_Excursionists_ (_taking advantage of the opportunity to discuss the situation_). I noticed it the minute I set eyes on him--he never ought to have been sent out like this ... He's been to a wedding this morning, so I heard, and it's upset him a little, that's all ... Upset _him_--we're lucky if he doesn't upset _us_. What a fidget you are! I shan't take _you_ into Switzerland next year, if you're like this... If Switzerland's full of a lot of drunken men, I don't want to go... Well, what had we better _do_ about it? Perhaps _this_ gentleman would--Oh, no, I couldn't take the responsibility, really, not without knowing the way. Well, we can't _walk_ back, that's certain--we must trust to luck, that's all! Pretty bit of the coast you get here ... Oh, don't talk about the scenery _now_, when, for all we know!--&c., &c.
[_The car starts again, and presently arrives at a winding and precipitous road leading down to Petit Bot Bay, where the Driver again rises with his back to the horses, and proceeds to address the Excursionists, as they sit paralysed with horror._
_Driver_. Ladies and Gentlemen, at this point I shall explain the scenery. (_The Timid Lady protests that she is content to leave the scenery unexplained._) Pardon me, this is a portion of the scenery--(_Here his eyes close and reopen with an effort_)--a portion of the scenery that can only be properly enjoyed coming out on one of these cars. If you go out with ordinary drivers, they take you along the main roads, and you come away fancying you've seen the Island. Now the advantage of coming along with _me_--(_His eyes close once more--the Excursionists implore him to attend to his team_.) You will thoroughly understand there is not the slightest cause to apprehend any danger. I've driven this car fifteen years without least accident--up to _present_. So you can devote your whole attention to the scenery, without needing to keep an eye upon the Driver. (_He points to the abyss_.) That is the _shortest_ way down--on this occasion, however, I shall endeavour _not_ to take it. (_He whips up his horses, and accomplishes the descent at a brisk pace_.) There, didn't I _tell_ you there wouldn't be no accident? Very _well_, then. P'rhaps you'll believe me another time!