The wheels skim over the hardand frosty ground; and the horses, bursting into a canter at asmart crack of the whip, step along the road as if the load behindthem--coach, passengers, cod-fish, oyster-barrels, and all--were but afeather at their heels.
Another crack of the whip, and on they speed, at a smart gallop,the horses tossing their heads and rattling the harness, as if inexhilaration at the rapidity of the motion; while the coachman, holdingwhip and reins in one hand, takes off his hat with the other, andresting it on his knees, pulls out his handkerchief, and wipes hisforehead, partly because he has a habit of doing it, and partly becauseit's as well to show the passengers how cool he is, and what an easything it is to drive four-in-hand, when you have had as much practice ashe has.
( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) The sport was at its height, the sliding was at the quickest, thelaughter was at the loudest, when a sharp smart crack was heard.
If I find it necessary tocarry you away, pick-a-back, o' course I shall leave it the least bito' time possible afore you; but allow me to express a hope as youwon't reduce me to extremities; in saying wich, I merely quote wot thenobleman said to the fractious pennywinkle, ven he vouldn't come outof his shell by means of a pin, and he conseqvently began to be afeeredthat he should be obliged to crack him in the parlour door.
With the very crack of sound Maurice Mairseemed to spin like a teetotum and pitch upon his face like a ninepin.