AtfirsttheevolutionsofthestoutmanhadescapedMr。Weller’sobservation，butbydegrees，ashesawMr。Pickwick’seyeseverynowandthenturningtowardshim，hebegantogazeinthesamedirection，atthesametimeshadinghiseyeswithhishand，asifhepartiallyrecognisedtheobjectbeforehim，andwishedtomakequitesureofitsidentity。Hisdoubtswerespeedilydispelled，however。forthestoutmanhavingblownathickcloudfromhispipe，ahoarsevoice，likesomestrangeeffortofventriloquism，emergedfrombeneaththecapaciousshawlswhichmuffledhisthroatandchest，andslowlyutteredthesesounds——Wy，Sammy！
Who’sthat，Sam？inquiredMr。Pickwick。
Why，Iwouldn’tha’believedit，sir，repliedMr。Wellerwithastonishedeyes。It’stheold’un。
Oldone，saidMr。Pickwick。Whatoldone？
Myfather，sir，repliedMr。Weller。Howareyou，myancient？Withwhichbeautifulebullitionoffilialaffection，Mr。Wellermaderoomontheseatbesidehim，forthestoutman，whoadvancedpipeinmouthandpotinhand，togreethim。
Wy，Sammy，saidthefather，Ihan’tseenyou，fortwoyearandbetter。
Normoreyouhave，oldcodger，repliedtheson。How’smother-in-law？
Wy，I’lltellyouwhat，Sammy，saidMr。Weller，senior，withmuchsolemnityinhismanner。thereneverwasanicerwomanasawidder，thanthat’eresecondwenturo’mine——asweetcreeturshewas，Sammy。allI
cansayonhernow，is，thatshewassuchanuncommonpleasantwidder，it’sagreatpitysheeverchangedhercon-dition。Shedon’tactasavife，Sammy。
Don’tshe，though？inquiredMr。Wellerjunior。
TheelderMr。Wellershookhishead，asherepliedwithasigh，I’vedoneitoncetoooften，Sammy。I’vedoneitoncetoooften。Takeexamplebyyourfather，myboy，andbewerycarefulo’widdersallyourlife，speciallyifthey’vekeptapublic-house，Sammy。Havingdeliveredthisparentaladvicewithgreatpathos，Mr。Wellerseniorre-filledhispipefromatinboxhecarriedinhispocket，and，lightinghisfreshpipefromtheashesoftheoldone，commencedsmokingatagreatrate。
Begyourpardon，sir，hesaid，renewingthesubject，andaddressingMr。Pickwick，afteraconsiderablepause，nothin’personal，Ihope，sir。
Ihopeyouhan’tgotawidder，sir。
NotI，repliedMr。Pickwick，laughing。andwhileMr。Pickwicklaughed，SamWellerinformedhisparentinawhisper，oftherelationinwhichhestoodtowardsthatgentleman。
Begyourpardon，sir，saidMr。Weller，senior，takingoffhishat，Ihopeyou’venofaulttofindwithSammy，sir？
Nonewhatever，saidMr。Pickwick。
Werygladtohearit，sir，repliedtheoldman。Itookagooddealo’painswithhiseddication，sir。lethimruninthestreetswhenhewasweryyoung，andshiftforhis-self。It’stheonlywaytomakeaboysharp，sir。
Ratheradangerousprocess，Ishouldimagine，saidMr。Pickwick，withasmile。
Andnotawerysureone，neither，addedMr。Weller。Igotreg’larlydonetheotherday。
No！saidhisfather。
Idid，saidtheson。andheproceededtorelate，inasfewwordsaspossible，howhehadfallenareadydupetothestratagemsofJobTrotter。
Mr。Wellerseniorlistenedtothetalewiththemostprofoundattention，and，atitstermination，said：
Worn’toneo’thesechapsslimandtall，withlonghair，andthegifto’thegabwerygallopin’？
Mr。Pickwickdidnotquiteunderstandthelastitemofdescription，but，comprehendingthefirst，said，Yesataventure。
T’other’sablack-hairedchapinmulberrylivery，withawerylargehead？
Yes，yes，heis，saidMr。PickwickandSam，withgreatearnestness。
ThenIknowwheretheyare，andthat’sallaboutit，saidMr。Weller。
they’reatIpswich，safeenough，themtwo。
No！saidMr。Pickwick。
Fact，saidMr。Weller，andI’lltellyouhowIknowit。IworkanIpswichcoachnowandthenforafriendo’mine。Iworkeddownthewerydayarterthenightasyoucaughttherheumatiz，andattheBlackBoyatChelmsford——theweryplacethey’dcometo——Itook’emup，rightthroughtoIpswich，wherethemanservant——himinthemulberries——toldmetheywasagoin’toputupforalongtime。
I’llfollowhim，saidMr。Pickwick。wemayaswellseeIpswichasanyotherplace。I’llfollowhim。
You’requitecertainitwasthem，governor？inquiredMr。Weller，junior。
Quite，Sammy，quite，repliedhisfather，fortheirappearanceiswerysing’ler。besidesthat’ere，Iwonderedtoseethegen’l’m’nsoformiliarwithhisservant。and，morethanthat，astheysatinfront，rightbehindthebox，Iheerd’emlaughing，andsayinghowthey’ddoneoldFireworks。
Oldwho？saidMr。Pickwick。
OldFireworks，sir。bywhich，I’venodoubt，theymeantyou，sir。
ThereisnothingpositivelyvileoratrociousintheappellationofoldFireworks，butstillitisbynomeansarespectfulorflatteringdesignation。TherecollectionofallthewrongshehadsustainedatJingle’shandshadcrowdednoMr。Pickwick’smind，themomentMr。Wellerbegantospeak：itwantedbutafeathertoturnthescale，andoldFireworksdidit。
I’llfollowhim，saidMr。Pickwick，withanemphaticblowonthetable。
IshallworkdowntoIpswichthedayarterto-morrow，sir，saidMr。
Wellertheelder，fromtheBullinWhite-chapel。andifyoureallymeantogo，you’dbettergowithme。
Sowehad，saidMr。Pickwick。verytrue。IcanwritetoBury，andtellthemtomeetmeatIpswich。Wewillgowithyou。Butdon’thurryaway，Mr。Weller。won’tyoutakeanything？
You’rewerygood，sir，repliedMr。W。，stoppingshort。perhapsasmallglassofbrandytodrinkyourhealth，andsuccesstoSammy，sir，wouldn’tbeamiss。
Certainlynot，repliedMr。Pickwick。Aglassofbrandyhere！Thebrandywasbrought：andMr。WellerafterpullinghishairtoMr。Pickwick，andnoddingtoSam，jerkeditdownhiscapaciousthroatasifithadbeenasmallthimble-full。
Welldone，father，saidSam，takecare，oldfellow，oryou’llhaveatouchofyouroldcomplaint，thegout。
I’vefoundasov’rin’cureforthat，Sammy，saidMr。Weller，settingdowntheglass。
Asovereigncureforthegout，saidMr。Pickwick，hastilyproducinghisnote-book——whatisit？
Thegout，sir，repliedMr。Weller，thegoutisacomplaintasarisesfromtoomucheaseandcomfort。Ifeveryou’reattackedwiththegout，sir，jistyoumarryawidderashasgotagoodloudvoice，withadecentnotionofusin’it，andyou’llneverhavethegoutagin。It’sacapitalprescription，sir。Itakesitreg’lar，andIcanwarrantittodriveawayanyillnessasiscausedbytoomuchjollity。Havingimpartedthisvaluablesecret，Mr。Wellerdrainedhisglassoncemore，producedalabouredwink，sigheddeeply，andslowlyretired。
Well，whatdoyouthinkofwhatyourfathersays，Sam？inquiredMr。
Pickwickwithasmile。
Think，sir！repliedMr。Weller。why，Ithinkhe’sthewictimo’connubiality，asBlueBeard’sdomesticchaplainsaid，withatearofpity，venheburiedhim。
Therewasnoreplyingtothisveryappositeconclusion，and，therefore，Mr。Pickwick，aftersettlingthereckoning，resumedhiswalktoGray’sInn。Bythetimehereacheditssecludedgroves，however，eighto’clockhadstruck，andtheunbrokenstreamofgentlemeninmuddyhigh-lows，soiledwhitehats，andrustyapparel，whowerepouringtowardsthedifferentavenuesofegress，warnedhimthatthemajorityoftheofficeshadclosedforthatday。
Afterclimbingtwopairsofsteepanddirtystairs，hefoundhisanticipationswererealised。Mr。Perker’souterdoorwasclosed。andthedeadsilencewhichfollowedMr。Weller’srepeatedkicksthereat，announcedthattheofficialshadretiredfrombusinessforthenight。
Thisispleasant，Sam，saidMr。Pickwick。Ishouldn’tloseanhourinseeinghim。Ishallnotbeabletogetonewinkofsleepto-night，I
know，unlessIhavethesatisfactionofreflectingthatIhaveconfidedthismattertoaprofessionalman。
Here’sanold’oomancomin’up-stairs，sir，repliedMr。Weller。p’rapssheknowswherewecanfindsomebody。Hallo，oldlady，vere’sMr。Perker’speople？
Mr。Perker’speople，saidathin，miserable-lookingoldwoman，stoppingtorecoverbreathaftertheascentofthestaircase，Mr。Perker’speople’sgone，andI’magoin’todotheofficeout。
AreyouMr。Perker’sservant？inquiredMr。Pickwick。
IamMr。Perker’slaundress，repliedtheoldwoman。
Ah，saidMr。Pickwick，halfasidetoSam，it’sacuriouscircumstance，Sam，thattheycalltheoldwomenintheseinns，laundresses。Iwonderwhat’sthatfor？
’Costheyhasamortalawersiontowashinganythin’，Isuppose，sir，
repliedMr。Weller。
Ishouldn’twonder，saidMr。Pickwick，lookingattheoldwoman，whoseappearance，aswellastheconditionoftheoffice，whichshehadbythistimeopened，indicatedarootedantipathytotheapplicationofsoapandwater。doyouknowwhereIcanfindMr。Perker，mygoodwoman？
No，Idon’t，repliedtheoldwoman，gruffly。he’souto’townnow。
That’sunfortunate，saidMr。Pickwick。where’shisclerk？Doyouknow？
Yes，Iknowwhereheis，buthewon’tthankmefortellingyou，repliedthelaundress。
Ihaveveryparticularbusinesswithhim，saidMr。Pickwick。
Won’titdointhemorning？saidthewoman。
Notsowell，repliedMr。Pickwick。
Well，saidtheoldwoman，ifitwasanythingveryparticular，Iwastosaywherehewas，soIsupposethere’snoharmintelling。IfyoujustgototheMagpieandStump，andaskatthebarforMr。Lowten，they’llshowyouintohim，andhe’sMr。Perker’sclerk。
Withthisdirection，andhavingbeenfurthermoreinformedthatthehostelryinquestionwassituatedinacourt，happyinthedoubleadvantageofbeinginthevicinityofClareMarket，andcloselyapproximatingtothebackofNewInn，Mr。PickwickandSamdescendedtherickettystaircaseinsafety，andissuedforthinquestoftheMagpieandStump。
Thisfavouredtavern，sacredtotheeveningorgiesofMr。Lowtenandhiscompanions，waswhatordinarypeoplewoulddesignateapublic-house。
Thatthelandlordwasamanofamoney-makingturn，wassufficientlytestifiedbythefactofasmallbulk-headbeneaththetap-roomwindow，insizeandshapenotunlikeasedan-chair，beingunderlettoamenderofshoes：andthathewasabeingofaphilanthropicmind，wasevidentfromtheprotectionheaffordedtoapieman，whovendedhisdelicacieswithoutfearofinterruptionontheverydoor-step。Inthelowerwindows，whichweredecoratedwithcurtainsofasaffronhue，dangledtwoorthreeprintedcards，bearingreferencetoDevonshirecyderandDantzicspruce，whilealargeblackboard，announcinginwhiteletterstoanenlightenedpublicthattherewere500，000
barrelsofdoublestoutinthecellarsoftheestablishment，leftthemindinastateofnotunpleasingdoubtanduncertaintyastotheprecisedirectioninthebowelsoftheearth，inwhichthismightycavernmightbesupposedtoextend。Whenweadd，thattheweather-beatensign-boardborethehalf-obliteratedsemblanceofamagpieintentlyeyeingacrookedstreakofbrownpaint，whichtheneighbourshadbeentaughtfrominfancytoconsiderasthestump，
wehavesaidallthatneedbesaidoftheexterioroftheedifice。
OnMr。Pickwick’spresentinghimselfatthebar，anelderlyfemaleemergedfrombehindascreentherein，andpresentedherselfbeforehim。
IsMr。Lowtenhere，ma’am？inquiredMr。Pickwick。
Yesheis，sir，repliedthelandlady。Here，Charley，showthegentlemanin，toMr。Lowten。
Thegen’l’m’ncan’tgoinjustnow，saidashamblingpot-boy，witharedhead，’cosMr。Lowten’sasingin’acomicsong，andhe’llputhimout。He’llbedoned’rectly，sir。
Thered-headedpot-boyhadscarcelyfinishedspeaking，whenamostunanimoushammeringoftables，andjinglingofglasses，announcedthatthesonghadthatinstantterminated。andMr。Pickwick，afterdesiringSamtosolacehimselfinthetap，sufferedhimselftobeconductedintothepresenceofMr。Lowten。
Attheannouncementofgentlemantospeaktoyousir，apuffy-facedyoungman，whofilledthechairattheheadofthetable，lookedwithsomesurpriseinthedirectionfromwhencethevoiceproceeded：andthesurpriseseemedtobebynomeansdiminished，whenhiseyesrestedonanindividualwhomhehadneverseenbefore。
Ibegyourpardon，sir，saidMr。Pickwick，andIamverysorrytodisturbtheothergentlemen，too，butIcomeonveryparticularbusiness。
andifyouwillsuffermetodetainyouatthisendoftheroomforfiveminutes，Ishallbeverymuchobligedtoyou。
Thepuffy-facedyoungmanrose，anddrawingachairclosetoMr。Pickwickinanobscurecorneroftheroom，listenedattentivelytohistaleofwoe。
Ah，hesaid，whenMr。Pickwickhadconcluded，DodsonandFogg——sharppracticetheirs——capitalmenofbusiness，DodsonandFogg，sir。
Mr。PickwickadmittedthesharppracticeofDodsonandFogg，andLowtenresumed。
Perkerain’tintown，andhewon’tbe，neither，beforetheendofnextweek。butifyouwanttheactiondefended，andwillleavethecopywithme，Icandoallthat’sneedfultillhecomesback。
That’sexactlywhatIcameherefor，saidMr。Pickwick，handingoverthedocument。Ifanythingparticularoccurs，youcanwritetomeatthepost-office，Ipswich。
That’sallright，repliedMr。Perker’sclerk。andthenseeingMr。
Pickwick’seyewanderingcuriouslytowardsthetable，headded，Willyoujoinus，forhalf-an-hourorso？Wearecapitalcompanyhereto-night。
There’sSamkinandGreen’smanaging-clerk，andSmithersandPrice’schancery，andPimkinandThomas’souto’door——singsacapitalsong，hedoes——andJackBamber，andeversomanymore。You’recomeoutofthecountry，Isuppose。
Wouldyouliketojoinus？
Mr。Pickwickcouldnotresistsotemptinganopportunityofstudyinghumannature。Hesufferedhimselftobeledtothetable，where，afterhavingbeenintroducedtothecompanyindueform，hewasaccommodatedwithaseatnearthechairman，andcalledforaglassofhisfavouritebeverage。
Aprofoundsilence，quitecontrarytoMr。Pickwick’sexpectation，succeeded。
Youdon’tfindthissortofthingdisagreeable，Ihope，sir？saidhisrighthandneighbour，agentlemaninacheckedshirt，andMosaicstuds，withacigarinhismouth。
Notintheleast，repliedMr。Pickwick，Ilikeitverymuch，althoughIamnosmokermyself。
IshouldbeverysorrytosayIwasn’t，interposedanothergentlemanontheoppositesideofthetable。It’sboardandlodgingtome，issmoke。
Mr。Pickwickglancedatthespeaker，andthoughtthatifitwerewashingtoo，itwouldbeallthebetter。
Heretherewasanotherpause。Mr。Pickwickwasastranger，andhiscominghadevidentlycastadampupontheparty。
Mr。Grundy’sgoingtoobligethecompanywithasong，saidthechairman。
Noheain’t，saidMr。Grundy。
Whynot？saidthechairman。
Becausehecan’t，saidMr。Grundy。
Youhadbettersayhewon’t，repliedthechairman。
Well，then，hewon’t，retortedMr。Grundy。Mr。Grundy’spositiverefusaltogratifythecompanyoccasionedanothersilence。
Won’tanybodyenlivenus？saidthechairman，despondingly。
Whydon’tyouenlivenusyourself，Mr。Chairman？saidayoungmanwithawhisker，asquint，andanopenshirtcollardirty，fromthebottomofthetable。
Hear！hear！saidthesmokinggentlemanintheMosaicjewellery。
BecauseIonlyknowonesong，andIhavesungitalready，andit’safineof`glassesround’tosingthesamesongtwiceinanight，repliedthechairman。
Thiswasanunanswerablereply，andsilenceprevailedagain。
Ihavebeento-night，gentlemen，saidMr。Pickwick，hopingtostartasubjectwhichallthecompanycouldtakeapartindiscussing，Ihavebeento-nightinaplacewhichyouallknowverywell，doubtless，butwhichIhavenotbeeninbeforeforsomeyears，andknowverylittleof。ImeanGray’sInn，gentlemen。Curiouslittlenooksinagreatplace，likeLondon，theseoldInnsare。
ByJove，saidthechairman，whisperingacrossthetabletoMr。Pickwick，youhavehituponsomethingthatoneofus，atleast，wouldtalkuponforever。You’lldrawoldJackBamberout。hewasneverheardtotalkaboutanythingelsebuttheInns，andhehaslivedaloneinthemtillhe’shalfcrazy。
TheindividualtowhomLowtenalluded，wasalittleyellowhigh-shoulderedman，whosecountenance，fromhishabitofstoopingforwardwhensilent，Mr。Pickwickhadnotobservedbefore。Hewonderedthough，whentheoldmanraisedhisshrivelledface，andbenthisgreyeyeuponhim，withakeeninquiringlook，thatsuchremarkablefeaturescouldhaveescapedhisattentionforamoment。Therewasafixedgrimsmileperpetuallyonhiscountenance。heleanthischinonalongskinnyhand，withnailsofextraordinarylength。andasheinclinedhisheadtooneside，andlookedkeenlyoutfrombeneathhisraggedgreyeyebrows，therewasastrange，wildslynessinhisleer，quiterepulsivetobehold。
Thiswasthefigurethatnowstartedforward，andburstintoananimatedtorrentofwords。Asthischapterhasbeenalongone，however，andastheoldmanwasaremarkablepersonage，itwillbemorerespectfultohim，andmoreconvenienttous，tolethimspeakforhimselfinafreshone。
[NextChapter][TableofContents]ThePickwickPapers：Chapter21[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]CHAPTERXXIINWHICHTHEOLDMANLAUNCHESFORTHINTOHISFAVOURITE
THEME，ANDRELATESASTORYABOUTAQUEERCLIENT
AHA！saidtheoldman，abriefdescriptionofwhosemannerandappearanceconcludedthelastchapter，Aha！whowastalkingabouttheInns？
Iwas，sir，repliedMr。Pickwick。Iwasobservingwhatsingularoldplacestheyare。
You！saidtheoldman，contemptuously，Whatdoyouknowofthetimewhenyoungmenshutthemselvesupinthoselonelyrooms，andreadandread，hourafterhour，andnightafternight，tilltheirreasonwanderedbeneaththeirmidnightstudies。tilltheirmentalpowerswereexhausted。tillmorning’slightbroughtnofreshnessorhealthtothem。
andtheysankbeneaththeunnaturaldevotionoftheiryouthfulenergiestotheirdryoldbooks？Comingdowntoalatertime，andaverydifferentday，whatdoyouknowofthegradualsinkingbeneathconsumption，orthequickwastingoffever——thegrandresultsof`life’anddissipation——whichmenhaveundergoneinthesesamerooms？Howmanyvainpleadersformercy，doyouthinkhaveturnedawayheart-sickfromthelawyer’soffice，tofindaresting-placeintheThames，orarefugeinthegaol？Theyarenoordinaryhouses，those。Thereisnotapanelintheoldwainscotting，butwhat，ifitwereendowedwiththepowersofspeechandmemory，couldstartfromthewall，andtellitstaleofhorror——theromanceoflife，sir，theromanceoflife！Common-placeastheymayseemnow，Itellyoutheyarestrangeoldplaces，andIwouldratherhearmanyalegendwithaterrificsoundingname，thanthetruehistoryofoneoldsetofchambers。
Therewassomethingsooddintheoldman’ssuddenenergy，andthesubjectwhichhadcalleditforth，thatMr。Pickwickwaspreparedwithnoobservationinreply。andtheoldmancheckinghisimpetuosity，andresumingtheleer，whichhaddisappearedduringhispreviousexcitement，said：
Lookattheminanotherlight：theirmostcommon-placeandleastromantic。
Whatfineplacesofslowtorturetheyare！Thinkoftheneedymanwhohasspenthisall，beggaredhimself，andpinchedhisfriends，toentertheprofession，whichwillneveryieldhimamorselofbread。Thewaiting——thehope——thedisappointment——thefear——themisery——thepoverty——theblightonhishopes，andendtohiscareer——thesuicideperhaps，ortheshabby，slipshoddrunkard。AmInotrightaboutthem？Andtheoldmanrubbedhishands，andleeredasifindelightathavingfoundanotherpointofviewinwhichtoplacehisfavouritesubject。
Mr。Pickwickeyedtheoldmanwithgreatcuriosity，andtheremainderofthecompanysmiled，andlookedoninsilence。
TalkofyourGermanuniversities，saidthelittleoldman。Pooh，pooh！there’sromanceenoughathomewithoutgoinghalfamileforit。
onlypeopleneverthinkofit。
Ineverthoughtoftheromanceofthisparticularsubjectbefore，certainly，
saidMr。Pickwick，laughing。
Tobesureyoudidn’t，saidthelittleoldman，ofcoursenot。Asafriendofmineusedtosaytome，`Whatisthereischambers，inparticular？’
`Queeroldplaces，’saidI。`Notatall，’saidhe。`Lonely，’saidI。`Notabitofit，’saidhe。Hediedonemorningofapoplexy，ashewasgoingtoopenhisouterdoor。Fellwithhisheadinhisownletter-box，andtherehelayforeighteenmonths。Everybodythoughthe’dgoneoutoftown。
Andhowwashefoundatlast？inquiredMr。Pickwick。
Thebenchersdeterminedtohavehisdoorbrokenopen，ashehadn’tpaidanyrentfortwoyears。Sotheydid。Forcedthelock。andaverydustyskeletoninabluecoat，blackknee-shorts，andsilks，fellforwardinthearmsoftheporterwhoopenedthedoor。Queer，that。Rather，perhaps？
Thelittleoldmanputhisheadmoreononeside，andrubbedhishandswithunspeakableglee。
Iknowanothercase，saidthelittleoldman，whenhischuckleshadinsomedegreesubsided。ItoccurredinClifford’sInn。Tenantofatopset——badcharacter——shuthimselfupinhisbed-roomcloset，andtookadoseofarsenic。Thestewardthoughthehadrunaway。openedthedoor，andputabillup。Anothermancame，tookthechambers，furnishedthem，andwenttolivethere。Somehoworotherhecouldn’tsleep——alwaysrestlessanduncomfortable。`Odd，’sayshe。`I’llmaketheotherroommybed-chamber，andthismysitting-room。’Hemadethechange，andsleptverywellatnight，butsuddenlyfoundthat，somehow，hecouldn’treadintheevening：hegotnervousanduncomfortable，andusedtobealwayssnuffinghiscandlesandstaringabouthim。`Ican’tmakethisout，’saidhe，whenhecamehomefromtheplayonenight，andwasdrinkingaglassofcoldgrog，withhisbacktothewall，inorderthathemightn’tbeabletofancytherewasanyonebehindhim——`Ican’tmakeitout，’saidhe。andjustthenhiseyesrestedonthelittleclosetthathadbeenalwayslockedup，andashudderranthroughhiswholeframefromtoptotoe。`Ihavefeltthisstrangefeelingbefore，’saidhe，`Icannothelpthinkingthere’ssomethingwrongaboutthatcloset。’Hemadeastrongeffort，pluckeduphiscourage，shiveredthelockwithablowortwoofthepoker，openedthedoor，andthere，sureenough，standingboltuprightinthecorner，wasthelasttenant，withalittlebottleclaspedfirmlyinhishand，andhisface——well！Asthelittleoldmanconcluded，helookedroundontheattentivefacesofhiswonderingauditorywithasmileofgrimdelight。
Whatstrangethingstheseareyoutellusof，sir，saidMr。Pickwick，minutelyscanningtheoldman’scountenance，bytheaidofhisglasses。
Strange！saidthelittleoldman。Nonsense！youthinkthemstrange，becauseyouknownothingaboutit。Theyarefunny，butnotuncommon。
Funny！exclaimedMr。Pickwick，involuntarily。
Yes，funny，aretheynot？repliedthelittleoldman，withadiabolicalleer。andthen，withoutpausingforananswer，hecontinued：
Iknewanotherman——letmesee——fortyyearsagonow——whotookanold，damp，rottensetofchambers，inoneofthemostancientInns，thathadbeenshutupandemptyforyearsandyearsbefore。Therewerelotsofoldwomen’sstoriesabouttheplace，anditcertainlywasveryfarfrombeingacheerfulone。buthewaspoor，andtheroomswerecheap，andthatwouldhavebeenquiteasufficientreasonforhim，iftheyhadbeententimesworsethantheyreallywere。Hewasobligedtotakesomemoulderingfixturesthatwereontheplace，and，amongtherest，wasagreatlumberingwoodenpressforpapers，withlargeglassdoors，andagreencurtaininside。aprettyuselessthingforhim，forhehadnopaperstoputinit。andastohisclothes，hecarriedthemaboutwithhim，andthatwasn’tveryhardwork，either。Well，hehadmovedinallhisfurniture——itwasn’tquiteatruck-full——andhadsprinkleditabouttheroom，soastomakethefourchairslookasmuchlikeadozenaspossible，andwassittingdownbeforethefireatnight，drinkingthefirstglassoftwogallonsofwhiskeyhehadorderedoncredit，wonderingwhetheritwouldeverbepaidfor，andifso，inhowmanyyears’time，whenhiseyesencounteredtheglassdoorsofthewoodenpress。`Ah，’sayshe。`IfIhadn’tbeenobligedtotakethatuglyarticleattheoldbroker’svaluation，Imighthavegotsomethingcomfortableforthemoney。`I’lltellyouwhatitis，oldfellow，’hesaid，speakingaloudtothepress，havingnothingelsetospeakto：`Ifitwouldn’tcostmoretobreakupyouroldcarcase，thanitwouldeverbeworthafterwards，I’dhaveafireoutofyouinlessthannotime。’Hehadhardlyspokenthewords，whenasoundresemblingafaintgroan，appearedtoissuefromtheinteriorofthecase。Itstartledhimatfirst，butthinking，onamoment’sreflection，thatitmustbesomeyoungfellowinthenextchamber，whohadbeendiningout，heputhisfeetonthefender，andraisedthepokertostirthefire。Atthatmoment，thesoundwasrepeated：andoneoftheglassdoorsslowlyopening，disclosedapaleandemaciatedfigureinsoiledandwornapparel，standingerectinthepress。Thefigurewastallandthin，andthecountenanceexpressiveofcareandanxiety。buttherewassomethinginthehueoftheskin，andgauntandunearthlyappearanceofthewholeform，whichnobeingofthisworldwaseverseentowear。
`Whoareyou？’saidthenewtenant，turningverypale：poisingthepokerinhishand，however，andtakingaverydecentaimatthecountenanceofthefigure。`Whoareyou？’`Don’tthrowthatpokeratme，’repliedtheform。`Ifyouhurleditwitheversosureanaim，itwouldpassthroughme，withoutresistance，andexpenditsforceonthewoodbehind。Iamaspirit。’`And，pray，whatdoyouwanthere？’falteredthetenant。`Inthisroom，’repliedtheapparition，`myworldlyruinwasworked，andIandmychildrenbeggared。Inthispress，thepapersinalong，longsuit，whichaccumulatedforyears，weredeposited。Inthisroom，whenIhaddiedofgrief，andlong-deferredhope，twowilyharpiesdividedthewealthforwhichIhadcontestedduringawretchedexistence，andofwhich，atlast，notonefarthingwasleftformyunhappydescendants。Iterrifiedthemfromthespot，andsincethatdayhaveprowledbynight——theonlyperiodatwhichIcanre-visittheearth——aboutthescenesofmylong-protractedmisery。Thisapartmentismine：leaveittome。’`Ifyouinsistuponmakingyourappearancehere，’saidthetenant，whohadhadtimetocollecthispresenceofmindduringthisprosystatementoftheghost’s，`Ishallgiveuppossessionwiththegreatestpleasure。butIshouldliketoaskyouonequestion，ifyouwillallowme。’`Sayon，’saidtheapparition，sternly。
`Well，’saidthetenant，`Idon’tapplytheobservationpersonallytoyou，becauseitisequallyapplicabletomostoftheghostsIeverheardof。
butitdoesappeartomesomewhatinconsistent，thatwhenyouhaveanopportunityofvisitingthefairestspotsofearth——forIsupposespaceisnothingtoyou——youshouldalwaysreturnexactlytotheveryplaceswhereyouhavebeenmostmiserable。’`Egad，that’sverytrue。Ineverthoughtofthatbefore，’saidtheghost。`Yousee，sir，’pursuedthetenant，`thisisaveryuncomfortableroom。Fromtheappearanceofthatpress，Ishouldbedisposedtosaythatitisnotwhollyfreefrombugs。andIreallythinkyoumightfindmuchmorecomfortablequarters：tosaynothingoftheclimateofLondon，whichisextremelydisagreeable。’`Youareveryright，sir，’
saidtheghost，politely，`itneverstruckmetillnow。I’lltrychangeofairdirectly。’Infact，hebegantovanishashespoke：hislegs，indeed，hadquitedisappeared。`Andif，sir，’saidthetenant，callingafterhim，`ifyouwouldhavethegoodnesstosuggesttotheotherladiesandgentlemenwhoarenowengagedinhauntingoldemptyhouses，thattheymightbemuchmorecomfortableelsewhere，youwillconferaverygreatbenefitonsociety。’`Iwill，’repliedtheghost。`wemustbedullfellows，verydullfellows，indeed。Ican’timaginehowwecanhavebeensostupid。’
Withthesewords，thespiritdisappeared。andwhatisratherremarkable，
addedtheoldman，withashrewdlookroundthetable，henevercamebackagain。
Thatain’tbad，ifit’strue，saidthemanintheMosaicstuds，lightingafreshcigar。
If！exclaimedtheoldman，withalookofexcessivecontempt。
Isuppose，headded，turningtoLowten，he’llsaynext，thatmystoryaboutthequeerclientwehad，whenIwasinanattorney’soffice，isnottrue，either——Ishouldn’twonder。
Ishan’tventuretosayanythingatallaboutit，seeingthatIneverheardthestory，observedtheowneroftheMosaicdecorations。
Iwishyouwouldrepeatit，sir，saidMr。Pickwick。
Ahdo，saidLowten，nobodyhashearditbutme，andIhavenearlyforgottenit。
Theoldmanlookedroundthetable，andleeredmorehorriblythanever，asifintriumph，attheattentionwhichwasdepictedineveryface。Thenrubbinghischinwithhishand，andlookinguptotheceilingasiftorecallthecircumstancestohismemory，hebeganasfollows：THEOLDMAN’STALEABOUTTHEQUEERCLIENT
Itmatterslittle，saidtheoldman，where，orhow，Ipickedupthisbriefhistory。IfIweretorelateitintheorderinwhichitreachedme，Ishouldcommenceinthemiddle，andwhenIhadarrivedattheconclusion，gobackforabeginning。Itisenoughformetosaythatsomeofitscircumstancespassedbeforemyowneyes。FortheremainderIknowthemtohavehappened，andtherearesomepersonsyetliving，whowillrememberthembuttoowell。
IntheBoroughHighStreet，nearSaintGeorge’sChurch，andonthesamesideoftheway，stands，asmostpeopleknow，thesmallestofourdebtors’prisons，theMarshalsea。Althoughinlatertimesithasbeenaverydifferentplacefromthesinkoffilthanddirtitoncewas，evenitsimprovedconditionholdsoutbutlittletemptationtotheextravagant，orconsolationtotheimprovident。ThecondemnedfelonhasasgoodayardforairandexerciseinNewgate，astheinsolventdebtorintheMarshalseaPrison。1
Itmaybemyfancy，oritmaybethatIcannotseparatetheplacefromtheoldrecollectionsassociatedwithit，butthispartofLondonIcannotbear。Thestreetisbroad，theshopsarespacious，thenoiseofpassingvehicles，thefootstepsofaperpetualstreamofpeople——allthebusysoundsoftraffic，resoundinitfrommorntomidnight，butthestreetsaroundaremeanandclose。povertyanddebaucheryliefesteringinthecrowdedalleys。wantandmisfortunearepentupinthenarrowprison。anairofgloomanddrearinessseems，inmyeyesatleast，tohangaboutthescene，andtoimparttoitasqualidandsicklyhue。
Manyeyes，thathavelongsincebeenclosedinthegrave，havelookedrounduponthatscenelightlyenough，whenenteringthegateoftheoldMarshalseaPrisonforthefirsttime：fordespairseldomcomeswiththefirstsevereshockofmisfortune。Amanhasconfidenceinuntriedfriends，heremembersthemanyoffersofservicesofreelymadebyhisbooncompanionswhenhewantedthemnot。hehashope——thehopeofhappyinexperience——andhoweverhemaybendbeneaththefirstshock，itspringsupinhisbosom，andflourishesthereforabriefspace，untilitdroopsbeneaththeblightofdisappointmentandneglect。Howsoonhavethosesameeyes，deeplysunkeninthehead，glaredfromfaceswastedwithfamine，andsallowfromconfinement，indayswhenitwasnofigureofspeechtosaythatdebtorsrottedinprison，withnohopeofrelease，andnoprospectofliberty！Theatrocityinitsfullextentnolongerexists，butthereisenoughofitlefttogiverisetooccurrencesthatmaketheheartbleed。
Twentyyearsago，thatpavementwaswornwiththefootstepsofamotherandchild，who，daybyday，sosurelyasthemorningcame，presentedthemselvesattheprisongate。oftenafteranightofrestlessmiseryandanxiousthoughts，weretheythere，afullhourtoosoon，andthentheyoungmotherturningmeeklyaway，wouldleadthechildtotheoldbridge，andraisinghiminherarmstoshowhimtheglisteningwater，tintedwiththelightofthemorning’ssun，andstirringwithallthebustlingpreparationsforbusinessandpleasurethattheriverpresentedatthatearlyhour，endeavourtointeresthisthoughtsintheobjectsbeforehim。Butshewouldquicklysethimdown，andhidingherfaceinhershawl，giveventtothetearsthatblindedher。fornoexpressionofinterestoramusementlighteduphisthinandsicklyface。Hisrecollectionswerefewenough，buttheywereallofonekind：allconnectedwiththepovertyandmiseryofhisparents。
Hourafterhourhadhesatonhismother’sknee，andwithchildishsympathywatchedthetearsthatstoledownherface，andthencreptquietlyawayintosomedarkcorner，andsobbedhimselftosleep。Thehardrealitiesoftheworld，withmanyofitsworstprivations——hungerandthirst，andcoldandwant——hadallcomehometohim，fromthefirstdawningsofreason。
andthoughtheformofchildhoodwasthere，itslightheart，itsmerrylaugh，andsparklingeyes，werewanting。
Thefatherandmotherlookedonuponthis，anduponeachother，withthoughtsofagonytheydarednotbreatheinwords。Thehealthy，strong-mademan，whocouldhavebornealmostanyfatigueofactiveexertion，waswastingbeneaththecloseconfinementandunhealthyatmosphereofacrowdedprison。
Theslightanddelicatewomanwassinkingbeneaththecombinedeffectsofbodilyandmentalillness。Thechild’syoungheartwasbreaking。
Wintercame，andwithitweeksofcoldandheavyrain。Thepoorgirlhadremovedtoawretchedapartmentclosetothespotofherhusband’simprisonment。andthoughthechangehadbeenrenderednecessarybytheirincreasingpoverty，shewashappiernow，forshewasnearerhim。Fortwomonths，sheandherlittlecompanionwatchedtheopeningofthegateasusual。Onedayshefailedtocome，forthefirsttime。Anothermorningarrived，andshecamealone。Thechildwasdead。
Theylittleknow，whocoldlytalkofthepoorman’sbereavements，asahappyreleasefrompaintothedeparted，andamercifulrelieffromexpensetothesurvivor——theylittleknow，Isay，whattheagonyofthosebereavementsis。Asilentlookofaffectionandregardwhenallothereyesareturnedcoldlyaway——theconsciousnessthatwepossessthesympathyandaffectionofonebeingwhenallothershavedesertedus——isahold，astay，acomfort，inthedeepestaffliction，whichnowealthcouldpurchase，orpowerbestow。
Thechildhadsatathisparents’feetforhourstogether，withhislittlehandspatientlyfoldedineachother，andhisthinwanfaceraisedtowardsthem。Theyhadseenhimpineaway，fromdaytoday。andthoughhisbriefexistencehadbeenajoylessone，andhewasnowremovedtothatpeaceandrestwhich，childashewas，hehadneverknowninthisworld，theywerehisparents，andhislosssunkdeepintotheirsouls。
Itwasplaintothosewholookeduponthemother’salteredface，thatdeathmustsoonclosethesceneofheradversityandtrial。Herhusband’sfellow-prisonersshrunkfromobtrudingonhisgriefandmisery，andlefttohimselfalonethesmallroomhehadpreviouslyoccupiedincommonwithtwocompanions。Sheshareditwithhim：andlingeringonwithoutpain，butwithouthope，herlifeebbedslowlyaway。
Shehadfaintedoneeveninginherhusband’sarms，andhehadbornehertotheopenwindow，toreviveherwiththeair，whenthelightofthemoonfallingfulluponherface，shewedhimachangeuponherfeatures，whichmadehimstaggerbeneathherweight，likeahelplessinfant。
`Setmedown，George，’shesaidfaintly。Hedidso，andseatinghimselfbesideher，coveredhisfacewithhishands，andburstintotears。
`Itisveryhardtoleaveyou，George，’shesaid，`butitisGod’swill，andyoumustbearitformysake。Oh！howIthankHimforhavingtakenourboy！Heishappy，andinHeavennow。Whatwouldhehavedonehere，withouthismother！’
`Youshallnotdie，Mary，youshallnotdie！’saidthehusband，startingup。Hepacedhurriedlytoandfro，strikinghisheadwithhisclenchedfists。thenreseatinghimselfbesideher，andsupportingherinhisarms，addedmorecalmly，`Rouseyourself，mydeargirl。Pray，praydo。Youwillreviveyet。’
`Neveragain，George。neveragain，’saidthedyingwoman。`Letthemlaymebymypoorboynow，butpromisemethatifeveryouleavethisdreadfulplace，andshouldgrowrich，youwillhaveusremovedtosomequietcountrychurchyard，along，longwayoff——veryfarfromhere——wherewecanrestinpeace。DearGeorge，promisemeyouwill。’
`Ido，Ido，’saidtheman，throwinghimselfpassionatelyonhiskneesbeforeher。`Speaktome，Mary，anotherword。onelook——butone！’
Heceasedtospeak：forthearmthatclaspedhisneckgrewstiffandheavy。Adeepsighescapedfromthewastedformbeforehim。thelipsmoved，andasmileplayedupontheface。butthelipswerepallid，andthesmilefadedintoarigidandghastlystare。Hewasaloneintheworld。
Thatnight，inthesilenceanddesolationofhismiserableroom，thewretchedmankneltdownbythedeadbodyofhiswife，andcalledonGodtowitnessaterribleoath，thatfromthathour，hedevotedhimselftorevengeherdeathandthatofhischild。thatthenceforthtothelastmomentofhislife，hiswholeenergiesshouldbedirectedtothisoneobject。
thathisrevengeshouldbeprotractedandterrible。thathishatredshouldbeundyingandinextinguishable。andshouldhuntitsobjectthroughtheworld。
Thedeepestdespair，andpassionscarcelyhuman，hadmadesuchfierceravagesonhisfaceandform，inthatonenight，thathiscompanionsinmisfortuneshrunkaffrightedfromhimashepassedby。Hiseyeswerebloodshotandheavy，hisfaceadeadlywhite，andhisbodybentasifwithage。hehadbittenhisunderlipnearlythroughintheviolenceofhismentalsuffering，andthebloodwhichhadflowedfromthewoundhadtrickleddownhischin，andstainedhisshirtandneckerchief。Notear，orsoundofcomplaintescapedhim：buttheunsettledlook，anddisorderedhastewithwhichhepacedupanddowntheyard，denotedthefeverwhichwasburningwithin。
Itwasnecessarythathiswife’sbodyshouldberemovedfromtheprison，withoutdelay。Hereceivedthecommunicationwithperfectcalmness，andacquiescedinitspropriety。Nearlyalltheinmatesoftheprisonhadassembledtowitnessitsremoval。theyfellbackoneithersidewhenthewidowerappeared。hewalkedhurriedlyforward，andstationedhimself，alone，inalittlerailedareaclosetothelodgegate，fromwhencethecrowd，withaninstinctivefeelingofdelicacy，hadretired。Therudecoffinwasborneslowlyforwardonmen’sshoulders。Adeadsilencepervadedthethrong，brokenonlybytheaudiblelamentationsofthewomen，andtheshufflingstepsofthebearersonthestonepavement。Theyreachedthespotwherethebereavedhusbandstood：andstopped。Helaidhishanduponthecoffin，andmechanicallyadjustingthepallwithwhichitwascovered，motionedthemonward。Theturnkeysintheprisonlobbytookofftheirhatsasitpassedthrough，andinanothermomenttheheavygateclosedbehindit。
Helookedvacantlyuponthecrowd，andfellheavilytotheground。
Althoughformanyweeksafterthis，hewaswatched，nightandday，inthewildestravingsoffever，neithertheconsciousnessofhisloss，northerecollectionofthevowhehadmade，everlefthimforamoment。
Sceneschangedbeforehiseyes，placesucceededplace，andeventfollowedevent，inallthehurryofdelirium。buttheywereallconnectedinsomewaywiththegreatobjectofhismind。Hewassailingoveraboundlessexpanseofsea，withablood-redskyabove，andtheangrywaters，lashedintofurybeneath，boilingandeddyingup，oneveryside。Therewasanothervesselbeforethem，toilingandlabouringinthehowlingstorm：hercanvasflutteringinribbonsfromthemast，andherdeckthrongedwithfigureswhowerelashedtothesides，overwhichhugewaveseveryinstantburst，sweepingawaysomedevotedcreaturesintothefoamingsea。Onwardtheybore，amidsttheroaringmassofwater，withaspeedandforcewhichnothingcouldresist。andstrikingthesternoftheforemostvessel，crushedher，beneaththeirkeel。Fromthehugewhirlpoolwhichthesinkingwreckoccasioned，aroseashrieksoloudandshrill——thedeath-cryofahundreddrowningcreatures，blendedintoonefierceyell——thatitrungfarabovethewar-cryoftheelements，andechoed，andre-echoedtillitseemedtopierceair，sky，andocean。Butwhatwasthat——thatoldgreyheadthatroseabovethewater’ssurface，andwithlooksofagony，andscreamsforaid，buffetedwiththewaves！Onelook，andhehadsprungfromthevessel’sside，andwithvigorousstrokeswasswimmingtowardsit。Hereachedit。hewascloseuponit。Theywerehisfeatures。Theoldmansawhimcoming，andvainlystrovetoeludehisgrasp。Butheclaspedhimtight，anddraggedhimbeneaththewater。Down，downwithhim，fiftyfathomsdown。hisstrugglesgrewfainterandfainter，untiltheywhollyceased。Hewasdead。hehadkilledhim，andhadkepthisoath。
Hewastraversingthescorchingsandsofamightydesert，barefootandalone。Thesandchokedandblindedhim。itsfinethingrainsenteredtheveryporesofhisskin，andirritatedhimalmosttomadness。Giganticmassesofthesamematerial，carriedforwardbythewind，andshonethrough，bytheburningsun，stalkedinthedistancelikepillarsoflivingfire。
Thebonesofmen，whohadperishedinthedrearywaste，layscatteredathisfeet。afearfullightfelloneverythingaround。sofarastheeyecouldreach，nothingbutobjectsofdreadandhorrorpresentedthemselves。
Vainlystrivingtoutteracryofterror，withhistonguecleavingtohismouth，herushedmadlyforward。Armedwithsupernaturalstrength，hewadedthroughthesand，untilexhaustedwithfatigueandthirst，hefellsenselessontheearth。Whatfragrantcoolnessrevivedhim。whatgushingsoundwasthat？Water！Itwasindeedawell。andtheclearfreshstreamwasrunningathisfeet。Hedrankdeeplyofit，andthrowinghisachinglimbsuponthebank，sunkintoadelicioustrance。Thesoundofapproachingfootstepsrousedhim。Anoldgrey-headedmantotteredforwardtoslakehisburningthirst。Itwasheagain！Hewoundhisarmsroundtheoldman’sbody，andheldhimback。Hestruggled，andshriekedforwater，forbutonedropofwatertosavehislife！Butheheldtheoldmanfirmly，andwatchedhisagonieswithgreedyeyes。andwhenhislifelessheadfellforwardonhisbosom，herolledthecorpsefromhimwithhisfeet。
Whenthefeverlefthim，andconsciousnessreturned，heawoketofindhimselfrichandfree：tohearthattheparentwhowouldhavelethimdieingaol——would！whohadletthosewhowerefardearertohimthanhisownexistencedieofwantandsicknessofheartthatmedicinecannotcure——hadbeenfounddeadonhisbedofdown。Hehad$$Word$$allthehearttoleavehissonabeggar，butproudevenofhishealthandstrength，hadputofftheacttillitwastoolate，andnowmightgnashhisteethintheotherworld，atthethoughtofthewealthhisremissnesshadlefthim。Heawoketothis。andheawoketomore。Torecollectthepurposeforwhichhelived，andtorememberthathisenemywashiswife’sownfather——themanwhohadcasthimintoprison，andwho，whenhisdaughterandherchildsuedathisfeetformercy，hadspurnedthemfromhisdoor。Oh，howhecursedtheweaknessthatpreventedhimfrombeingup，andactive，inhisschemeofvengeance！
Hecausedhimselftobecarriedfromthesceneofhislossandmisery，andconveyedtoaquietresidenceonthesea-coast。notinthehopeofrecoveringhispeaceofmindorhappiness，forbothwerefledforever。
buttorestorehisprostrateenergies，andmeditateonhisdarlingobject。
Andhere，someevilspiritcastinhiswaytheopportunityforhisfirst，mosthorriblerevenge。
Itwassummertime。andwrappedinhisgloomythoughts，hewouldissuefromhissolitarylodgingsearlyintheevening，andwanderingalonganarrowpathbeneaththecliffs，toawildandlonelyspotthathadstruckhisfancyinhisramblings，seathimselfonsomefallenfragmentoftherock，andburyinghisfaceinhishands，remainthereforhours——sometimesuntilnighthadcompletelyclosedin，andthelongshadowsofthefrowningcliffsabovehisheadcastathickblackdarknessoneveryobjectnearhim。
Hewasseatedhere，onecalmevening，inhisoldposition，nowandthenraisinghisheadtowatchtheflightofaseagull，orcarryhiseyealongthegloriouscrimsonpath，which，commencing，inthemiddleoftheocean，seemedtoleadtoitsveryvergewherethesunwassetting，whentheprofoundstillnessofthespotwasbrokenbyaloudcryforhelp。helistened，doubtfulofhishavingheardaright，whenthecrywasrepeatedwithevengreatervehemencethanbefore，andstartingtohisfeet，hehastenedinthedirectionwhenceitproceeded。
Thetaletolditselfatonce：somescatteredgarmentslayonthebeach：
ahumanheadwasjustvisibleabovethewavesatalittledistancefromtheshore。andanoldman，wringinghishandsinagony，wasrunningtoandfro，shriekingforassistance。Theinvalid，whosestrengthwasnowsufficientlyrestored，threwoffhiscoat，andrushedtowardsthesea，withtheintentionofplungingin，anddraggingthedrowningmanashore。
`Hastenhere，sir，inGod’sname。help，help，sir，fortheloveofHeaven。Heismyson，sir，myonlyson！’saidtheoldman，frantically，asheadvancedtomeethim。`Myonlyson，sir，andheisdyingbeforehisfather’seyes！
Atthefirstwordtheoldmanuttered，thestrangercheckedhimselfinhiscareer，and，foldinghisarms，stoodperfectlymotionless。
`GreatGod！’exclaimedtheoldman，recoiling。`Heyling！’
Thestrangersmiled，andwassilent。
`Heyling！’saidtheoldman，wildly：`Myboy，Heyling，mydearboy，look，look！’gaspingforbreath，themiserablefatherpointedtothespotwheretheyoungmanwasstrugglingforlife。
`Hark！’saidtheoldman。`Hecriesoncemore。Heisaliveyet。Heyling，savehim，savehim！’
Thestrangersmiledagain，andremainedimmovableasastatue。
`Ihavewrongedyou，’shriekedtheoldman，fallingonhisknees，andclaspinghishandstogether。`Berevenged。takemyall，mylife。castmeintothewateratyourfeet，and，ifhumannaturecanrepressastruggle，Iwilldie，withoutstirringhandorfoot。Doit，Heyling，doit，butsavemyboy，heissoyoung，Heyling，soyoungtodie！’
`Listen，’saidthestranger，graspingtheoldmanfiercelybythewrist：
`Iwillhavelifeforlife，andhereisONE。Mychilddied，beforehisfather’seyes，afarmoreagonisingandpainfuldeaththanthatyoungslandererofhissister’sworthismeetingwhileIspeak。Youlaughed——laughedinyourdaughter’sface，wheredeathhadalreadysethishand——atoursufferings，then。Whatthinkyouofthemnow？
Seethere，seethere！’
Asthestrangerspoke，hepointedtothesea。Afaintcrydiedawayuponitssurface：thelastpowerfulstruggleofthedyingmanagitatedtheripplingwavesforafewseconds：andthespotwherehehadgonedownintohisearlygrave，wasundistinguishablefromthesurroundingwater。
Threeyearshadelapsed，whenagentlemanalightedfromaprivatecarriageatthedoorofaLondonattorney，thenwellknownasamanofnogreatnicetyinhisprofessionaldealings：andrequestedaprivateinterviewonbusinessofimportance。Althoughevidentlynotpasttheprimeoflife，hisfacewaspale，haggard，anddejected。anditdidnotrequiretheacuteperceptionofthemanofbusiness，todiscernataglance，thatdiseaseorsufferinghaddonemoretoworkachangeinhisappearance，thanthemerehandoftimecouldhaveaccomplishedintwicetheperiodofhiswholelife。
`Iwishyoutoundertakesomelegalbusinessforme，’saidthestranger。
Theattorneybowedobsequiously，andglancedatalargepacketwhichthegentlemancarriedinhishand。Hisvisitorobservedthelook，andproceeded。
`Itisnocommonbusiness，’saidhe。`norhavethesepapersreachedmyhandswithoutlongtroubleandgreatexpense。’
Theattorneycastastillmoreanxiouslookatthepacket：andhisvisitor，untyingthestringthatboundit，disclosedaquantityofpromissorynotes，withcopiesofdeeds，andotherdocuments。
`Uponthesepapers，’saidtheclient，`themanwhosenametheybear，hasraised，asyouwillsee，largesumsofmoney，forsomeyearspast。
Therewasatacitunderstandingbetweenhimandthemenintowhosehandstheyoriginallywent——andfromwhomIhavebydegreespurchasedthewhole，fortrebleandquadrupletheirnominalvalue——thattheseloansshouldbefromtimetotimerenewed，untilagivenperiodhadelapsed。Suchanunderstandingisnowhereexpressed。Hehassustainedmanylossesoflate。andtheseobligationsaccumulatinguponhimatonce，wouldcrushhimtotheearth。’
`Thewholeamountismanythousandsofpounds，’saidtheattorney，lookingoverthepapers。
`Itis，’saidtheclient。
`Whatarewetodo？’inquiredthemanofbusiness。
`Do！’repliedtheclient，withsuddenvehemence。`Puteveryengineofthelawinforce，everytrickthatingenuitycandeviseandrascalityexecute。fairmeansandfoul。theopenoppressionofthelaw，aidedbyallthecraftofitsmostingeniouspractitioners。Iwouldhavehimdieaharassingandlingeringdeath。Ruinhim，seizeandsellhislandsandgoods，drivehimfromhouseandhome，anddraghimforthabeggarinhisoldage，todieinacommongaol。’
`Butthecosts，mydearsir，thecostsofallthis，’reasonedtheattorney，whenhehadrecoveredfromhismomentarysurprise。`Ifthedefendantbeamanofstraw，whoistopaythecosts，sir？’
`Nameanysum，’saidthestranger，hishandtremblingsoviolentlywithexcitement，thathecouldscarcelyholdthepenheseizedashespoke。
`Anysum，anditisyours。Don’tbeafraidtonameit，man。Ishallnotthinkitdear，ifyougainmyobject。
Theattorneynamedalargesum，athazard，astheadvanceheshouldrequiretosecurehimselfagainstthepossibilityofloss。butmorewiththeviewofascertaininghowfarhisclientwasreallydisposedtogo，thanwithanyideathathewouldcomplywiththedemand。Thestrangerwroteachequeuponhisbanker，forthewholeamount，andlefthim。
Thedraftwasdulyhonoured，andtheattorney，findingthathisstrangeclientmightbesafelyreliedupon，commencedhisworkinearnest。Formorethantwoyearsafterwards，Mr。Heylingwouldsitwholedaystogether，intheoffice，poringoverthepapersastheyaccumulated，andreadingagainandagain，hiseyesgleamingwithjoy，thelettersofremonstrance，theprayersforalittledelay，therepresentationsofthecertainruininwhichtheoppositepartymustbeinvolved，whichpouredin，assuitaftersuit，andprocessafterprocess，wascommenced。Toallapplicationsforabriefindulgence，therewasbutonereply——themoneymustbepaid。
Land，house，furniture，eachinitsturn，wastakenundersomeoneofthenumerousexecutionswhichwereissued。andtheoldmanhimselfwouldhavebeenimmuredinprisonhadhenotescapedthevigilanceoftheofficers，andfled。
TheimplacableanimosityofHeyling，sofarfrombeingsatiatedbythesuccessofhispersecution，increasedahundredfoldwiththeruinheinflicted。Onbeinginformedoftheoldman’sflight，hisfurywasunbounded。
Hegnashedhisteethwithrage，torethehairfromhishead，andassailedwithhorridimprecationsthemenwhohadbeenentrustedwiththewrit。
Hewasonlyrestoredtocomparativecalmnessbyrepeatedassurancesofthecertaintyofdiscoveringthefugitive。Agentsweresentinquestofhim，inalldirections。everystratagemthatcouldbeinventedwasresortedto，forthepurposeofdiscoveringhisplaceofretreat。butitwasallinvain。Halfayearhadpassedover，andhewasstillundiscovered。
Atlength，lateonenight，Heyling，ofwhomnothinghadbeenseenformanyweeksbefore，appearedathisattorney’sprivateresidence，andsentupwordthatagentlemanwishedtoseehiminstantly。Beforetheattorney，whohadrecognisedhisvoicefromabovestairs，couldordertheservanttoadmithim，hehadrushedupthestaircase，andenteredthedrawing-roompaleandbreathless。Havingclosedthedoor，topreventbeingoverheard，hesunkintoachair，andsaid，inalowvoice：
`Hush！Ihavefoundhimatlast。’
`No！’saidtheattorney。`Welldone，mydearsir。welldone。’
`HeliesconcealedinawretchedlodginginCamdenTown，’saidHeyling。
`Perhapsitisaswell，wedidlosesightofhim，forhehasbeenlivingalonethere，inthemostabjectmisery，allthetime，andheispoor——verypoor。’
`Verygood，’saidtheattorney。Youwillhavethecaptionmadeto-morrow，ofcourse？’
`Yes，’repliedHeyling。`Stay！No！Thenextday。Youaresurprisedatmywishingtopostponeit，’headded，withaghastlysmile。`butIhadforgotten。Thenextdayisananniversaryinhislife：letitbedonethen。’
`Verygood，’saidtheattorney。`Willyouwritedowninstructionsfortheofficer？’
`No。lethimmeetmehere，ateightintheevening，andIwillaccompanyhim，myself。’
Theymetontheappointednight，and，hiringahackneycoach，directedthedrivertostopatthatcorneroftheoldPancrasRoad，atwhichstandstheparishworkhouse。Bythetimetheyalightedthere，itwasquitedark。
and，proceedingbythedeadwallinfrontoftheVeterinaryHospital，theyenteredasmallby-street，whichis，orwasatthattime，calledLittleCollegeStreet，andwhich，whateveritmaybenow，wasinthosedaysadesolateplaceenough，surroundedbylittleelsethanfieldsandditches。
Havingdrawnthetravellingcaphehadonhalfoverhisface，andmuffledhimselfinhiscloak，Heylingstoppedbeforethemeanest-lookinghouseinthestreet，andknockedgentlyatthedoor。Itwasatonceopenedbyawoman，whodroppedacurtesyofrecognition，andHeyling，whisperingtheofficertoremainbelow，creptgentlyup-stairs，and，openingthedoorofthefrontroom，enteredatonce。
Theobjectofhissearchandhisunrelentinganimosity，nowadecrepitoldman，wasseatedatabaredealtable，onwhichstoodamiserablecandle。
Hestartedontheentranceofthestranger，androsefeeblytohisfeet。
`Whatnow，whatnow？’saidtheoldman。`Whatfreshmiseryisthis？
Whatdoyouwanthere？’
`Awordwithyou，’repliedHeyling。Ashespoke，heseatedhimselfattheotherendofthetable，and，throwingoffhiscloakandcap，disclosedhisfeatures。
Theoldmanseemedinstantlydeprivedofthepowerofspeech。Hefellbackwardinhischair，and，claspinghishandstogether，gazedontheapparitionwithamingledlookofabhorrenceandfear。
`Thisdaysixyears，’saidHeyling，`Iclaimedthelifeyouowedmeformychild’s。Besidethelifelessformofyourdaughter，oldman，Isworetolivealifeofrevenge。Ihaveneverswervedfrommypurposeforamoment’sspace。butifIhad，onethoughtofheruncomplaining，sufferinglook，asshedroopedaway，orofthestarvingfaceofourinnocentchild，wouldhavenervedmetomytask。Myfirstactofrequitalyouwellremember：
thisismylast。’
Theoldmanshivered，andhishandsdroppedpowerlessbyhisside。
`IleaveEnglandto-morrow，’saidHeyling，afteramoment’spause。
`To-nightIconsignyoutothelivingdeathtowhichyoudevotedher——ahopelessprison——’
Heraisedhiseyestotheoldman’scountenance，andpaused。Heliftedthelighttohisface，setitgentlydown，andlefttheapartment。
`Youhadbetterseetotheoldman，’hesaidtothewomanasheopenedthedoor，andmotionedtheofficertofollowhimintothestreet。`Ithinkheisill。’Thewomanclosedthedoor，ranhastilyup-stairs，andfoundhimlifeless。
Beneathaplaingrave-stone，inoneofthemostpeacefulandsecludedchurchyardsinKent，wherewildflowersminglewiththegrass，andthesoftlandscapearoundformsthefairestspotinthegardenofEngland，liethebonesoftheyoungmotherandhergentlechild。Buttheashesofthefatherdonotminglewiththeirs。nor，fromthatnightforward，didtheattorneyevergaintheremotestcluetothesubsequenthistoryofhisqueerclient。
Astheoldmanconcludedhistale，headvancedtoapeginonecorner，andtakingdownhishatandcoat，putthemonwithgreatdeliberation。
and，withoutsayinganotherword，walkedslowlyaway。AsthegentlemanwiththeMosaicstudshadfallenasleep，andthemajorpartofthecompanyweredeeplyoccupiedinthehumorousprocessofdroppingmeltedtallow-greaseintohisbrandyandwater，Mr。Pickwickdepartedunnoticed，andhavingsettledhisownscore，andthatofMr。Weller，issuedforth，incompanywiththatgentleman，frombeneaththeportaloftheMagpieandStump。1Better。Butthisispast，inabetterage，andtheprisonexistsnolonger。
[NextChapter][TableofContents]ThePickwickPapers：Chapter22[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]CHAPTERXXIIMR。PICKWICKJOURNEYSTOIPSWICH，ANDMEETSWITH
AROMANTICADVENTUREWITHAMIDDLE-AGEDLADYINYELLOWCURLPAPERS。
THAT’ereyourgovernor’sluggage，Sammy？inquiredMr。Wellerofhisaffectionateson，asheenteredtheyardoftheBullinn，Whitechapel，withatravellingbagandasmallportmanteau。
Youmightha’madeaworserguessthanthat，oldfeller，repliedMr。
Wellertheyounger，settingdownhisburdenintheyard，andsittinghimselfdownuponitafterwards。TheGovernorhisself’llbedownherepresently。
He’sacabbin’it，Isuppose？saidthefather。
Yes，he’sahavin’twomileo’dangerateight-pence，respondedtheson。How’smother-in-lawthismornin’？
Queer，Sammy，queer，repliedtheelderMr。Weller，withimpressivegravity。She’sbeengettin’raytherintheMethodisticalorderlately，Sammy。andsheisuncommonpious，tobesure。She’stoogoodacreeturforme，Sammy。IfeelIdon’tdeserveher。
Ah，saidMr。Samuel，that’sweryself-denyin’o’you。
Wery，repliedhisparent，withasigh。She’sgotholdo’someinwentionforgrown-uppeoplebeingbornagain，Sammy。thenewbirth，Ithinkstheycallsit。Ishouldwerymuchliketoseethatsysteminhaction，Sammy。
Ishouldwerymuchliketoseeyourmother-in-lawbornagain。Wouldn’tIputherouttonurse！
Whatdoyouthinkthemwomendoest’otherday，continuedMr。Weller，afterashortpause，duringwhichhehadsignificantlystruckthesideofhisnosewithhisfore-fingersomehalf-dozentimes。Whatdoyouthinktheydoes，t’otherday，Sammy？
Don’tknow，repliedSammy，what？
Goesandgetsupagrandteadrinkin’forafellertheycallstheirshepherd，saidMr。Weller。Iwasastandingstarin’inatthepicturshopdownatourplace，whenIseesalittlebillaboutit。`ticketshalf-a-crown。
Allapplicationstobemadetothecommittee。Secretary，Mrs。Weller。’
andwhenIgothometherewasthecommitteeasittin’inourbackparlour。
Fourteenwomen。Iwishyoucouldha’heard’em，Sammy。Theretheywas，apassin’resolutions，andwotin’supplies，andallsortso’games。Well，whatwithyourmother-in-lawaworryingmetogo，andwhatwithmylookingfor’ardtoseein’somequeerstartsifIdid，Iputmynamedownforaticket。atsixo’clockontheFridayevenin’Idressesmyselfoutwerysmart，andoffIgoeswiththeold’ooman，andupwewalksintoafustfloorwheretherewasteathingsforthirty，andawholeloto’womenasbeginswhisperin’atoneanother，andlookin’atme，asifthey’dneverseenaraytherstoutgen’l’m’nofeight-and-fiftyafore。Bye-and-bye，therecomesagreatbustledown-stairs，andalankychapwitharednoseandawhiteneckclothrushesup，andsingsout，`Here’stheshepherdacomingtowisithisfaithfulflock’。andincomesafatchapinblack，vithagreatwhiteface，asmilin’avaylikeclockwork。Suchgoin’son，Sammy！
`Thekissofpeace，’saystheshepherd。andthenhekissedthewomenallround，andvenhe’ddone，themanviththerednosebegan。Iwasjustathinkin’whetherIhadn’tbetterbegintoo——’speciallyastherewasaweryniceladyasittin’nextme——venincomesthetea，andyourmother-in-law，ashadbeenmakin’thekettlebiledown-stairs。Atittheywent，toothandnail。Suchapreciousloudhymn，Sammy，whiletheteawasabrewing。
suchagrace，sucheatin’anddrinkin’！Iwishyoucouldha’seentheshepherdwalkin’intothehamandmuffins。Ineverseesuchachaptoeatanddrink。
never。Thered-nosedmanwarn’tbynomeansthesortofpersonyou’dliketogrubbycontract，buthewasnothin’totheshepherd。Well。artertheteawasover，theysanganotherhymn，andthentheshepherdbegantopreach：
andwerywellhedidit，considerin’howheavythemmuffinsmusthaveliedonhischest。Presentlyhepullsup，allofasudden，andhollersout`Whereisthesinner。whereisthemis’rablesinner？’Uponwhich，allthewomenlookedatme，andbegantogroanasiftheywasadying。Ithoughtitwasrathersing’ler，buthows’ever，Isaysnothing。Presentlyhepullsupagain，andlookin’weryhardatme，says，`Whereisthesinner。whereisthemis’rablesinner？’andallthewomengroansagain，tentimeslouderthanafore。I
gotratherwildatthis，soItakesasteportwofor’ardandsays，`Myfriend，’saysI，`didyouapplythat’ereobserwationtome？’’Steadofbeggingmypardonasanygen’l’m’nwouldha’done，hegotmoreabusivethanever：calledmeawessel，Sammy——awesselofwrath——andallsortso’names。Somybloodbeingreg’larlyup，Ifirstgivehimtwoorthreeforhimself，andthentwoorthreemoretohandovertothemanwiththerednose，andwalkedoff。Iwishyoucouldha’heardhowthewomenscreamed，Sammy，ventheypickeduptheshepherdfromunderthetable——Hallo！here’sthegovernor，thesizeoflife。
AsMr。Wellerspoke，Mr。Pickwickdismountedfromacab，andenteredtheyard。
Finemornin’，sir，saidMr。Wellersenior。
Beautifulindeed，repliedMr。Pickwick。
Beautifulindeed，echoedared-hairedmanwithaninquisitivenoseandspectacles，whohadunpackedhimselffromacabatthesamemomentasMr。Pickwick。GoingtoIpswich，sir？
Iam，repliedMr。Pickwick。
Extraordinarycoincidence。SoamI。
Mr。Pickwickbowed。
Goingoutside？saidthered-hairedman。
Mr。Pickwickbowedagain。
Blessmysoul，howremarkable——Iamgoingoutside，too，saidthered-hairedman：wearepositivelygoingtogether。Andthered-hairedman，whowasanimportant-looking，sharp-nosed，mysterious-spokenpersonage，withabird-likehabitofgivinghisheadajerkeverytimehesaidanything，smiledasifhehadmadeoneofthestrangestdiscoveriesthateverfelltothelotofhumanwisdom。
Iamhappyintheprospectofyourcompany，sir，saidMr。Pickwick。
Ah，saidthenew-comer，it’sagoodthingforbothofus，isn’tit？
Company，yousee——companyis——is——it’saverydifferentthingfromsolitude——ain’tit？
There’snodenyingthat’ere，saidMr。Weller，joiningintheconversation，withanaffablesmile。That’swhatIcallaself-evidentproposition，asthedog’s-meatmansaid，whenthehousemaidtoldhimhewarn’tagentleman。
Ah，saidthered-hairedman，surveyingMr。Wellerfromheadtofootwithasuperciliouslook。Friendofyours，sir？
Notexactlyafriend，repliedMr。Pickwickinalowtone。Thefactis，heismyservant，butIallowhimtotakeagoodmanyliberties。for，betweenourselves，Iflattermyselfheisanoriginal，andIamratherproudofhim。