The lane ran straight up hill, rising higher and higher, with God knows what breakneck descent the other side. The horse slowed to a walk — the bean-fed horse, as it proved by a thunderous, long, long fart.

‘I beg your pardon,’ said the midshipman in the silence.

‘Oh, that’s all right,’ said Diana coldly. ‘I thought it was the horse.’ A sideways glance showed that this had settled Babbington’s has for the moment.

Post Captain – Patrick O’Brian