, the passengers alight from the waggon, giving the narrator his first clear view of his fellow travelers.
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