Finding myself suffering from a headache, I made signs for the conducteur to halt so I might get out of the coach, with the intention of walking for a time.
He only replied, with much coolness, “Tout a l’heure.”
Despite my repeated requests he was indisposed to accommodate me until I made clear my intention of jumping out. He now thought well to stop his horses and offer his assistance, which I refused.
Instead I succeeded in finding the back part of the coach, where I secured my hold by means of a piece of cord, which when travelling I make a rule to carry always in my pocket, and which in the present instance served me as a leading string.
I then followed in this way on foot for several miles, to the no small amusement of the villagers, who laughed heartily and even shouted after me. I had, however, the satisfaction of getting rid of my headache, and succeeded in completely tiring myself.
extract from The Narrative of a Journey through France, &c. (London, 1822) by James Holman FRS, p.32, edited and read by Joe Rizzo Naudi.