I AWOKE at the first break of day, and, leaving the postillion fast asleep, stepped out of the tent. The dingle was dank and dripping. I lighted a fire of coals, and got my forge in readiness. I then ascended to the field, where the chaise was standing as we had left it on the previous evening. After looking at the cloud-stone near it, now cold, and split into three pieces, I set about prying narrowly into the condition of the wheel and axletree-the latter had sustained no damage of any consequence, and the wheel, as far as I was able to judge, was sound, being only slightly injured in the box. The only thing requisite to set the chaise in a travelling condition appeared to be a linch-pin, which I determined to make. Going to the companion wheel, I took out the linch-pin, which I carried down with me to the dingle, to serve as a model.

George Henry Borrow was a 19th century writer who wrote novels and travelogues based on his travels around Europe. Through his travels Borrow developed a close relationship with the Romani people, which play a prominent role in his books The Bible in Spain and Lavengro. The Romany Rye is at least partly autobiographical. It is in a way a sequel to Lavengro. The story itself follows the journey of a learned young man thrown in with Gypsies. It is a philosophical adventure story.

George Henry Borrow (5 July 1803–26 July 1881) was an English author who wrote novels and travelogues based on his experiences traveling around Europe. Over the course of his wanderings, he developed a close affinity with the Romani people of Europe, who figure prominently in his work. His best known books are The Bible in Spain, the autobiographical Lavengro, and The Romany Rye, about his time with the English Romanichal (gypsies).