of the cat gave a better opportunity of escaping. But scarce had
I taken up this resolution when the coachman again entered, and
suddenly taking the coat from the peg, put it on, and marched out
with me in his pocket.

It is utterly impossible to describe my fear and consternation at
this event, to jump out whilst in the stable exposed me to the
jaws of the cat, and to attempt it when out of doors was but again
subjecting myself to be frozen to death, for the snow continued
still on the ground; yet to stay in his pocket was running the
chance of suffering a still more dreadful death by the barbarous
hands of man; and nothing did I expect, in case he should find me,
but either to be tortured like Softdown, or given to be the sport
of his favorite cat--a fate almost as much dreaded as the other.
However it was soon put out of my power to determine, for whilst I
was debating in my own mind what course I had better take, he
mounted the coachbox, and drove away with me in his pocket, till
he came to a large house, about a mile distant from this place;
there he put down the company he had in the coach, and then drove
into the yard. But he had not been there many moments before the
coachman of the family he was come to, invited him into the
kitchen to warm himself, drink a mug of ale, and eat a mouthful of
cold meat. As soon as he entered, and had paid the proper
compliments to the Mrs. Betties and Mollies at the place, he
pulled off his great coat, and hung it across the back of his
chair. I instantly seized the first opportunity and whilst they
were all busy assembling round the luncheon table, made my escape,
and ran under a cupboard door close to the chimney, where I had an
opportunity of seeing and hearing all that passed, part of which
conversation I will relate to you.