The carriage jolted violently, tilting to one side, with the axle and beam breaking with a cracking sound.
Disraeli was nearly thrown out of his seat, flailing his arms wildly like a herring being thrown from water trying to maintain his balance.
He fell onto the floor, one side of his coat hanging loose, rubbing his backside while trying to stand up.
"Damn it!"
Arthur was in as much of a predicament as Disraeli; during the collision, the silver-plated cane lay beside him. If he hadn't reacted quickly, he might have been skewered by the cane wedged in the seat gap.
Just as Arthur was gathering his wits, he was alarmed by Disraeli's lament.
"My carriage! My new carriage!"
Disraeli abruptly pushed open the door and leapt out.
