Really，sir，saidMr。Winkle，hesitatingwhethertogivehishandornot，andalmostfearingthatitwasdemandedinorderthathemightbetakenatanadvantage，really，sir，I——
Iknowwhatyoumean，interposedDowler。Youfeelaggrieved。Verynatural。SoshouldI。Iwaswrong。Ibegyourpardon。Befriendly。Forgiveme。Withthis，DowlerfairlyforcedhishanduponMr。Winkle，andshakingitwiththeutmostvehemence，declaredhewasafellowofextremespirit，andhehadahigheropinionofhimthanever。
Now，saidDowler，sitdown。Relateitall。Howdidyoufindme？Whendidyoufollow？Befrank。Tellme。
It’squiteaccidental，repliedMr。Winkle，greatlyperplexedbythecuriousandunexpectednatureoftheinterview。Quite。
Gladofit，saidDowler。Iwokethismorning。Ihadforgottenmythreat。Ilaughedattheaccident。Ifeltfriendly。Isaidso。
Towhom？inquiredMr。Winkle。
ToMrs。Dowler。`Youmadeavow，’saidshe。`Idid，’saidI。`Itwasarashone，’saidshe。`Itwas，’saidI。`I’llapologise。Whereishe？’
Who？inquiredMr。Winkle。
You，repliedDowler。Iwentdown-stairs。Youwerenottobefound。
Pickwicklookedgloomy。Shookhishead。Hopednoviolencewouldbecommitted。
Isawitall。Youfeltyourselfinsulted。Youhadgone，forafriendperhaps。
Possiblyforpistols。`Highspirit，’saidI。`Iadmirehim。’
Mr。Winklecoughed，andbeginningtoseehowthelandlay，assumedalookofimportance。
Ileftanoteforyou，resumedDowler。IsaidIwassorry。SoIwas。
Pressingbusinesscalledmehere。Youwerenotsatisfied。Youfollowed。
Yourequiredaverbalexplanation。Youwereright。It’sallovernow。Mybusinessisfinished。Igobackto-morrow。Joinme。
AsDowlerprogressedinhisexplanation，Mr。Winkle’scountenancegrewmoreandmoredignified。Themysteriousnatureofthecommencementoftheirconversationwasexplained。Mr。Dowlerhadasgreatanobjectiontoduellingashimself。inshort，thisblusteringandawfulpersonagewasoneofthemostegregiouscowardsinexistence，andinterpretingMr。Winkle’sabsencethroughthemediumofhisownfears，hadtakenthesamestepashimself，andprudentlyretireduntilallexcitementoffeelingshouldhavesubsided。
AstherealstateofthecasedawneduponMr。Winkle’smind，helookedveryterrible，andsaidhewasperfectlysatisfied。butatthesametime，saidso，withanairthatleftMr。Dowlernoalternativebuttoinferthatifhehadnotbeen，somethingmosthorribleanddestructivemustinevitablyhaveoccurred。Mr。DowlerappearedtobeimpressedwithabecomingsenseofMr。Winkle’smagnanimityandcondescension。andthetwobelligerentspartedforthenight，withmanyprotestationsofeternalfriendship。
Abouthalf-pasttwelveo’clock，whenMr。Winklehadbeenrevellingsometwentyminutesinthefullluxuryofhisfirstsleep，hewassuddenlyawakenedbyaloudknockingathischamber-door，which，beingrepeatedwithincreasedvehemence，causedhimtostartupinbed，andinquirewhowasthere，andwhatthematterwas。
Please，sir，here’sayoungmanwhichsayshemustseeyoudirectly，
respondedthevoiceofthechambermaid。
Ayoungman！exclaimedMr。Winkle。
Nomistakeaboutthat’ere，sir，repliedanothervoicethroughthekeyhole。andifthatwerysameinterestin’youngcreeturain’tletinvithoutdelay，it’swerypossibleashislegsvillenteraforehiscountenance。
Theyoungmangaveagentlekickatoneofthelowerpanelsofthedoor，afterhehadgivenutterancetothishint，asiftoaddforceandpointtotheremark。
Isthatyou，Sam？inquiredMr。Winkle，springingoutofbed。
Quiteunpossibletoidentifyanygen’l’m’nvithanydegreeo’mentalsatisfaction，vithoutlookin’athim，sir，repliedthevoice，dogmatically。
Mr。Winkle，notmuchdoubtingwhotheyoungmanwas，unlockedthedoor。
whichhehadnosoonerdone，thanMr。SamuelWellerenteredwithgreatprecipitation，andcarefullyre-lockingitontheinside，deliberatelyputthekeyinhiswaistcoatpocket：and，aftersurveyingMr。Winklefromheadtofoot，said：
You’reaweryhumorousyounggen’l’m’n，youair，sir！
Whatdoyoumeanbythisconduct，Sam？inquiredMr。Winkle，indignantly。
Getout，sir，thisinstant。Whatdoyoumean，sir？
WhatdoImean，retortedSam。come，sir，thisisraythertoorich，astheyoungladysaid，wensheremonstratedwiththepastry-cook，arterhe’dsoldherapork-pieashadgotnothin’butfatinside。WhatdoImean！Well，thatain’tabad’un，thatain’t。
Unlockthatdoor，andleavethisroomimmediately，sir，saidMr。Winkle。
Ishallleavethishereroom，sir，justpreciselyatthewerysamemomentasyouleavesit，respondedSam，speakinginaforciblemanner，andseatinghimselfwithperfectgravity。IfIfinditnecessarytocarryyouaway，pick-a-back，o’courseIshallleaveittheleastbito’timepossibleaforeyou。butallowmetoexpressahopeasyouwon’treducemetoex-tremities。insayingwich，Imerelyquotewotthenoblemansaidtothefractiouspennywinkle，venhevouldn’tcomeoutofhisshellbymeansofapin，andheconseqventlybegantobeafeeredthatheshouldbeobligedtocrackhimintheparlour-door。Attheendofthisaddress，whichwasunusuallylengthyforhim，Mr。Wellerplantedhishandsonhisknees，andlookedfullinMr。Winkle’sface，withanexpressionofcountenancewhichshowedthathehadnottheremotestintentionofbeingtrifledwith。
You’reaamiably-disposedyoungman，sir，Idon’tthink，resumedMr。
Weller，inatoneofmoralreproof，togoinwolvingourpreciousgovernorinallsortso’fanteegs，wenhe’smadeuphismindtogothrougheverythinkforprinciple。You’refarworsenorDodson，sir。andasforFogg，Iconsiderhimabornangeltoyou！Mr。Wellerhavingaccompaniedthislastsentimentwithanemphaticslaponeachknee，foldedhisarmswithalookofgreatdisgust，andthrewhimselfbackinhischair，asifawaitingthecriminal’sdefence。
Mygoodfellow，saidMr。Winkle，extendinghishand。histeethchatteringallthetimehespoke，forhehadbeenstanding，duringthewholeofMr。
Weller’slecture，inhisnight-gear。Mygoodfellow，Irespectyourattachmenttomyexcellentfriend，andIamverysorryindeed，tohaveaddedtohiscausesfordisquiet。There，Sam，there！
Well，saidSam，rathersulkily，butgivingtheprofferedhandarespectfulshakeatthesametime：Well，soyououghttobe，andIamwerygladtofindyouair。for，ifIcanhelpit，Iwon’thavehimputuponbynobody，andthat’sallaboutit。
Certainlynot，Sam，saidMr。Winkle。There！Nowgotobed，Sam，andwe’lltalkfurtheraboutthis，inthemorning。
I’mwerysorry，saidSam，butIcan’tgotobed。
Notgotobed！repeatedMr。Winkle。
No，saidSam，shakinghishead。Can’tbedone。
Youdon’tmeantosayyou’regoingbackto-night，Sam？urgedMr。Winkle，greatlysurprised。
Notunlessyouparticklerlywishit，repliedSam。butImustn’tleavethishereroom。Thegovernor’sorderswosperemptory。
Nonsense，Sam，saidMr。Winkle，Imuststopheretwoorthreedays。
andmorethanthat，Sam，youmuststopheretoo，toassistmeingaininganinterviewwithayounglady——MissAllen，Sam。yourememberher——whomImustandwillseebeforeIleaveBristol。
Butinreplytoeachofthesepositions，Samshookhisheadwithgreatfirmness，andenergeticallyreplied，Itcan’tbedone。
AfteragreatdealofargumentandrepresentationonthepartofMr。
Winkle，however，andafulldisclosureofwhathadpassedintheinterviewwithDowler，Sambegantowaver。andatlengthacompromisewaseffected，ofwhichthefollowingwerethemainandprincipalconditions：
ThatSamshouldretire，andleaveMr。Winkleintheundisturbedpossessionofhisapartment，ontheconditionthathehadpermissiontolockthedoorontheoutside，andcarryoffthekey。providedalways，thatintheeventofanalarmoffire，orotherdangerouscontingency，thedoorshouldbeinstantlyunlocked。ThatalettershouldbewrittentoMr。Pickwickearlynextmorning，andforwardedperDowler，requestinghisconsenttoSamandMr。Winkle’sremainingatBristol，forthepurpose，andwiththeobject，alreadyassigned，andbeggingananswerbythenextcoach。iffavourable，theaforesaidpartiestoremainaccordingly，andifnot，toreturntoBathimmediatelyonthereceiptthereof。And，lastly，thatMr。Winkleshouldbeunderstoodasdistinctlypledginghimselfnottoresorttothewindow，fireplace，orothersurreptitiousmodeofescape，inthemeanwhile。Thesestipulationshavingbeenconcluded，Samlockedthedooranddeparted。
Hehadnearlygotdown-stairs，whenhestopped，anddrewthekeyfromhispocket。
Iquiteforgotabouttheknockin’down，saidSam，halfturningback。
Thegovernordistinctlysaiditwastobedone。Amazin’stupido’me，that’ere！Nevermind，saidSam，brighteningup，it’seasilydoneto-morrow，anyvays。
Apparentlymuchconsoledbythisreflection，Mr。Welleroncemoredepositedthekeyinhispocket，anddescendingtheremainderofthestairswithoutanyfreshvisitationsofconscience，wassoon，incommonwiththeotherinmatesofthehouse，buriedinprofoundrepose。
[NextChapter][TableofContents]ThePickwickPapers：Chapter39[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]CHAPTERXXXIXMR。SAMUELWELLER，BEINGENTRUSTEDWITHAMISSION
OFLOVE，PROCEEDSTOEXECUTEIT。WITHWHATSUCCESSWILLHEREINAFTERAPPEAR
DURINGthewholeofnextday，SamkeptMr。Winklesteadilyinsight，fullydeterminednottotakehiseyeoffhimforoneinstant，untilheshouldreceiveexpressinstructionsfromthefountain-head。
HoweverdisagreeableSam’sveryclosewatchandgreatvigilanceweretoMr。Winkle，hethoughtitbettertobearwiththem，than，byanyactofviolentopposition，tohazardbeingcarriedawaybyforce，whichMr。Wellermorethanoncestronglyhintedwasthelineofconductthatastrictsenseofdutypromptedhimtopursue。ThereislittlereasontodoubtthatSamwouldveryspeedilyhavequietedhisscruples，bybearingMr。WinklebacktoBath，boundhandandfoot，hadnotMr。Pickwick’spromptattentiontothenote，whichDowlerhadundertakentodeliver，forestalledanysuchproceeding。Inshort，ateighto’clockintheevening，Mr。Pickwickhimselfwalkedintothecoffee-roomoftheBushtavern，andtoldSamwithasmile，tohisverygreatrelief，thathehaddonequiteright，anditwasunnecessaryforhimtomountguardanylonger。
Ithoughtitbettertocomemyself，saidMr。Pickwick，addressingMr。Winkle，asSamdisencumberedhimofhisgreat-coatandtravellingshawl，toascertain，beforeIgavemyconsenttoSam’semploymentinthismatter，thatyouarequiteinearnestandserious，withrespecttothisyounglady。
Serious，frommyheart——frommysoul！returnedMr。Winkle，withgreatenergy。
Remember，saidMr。Pickwick，withbeamingeyes，wemetheratourexcellentandhospitablefriend’s，Winkle。Itwouldbeanillreturntotamperlightly，andwithoutdueconsiderationwiththisyounglady’saffections。
I’llnotallowthat，sir。I’llnotallowit。
Ihavenosuchintention，indeed，exclaimedMr。Winkle，warmly。I
haveconsideredthematterwell，foralongtime，andIfeelthatmyhappinessisboundupinher。
That’swotwecalltyingitupinasmallparcel，sir，interposedMr。Weller，withanagreeablesmile。
Mr。Winklelookedsomewhatsternatthisinterruption，andMr。Pickwickangrilyrequestedhisattendantnottojestwithoneofthebestfeelingsofournature。towhichSamreplied，Thathewouldn’t，ifhewasawareonit。butthereweresomanyon’em，thathehardlyknow’dwhichwasthebestoneswenheheerd’emmentioned。
Mr。WinklethenrecountedwhathadpassedbetweenhimselfandMr。BenAllen，relativetoArabella。statedthathisobjectwastogainaninterviewwiththeyounglady，andmakeaformaldisclosureofhispassion。anddeclaredhisconviction，foundedoncertaindarkhintsandmutteringsoftheaforesaidBen，that，wherevershewasatpresentimmured，itwassomewhereneartheDowns。Andthiswashiswholestockofknowledgeorsuspiciononthesubject。
Withthisveryslightcluetoguidehim，itwasdeterminedthatMr。
Wellershouldstartnextmorningonanexpeditionofdiscovery。itwasalsoarrangedthatMr。PickwickandMr。Winkle，whowerelessconfidentoftheirpowers，shouldparadethetownmeanwhile，andaccidentallydropinuponMr。BobSawyerinthecourseoftheday，inthehopeofseeingorhearingsomethingoftheyounglady’swhereabout。
Accordingly，nextmorning，SamWellerissuedforthuponhisquest，innowaydauntedbytheverydiscouragingprospectbeforehim。andawayhewalked，uponestreetanddownanother——weweregoingtosay，uponehillanddownanother，onlyit’salluphillatClifton——withoutmeetingwithanythingoranybodythattendedtothrowthefaintestlightonthematterinhand。ManywerethecolloquiesintowhichSamenteredwithgroomswhowereairinghorsesonroads，andnursemaidswhowereairingchildreninlanes。butnothingcouldSamelicitfromeitherthefirst-mentionedorthelast，whichboretheslightestreferencetotheobjectofhisartfully-prosecutedinquiries。Therewereagreatmanyyoungladiesinagreatmanyhouses，thegreaterpartwhereofwereshrewdlysuspectedbythemaleandfemaledomesticstobedeeplyattachedtosomebody，orperfectlyreadytobecomeso，ifopportunityoffered。ButasnoneamongtheseyoungladieswasMissArabellaAllen，theinformationleftSamatexactlytheoldpointofwisdomatwhichhehadstoodbefore。
SamstruggledacrosstheDownsagainstagoodhighwindwonderingwhetheritwasalwaysnecessarytoholdyourhatonwithbothhandsinthatpartofthecountry，andcametoashadyby-placeaboutwhichweresprinkledseverallittlevillasofquietandsecludedappearance。Outsideastable-dooratthebottomofalongbacklanewithoutathoroughfare，agroominundresswasidlingabout，apparentlypersuadinghimselfthathewasdoingsomethingwithaspadeandawheelbarrow。Wemayremark，inthisplace，thatwehavescarcelyeverseenagroomnearastable，inhislazymoments，whohasnotbeen，toagreaterorlessextent，thevictimofthissingulardelusion。
Samthoughthemightaswelltalktothisgroomastoanyoneelse，especiallyashewasverytiredwithwalking，andtherewasagoodlargestonejustoppositethewheelbarrow。sohestrolleddownthelane，and，seatinghimselfonthestone，openedaconversationwiththeeaseandfreedomforwhichhewasremarkable。
Mornin’，oldfriend，saidSam。
Arternoon，youmean，repliedthegroom，castingasurlylookatSam。
You’reweryright，oldfriend，saidSam。Idomeanarternoon。
Howareyou？
Why，Idon’tfindmyselfmuchthebetterforseeingofyou，repliedtheill-temperedgroom。
That’sweryodd——thatis，saidSam，foryoulooksouncommoncheerful，andseemaltogethersolively，thatitdoesvun’sheartgoodtoseeyou。
Thesurlygroomlookedsurlierstillatthis，butnotsufficientlysotoproduceanyeffectuponSam，whoimmediatelyinquired，withacountenanceofgreatanxiety，whetherhismaster’snamewasnotWalker。
No，itain’t，saidthegroom。
NorBrown，Is’pose？saidSam。
No，itain’t。
NorVilson？
No。northatneither，saidthegroom。
Vell，repliedSam，thenI’mmistaken，andhehasn’tgotthehonoro’myacquaintance，whichIthoughthehad。Don’twaithereouto’complimenttome，saidSam，asthegroomwheeledinthebarrow，andpreparedtoshutthegate。Easeaforeceremony，oldboy。I’llexcuseyou。
I’dknockyourheadoffforhalf-a-crown，saidthesurlygroom，boltingonehalfofthegate。
Coudn’taffordtohaveitdoneonthoseterms，rejoinedSam。It’udbeworthalife’sboardvagesatleast，toyou，and’udbecheapatthat。
Makemycomplimentsindoors。Tell’emnottovaitdinnerforme，andsaytheyneedn’tmindputtin’anyby，forit’llbecoldaforeIcomein。
Inreplytothis，thegroomwaxingverywroth，mutteredadesiretodamagesomebody’sperson。butdisappearedwithoutcarryingitintoexecution，slammingthedoorangrilyafterhim，andwhollyunheedingSam’saffectionaterequest，thathewouldleavehimalockofhishairbeforehewent。
Samcontinuedtositonthelargestone，meditatinguponwhatwasbesttobedone，andrevolvinginhismindaplanforknockingatallthedoorswithinfivemilesofBristol，takingthematahundredandfiftyortwohundredaday，andendeavouringtofindMissArabellabythatexpedient，whenaccidentallofasuddenthrewinhiswaywhathemighthavesatthereforatwelvemonthandyetnotfoundwithoutit。
Intothelanewherehesat，thereopenedthreeorfourgarden-gates，belongingtoasmanyhouses，whichthoughdetachedfromeachother，wereonlyseparatedbytheirgardens。Asthesewerelargeandlong，andwellplantedwithtrees，thehouseswerenotonlyatsomedistanceoff，butthegreaterpartofthemwerenearlyconcealedfromview。Samwassittingwithhiseyesfixeduponthedustheapoutsidethenextgatetothatbywhichthegroomhaddisappeared，profoundlyturningoverinhismindthedifficultiesofhispresentundertaking，whenthegateopened，andafemaleservantcameoutintothelanetoshakesomebed-sidecarpets。
Samwassoverybusywithhisownthoughts，thatitisprobablehewouldhavetakennomorenoticeoftheyoungwomanthanjustraisinghisheadandremarkingthatshehadaveryneatandprettyfigure，ifhisfeelingsofgallantryhadnotbeenmoststronglyrousedbyobservingthatshehadnoonetohelpher，andthatthecarpetsseemedtooheavyforhersinglestrength。Mr。Wellerwasagentlemanofgreatgallantryinhisownway，andhenosoonerremarkedthiscircumstancethanhehastilyrosefromthelargestone，andadvancedtowardsher。
Mydear，saidSam，slidingupwithanairofgreatrespect，You’llspilethatweryprettyfigureouto’allperportionifyoushakethemcarpetsbyyourself。Letmehelpyou。
Theyounglady，whohadbeencoylyaffectingnottoknowthatagentlemanwassonear，turnedroundasSamspoke——nodoubtindeedshesaidso，afterwards
todeclinethisofferfromaperfectstranger——wheninsteadofspeaking，shestartedback，andutteredahalf-suppressedscream。Samwasscarcelylessstupefied，forinthecountenanceofthewell-shapedfemaleservant，hebeheldtheveryeyesofhisValentine，theprettyhousemaidfromMr。
Nupkins’s。
Wy，Marymydear！saidSam。
Lauk，Mr。Weller，saidMary，howyoudofrightenone！
Sammadenoverbalanswertothiscomplaint，norcanwepreciselysaywhatreplyhedidmake。WemerelyknowthatafterashortpauseMarysaid，Lor’，doadun，Mr。Weller！andthathishathadfallenoffafewmomentsbefore——frombothofwhichtokensweshouldbedisposedtoinferthatonekissormore，hadpassedbetweentheparties。
Why，howdidyoucomehere？saidMary，whentheconversationtowhichthisinterruptionhadbeenoffered，wasresumed。
O’courseIcametolookarteryou，mydarlin’，repliedMr。Weller。
foroncepermittinghispassiontogetthebetterofhisveracity。
AndhowdidyouknowIwashere？inquiredMary。WhocouldhavetoldyouthatItookanotherserviceatIpswich，andthattheyafterwardsmovedallthewayhere？Whocouldhavetoldyouthat，Mr。Weller？
Ahtobesure，saidSamwithacunninglook，that’sthepint。Whocouldha’toldme？
Itwasn’tMr。Muzzle，wasit？inquiredMary。
Oh，no，repliedSam，withasolemnshakeofthehead，itwarn’thim。
Itmusthavebeenthecook，saidMary。
O’courseitmust，saidSam。
Well，Ineverheardthelikeofthat！exclaimedMary。
NomoredidI，saidSam。ButMary，mydear：hereSam’smannergrewextremelyaffectionate：Mary，mydear，I’vegotanotheraffairinhandasiswerypressin’。There’soneofmygovernor’sfriends——Mr。Winkle，yourememberhim。
Himinthegreencoat？saidMary。Oh，yes，Irememberhim。
Well，saidSam，he’sinahorridstateo’love。reg’larlycomfoozled，anddoneoverwithit。
Lor’！interposedMary。
Yes，saidSam：butthat’snothing’ifwecouldfindouttheyoung’ooman。andhereSam，withmanydigressionsuponthepersonalbeautyofMary，andtheunspeakabletortureshehadexperiencedsincehelastsawher，gaveafaithfulaccountofMr。Winkle’spresentpredicament。
Well，saidMary，Ineverdid！
O’coursenot，saidSam，andnobodyneverdid，nornevervillneither。
andhereamIawalkin’aboutlikethewanderingJew——asportin’characteryouhaveperhapsheerdon，Mary，mydear，aswosalvaysdoin’amatchagin’
time，andneverventtosleep——lookingarterthishereMissArabellaAllen。
Misswho？saidMary，ingreatastonishment。
MissArabellaAllen，saidSam。
Goodnessgracious！saidMary，pointingtothegardendoorwhichthesulkygroomhadlockedafterhim。Why，it’sthatveryhouse。she’sbeenlivingtherethesesixweeks。Theirupperhousemaid，whichislady’smaidtoo，toldmeallaboutitoverthewash-housepalin’sbeforethefamilywasoutofbed，onemornin’。
Wot，thewerynextdoortoyou？saidSam。
Theverynext，repliedMary。
Mr。Wellerwassodeeplyovercomeonreceivingthisintelligencethathefounditabsolutelynecessarytoclingtohisfairinformantforsupport。
anddiverslittlelovepassageshadpassedbetweenthem，beforehewassufficientlycollectedtoreturntothesubject。
Vell，saidSamatlength，ifthisdon’tbeatcock-fightin’nothin’
nevervill，astheLordMayorsaid，venthechiefsecretaryo’stateproposedhismissis’shealtharterdinner。Thatwerynexthouse！Wy，I’vegotamessagetoherasI’vebeenatryin’alldaytodeliver。
Ah，saidMary，butyoucan’tdeliveritnow，becausesheonlywalksinthegardenintheevening，andthenonlyforaverylittletime。shenevergoesout，withouttheoldlady。
Samruminatedforafewmoments，andfinallyhituponthefollowingplanofoperations。thatheshouldreturnjustatdusk——thetimeatwhichArabellainvariablytookherwalk——and，beingadmittedbyMaryintothegardenofthehousetowhichshebelonged，wouldcontrivetoscrambleupthewall，beneaththeoverhangingboughsofalargepeartree，whichwouldeffectuallyscreenhimfromobservation。wouldtheredeliverhismessage，andarrange，ifpossible，aninterviewonbehalfofMr。Winklefortheensuingeveningatthesamehour。Havingmadethisarrangementwithgreatdispatch，heassistedMaryinthelong-deferredoccupationofshakingthecarpets。
Itisnothalfasinnocentathingasitlooks，thatshakinglittlepiecesofcarpet——atleast，theremaybenogreatharmintheshaking，butthefoldingisaveryinsidiousprocess。Solongastheshakinglasts，andthetwopartiesarekeptthecarpet’slengthapart，itisasinnocentanamusementascanwellbedevised。butwhenthefoldingbegins，andthedistancebetweenthemgetsgraduallylessenedfromonehalfitsformerlengthtoaquarter，andthentoaneighth，andthentoasixteenth，andthentoathirty-second，ifthecarpetbelongenough：itbecomesdangerous。
Wedonotknow，toanicety，howmanypiecesofcarpetwerefoldedinthisinstance，butwecanventuretostatethatasmanypiecesastherewere，somanytimesdidSamkisstheprettyhousemaid。
Mr。Wellerregaledhimselfwithmoderationatthenearesttavernuntilitwasnearlydusk，andthenreturnedtothelanewithoutthethoroughfare。
HavingbeenadmittedintothegardenbyMary，andhavingreceivedfromthatladysundryadmonitionsconcerningthesafetyofhislimbsandneck，Sammountedintothepear-tree，towaituntilArabellashouldcomeinsight。
Hewaitedsolongwithoutthisanxiouslyexpectedeventoccurring，thathebegantothinkitwasnotgoingtotakeplaceatall，whenheheardlightfootstepsuponthegravel，andimmediatelyafterwardsbeheldArabellawalkingpensivelydownthegarden。Assoonasshecamenearlybelowthetree，Sambegan，bywayofgentlyindicatinghispresence，tomakesundrydiabolicalnoisessimilartothosewhichwouldprobablybenaturaltoapersonofmiddleagewhohadbeenafflictedwithacombinationofinflammatorysorethroat，croup，andhooping-cough，fromhisearliestinfancy。
Uponthis，theyoungladycastahurriedglancetowardsthespotfromwhencethedreadfulsoundsproceeded。andherpreviousalarmbeingnotatalldiminishedwhenshesawamanamongthebranches，shewouldmostcertainlyhavedecamped，andalarmedthehouse，hadnotfearfortunatelydeprivedherofthepowerofmoving，andcausedhertosinkdownonagardenseat。whichhappenedbygoodlucktobenearathand。
She’sagoin’off，soliloquisedSamingreatperplexity。Wotathingitis，asthesehereyoungcreeturswillgoafaintin’avayjustwentheyoughtn’tto。Here，young’ooman，MissSawbones，Mrs。Vinkle，don’t！
WhetheritwasthemagicofMr。Winkle’sname，orthecoolnessoftheopenair，orsomerecollectionofMr。Weller’svoice，thatrevivedArabella，mattersnot。Sheraisedherheadandlanguidlyinquired，Who’sthat，andwhatdoyouwant？
Hush，saidSam，swinginghimselfontothewall，andcrouchingthereinassmallacompassashecouldreducehimselfto，onlyme，miss，onlyme。
Mr。Pickwick’sservant。saidArabella，earnestly。
Thewerysame，miss，repliedSam。Here’sMr。Vinklereg’larlysewedupvithdesperation，miss。
Ah！saidArabella，drawingnearerthewall。
Ahindeed，saidSam。Vethoughtveshouldha’beenobligedtostraightveskithimlastnight。he’sbeenaravinallday。andhesaysifhecan’tseeyouaforeto-morrownight’sover，hevisheshemaybesomething’-unpleasantedifhedon’tdrowndhisself。
Ohno，no，Mr。Weller！saidArabella，claspingherhands。
That’swothesays，miss，repliedSam。He’samanofhisword，andit’smyopinionhe’lldoit，miss。He’sheerdallaboutyoufromtheSawbonesinbarnacles。
Frommybrother！saidArabella，havingsomefaintrecognitionofSam’sdescription。
Idon’trightlyknowwhichisyourbrother，miss，repliedSam。Isitthedirtiestvuno’thetwo？
Yes，yes，Mr。Weller，returnedArabella，goon。Makehaste，pray。
Well，miss，saidSam，he’sheerdallaboutitfromhim。andit’sthegov’nor’sopinionthatifyoudon’tseehimweryquick，theSawbonesaswe’vebeenaspeakingon，’ullgetasmuchextraleadinhisheadas’lldamagethedewelopmento’theorginsiftheyeverputitinspiritsartervards。
Oh，whatcanIdotopreventthesedreadfulquarrels！exclaimedArabella。
It’sthesuspicionofapriory’tachmentasisthecauseofitall，
repliedSam。You’dbetterseehim，miss。
Buthow？——where？criedArabella。Idarenotleavethehousealone。
Mybrotherissounkind，sounreasonable！Iknowhowstrangemytalkingthustoyoumustappear，Mr。Weller，butIamvery，veryunhappy——andherepoorArabellaweptsobitterly，thatSamgrewchivalrous。
Itmayseemverystrangetalkin’tomeaboutthesehereaffairs，miss，
saidSamwithgreatvehemence：butallIcansayis，thatI’mnotonlyreadybutvillin’todoanythin’as’llmakemattersagreeable。andifchuckin’
eithero’themSawbonesesouto’winder’ulldoit，I’mtheman。AsSamWellersaidthis，hetuckeduphiswristbands，attheimminenthazardoffallingoffthewallinsodoing，tointimatehisreadinesstosettoworkimmediately。
Flatteringastheseprofessionsofgoodfeelingwere，ArabellaresolutelydeclinedmostunaccountablyasSamthought，toavailherselfofthem。
ForsometimeshestrenuouslyrefusedtograntMr。WinkletheinterviewSamhadsopatheticallyrequested。butatlength，whentheconversationthreatenedtobeinterruptedbytheunwelcomearrivalofathirdparty，shehurriedlygavehimtounderstand，withmanyprofessionsofgratitude，thatitwasbarelypossibleshemightbeinthegardenanhourlater，nextevening。Samunderstoodthisperfectlywell。andArabellabestowinguponhimoneofhersweetestsmiles，trippedgracefullyaway，leavingMr。Wellerinastateofverygreatadmirationofhercharms，bothpersonalandmental。
Havingdescendedinsafetyfromthewall，andnotforgottentodevoteafewmomentstohisownparticularbusinessinthesamedepartment，Mr。
WellerthenmadethebestofhiswaybacktotheBush，wherehisprolongedabsencehadoccasionedmuchspeculationandsomealarm。
Wemustbecareful，saidMr。Pickwick，afterlisteningattentivelytoSam’stale，notforourownsakes，butforthatoftheyounglady。
Wemustbeverycautious。
We！saidMr。Winkle，withmarkedemphasis。
Mr。Pickwick’smomentarylookofindignationatthetoneofthisremark，subsidedintohischaracteristicexpressionofbenevolence，ashereplied：
We，sir！Ishallaccompanyyou。
You！saidMr。Winkle。
I，repliedMr。Pickwick，mildly。Inaffordingyouthisinterview，theyoungladyhastakenanatural，perhaps，butstillaveryimprudentstep。IfIampresentatthemeeting，amutualfriend，whoisoldenoughtobethefatherofbothparties，thevoiceofcalumnycanneverberaisedagainstherhereafter。
Mr。Pickwick’seyeslightenedwithhonestexultationathisownforesight，ashespokethus。Mr。Winklewastouchedbythislittletraitofhisdelicaterespectfortheyoungprotegeeofhisfriend，andtookhishandwithafeelingofregard，akintoveneration。
Youshallgo，saidMr。Winkle。
Iwill，saidMr。Pickwick。Sam，havemygreat-coatandshawlready，andorderaconveyancetobeatthedoorto-morrowevening，ratherearlierthanisabsolutelynecessary，inorderthatwemaybeingoodtime。
Mr。Wellertouchedhishat，asanearnestofhisobedience，andwithdrewtomakeallneedfulpreparationsfortheexpedition。
Thecoachwaspunctualtothetimeappointed。andMr。Weller，afterdulyinstallingMr。PickwickandMr。Winkleinside，tookhisseatontheboxbythedriver。Theyalighted，ashadbeenagreedon，aboutaquarterofamilefromtheplaceofrendezvous，anddesiringthecoachmantoawaittheirreturn，proceededtheremainingdistanceonfoot。
ItwasatthisstageoftheundertakingthatMr。Pickwick，withmanysmilesandvariousotherindicationsofgreatself-satisfaction，producedfromoneofhiscoatpocketsadarklantern，withwhichhehadspeciallyprovidedhimselffortheoccasion，andthegreatmechanicalbeautyofwhich，heproceededtoexplaintoMr。Winkleastheywalkedalong，tothenosmallsurpriseofthefewstragglerstheymet。
Ishouldhavebeenthebetterforsomethingofthiskind，inmylastgardenexpeditionatnight。eh，Sam？saidMr。Pickwick，lookinggood-humouredlyroundathisfollower，whowastrudgingbehind。
Werynicethings，ifthey’remanagedproperly，sir，repliedMr。Weller。
butwhenyoudon’twanttobeseen，Ithinkthey’remoreusefularterthecandle’sgoneout，thanwenit’salight。
Mr。PickwickappearedstruckbySam’sremarks，forheputthelanternintohispocketagain，andtheywalkedoninsilence。
Downhere，sir，saidSam。Letmeleadtheway。Thisisthelane，sir。
Downthelanetheywent，anddarkenoughitwas。Mr。Pickwickbroughtoutthelanternonceortwice，astheygropedtheirwayalong，andthrewaverybrilliantlittletunneloflightbeforethem，aboutafootindiameter。
Itwasveryprettytolookat，butseemedtohavetheeffectofrenderingsurroundingobjectsratherdarkerthanbefore。
Atlengththeyarrivedatthelargestone。HereSamrecommendedhismasterandMr。Winkletoseatthemselves，whilehereconnoitred，andascertainedwhetherMarywasyetinwaiting。
Afteranabsenceoffiveortenminutes，Samreturned，tosaythatthegatewasopened，andallquiet。Followinghimwithstealthytread，Mr。
PickwickandMr。Winklesoonfoundthemselvesinthegarden。Hereeverybodysaid，Hush！agoodmanytimes。andthatbeingdone，nooneseemedtohaveanyverydistinctapprehensionofwhatwastobedonenext。
IsMissAlleninthegardenyet，Mary？inquiredMr。Winkle，muchagitated。
Idon’tknow，sir，repliedtheprettyhousemaid。Thebestthingtobedone，sir，willbeforMr。Wellertogiveyouahoistupintothetree，andperhapsMr。Pickwickwillhavethegoodnesstoseethatnobodycomesupthelane，whileIwatchattheotherendofthegarden。Goodnessgracious，what’sthat！
That’ereblessedlantern’ullbethedeathonusall，exclaimedSam，peevishly。Takecarewotyou’readoin’on，sir。you’reasendin’ablazeo’lightrightintothebackparlorwinder。
Dearme！saidMr。Pickwick，turninghastilyaside。
Ididn’tmeantodothat。
Now，it’sinthenexthouse，sir，remonstratedSam。
Blessmyheart！exclaimedMr。Pickwick，turningroundagain。
Now，it’sinthestable，andthey’llthinktheplaceisa-fire，saidSam。Shutitup，sir，can’tyou？
It’sthemostextraordinarylanternIevermetwith，inallmylife！
exclaimedMr。Pickwick，greatlybewilderedbytheeffectshehadsounintentionallyproduced。Ineversawsuchapowerfulreflector。
It’llbevuntoopowerfulforus，ifyoukeepblazin’avayinthatmanner，sir，repliedSam，asMr。Pickwick，aftervariousunsuccessfulefforts，managedtoclosetheslide。There’stheyounglady’sfootsteps。
Now，Mr。Vinkle，sir，upvithyou。
Stop，stop！saidMr。Pickwick，Imustspeaktoherfirst。Helpmeup，Sam。
Gently，sir，saidSam，plantinghisheadagainstthewallandmakingaplatformofhisback。Stepatopo’that’ereflower-pot，sir。Nowthen，upvithyou。
I’mafraidIshallhurtyou，Sam，saidMr。Pickwick。
Nevermindme，sir，repliedSam。Lendhimahand，Mr。Vinkle，sir。
Steady，sir，steady！That’sthetimeo’day！
AsSamspoke，Mr。Pickwick，byexertionsalmostsupernaturalinagentlemanofhisyearsandweight，contrivedtogetuponSam’sback。andSamgentlyraisinghimselfup，andMr。Pickwickholdingonfastbythetopofthewall，whileMr。Winkleclaspedhimtightbythelegs，theycontrivedbythesemeanstobringhisspectaclesjustabovethelevelofthecoping。
Mydear，saidMr。Pickwick，lookingoverthewall，andcatchingsightofArabellaontheotherside，Don’tbefrightened，mydear，it’sonlyme。
Ohpraygoaway，Mr。Pickwick，saidArabella。Tellthemalltogoaway。Iamsodreadfullyfrightened。Dear，dearMr。Pickwick，don’tstopthere。You’llfalldownandkillyourself，Iknowyouwill。
Now，praydon’talarmyourself，mydear，saidMr。Pickwick，soothingly。
Thereisnottheleastcauseforfear，Iassureyou。Standfirm，Sam，
saidMr。Pickwick，lookingdown。
Allright，sir，repliedMr。Weller。Don’tbelongerthanyoucanconwenientlyhelp，sir。You’reraytherheavy。
Onlyanothermoment，Sam，repliedMr。Pickwick。Imerelywishedyoutoknow，mydear，thatIshouldnothaveallowedmyyoungfriendtoseeyouinthisclandestineway，ifthesituationinwhichyouareplaced，hadlefthimanyalternative。andlesttheimproprietyofthisstepshouldcauseyouanyuneasiness，mylove，itmaybeasatisfactiontoyou，toknowthatIampresent。That’sall，mydear。
Indeed，Mr。Pickwick，Iamverymuchobligedtoyouforyourkindnessandconsideration，repliedArabella，dryinghertearswithherhandkerchief。
Shewouldprobablyhavesaidmuchmore，hadnotMr。Pickwick’sheaddisappearedwithgreatswiftness，inconsequenceofafalsesteponSam’sshoulder，whichbroughthimsuddenlytotheground。Hewasupagaininaninstant，however，andbiddingMr。Winklemakehasteandgettheinterviewover，ranoutintothelanetokeepwatch，withallthecourageandardourofyouth。Mr。Winklehimself，inspiredbytheoccasion，wasonthewallinamoment，merelypausingtorequestSamtobecarefulofhismaster。
I’lltakecareonhim，sir，repliedSam。Leavehimtome。
Whereishe？What’shedoing，Sam？inquiredMr。Winkle。
Blesshisoldgaiters，rejoinedSam，lookingoutatthegarden-door。
He’sakeepin’guardinthelaneviththat’eredarklantern，likeaamiableGuyFawkes！Ineverseesuchafinecreeturinmydays。BlessedifIdon’tthinkhisheartmustha’beenbornfive-and-twentyyeararterhisbody，atleast！
Mr。Winklestayednottoheartheencomiumuponhisfriend。Hehaddroppedfromthewall。thrownhimselfatArabella’sfeet。andbythistimewaspleadingthesincerityofhispassionwithaneloquenceworthyevenofMr。Pickwickhimself。
Whilethesethingsweregoingonintheopenair，anelderlygentlemanofscientificattainmentswasseatedinhislibrary，twoorthreehousesoff，writingaphilosophicaltreatise，andeverandanonmoisteninghisclayandhislabourswithaglassofclaretfromavenerable-lookingbottlewhichstoodbyhisside。Intheagoniesofcomposition，theelderlygentlemanlookedsometimesatthecarpet，sometimesattheceiling，andsometimesatthewall。andwhenneithercarpet，ceiling，norwall，affordedtherequisitedegreeofinspiration，helookedoutofthewindow。
Inoneofthesepausesofinvention，thescientificgentlemanwasgazingabstractedlyonthethickdarknessoutside，whenhewasverymuchsurprisedbyobservingamostbrilliantlightglidethroughtheair，atashortdistanceabovetheground，andalmostinstantaneouslyvanish。Afterashorttimethephenomenonwasrepeated，notonceortwice，butseveraltimes：atlastthescientificgentleman，layingdownhispen，begantoconsidertowhatnaturalcausestheseappearancesweretobeassigned。
Theywerenotmeteors。theyweretoolow。Theywerenotglow-worms。
theyweretoohigh。Theywerenotwill-o’-the-wisps。theywerenotfire-flies。
theywerenotfire-works。Whatcouldtheybe？Someextraordinaryandwonderfulphenomenonofnature，whichnophilosopherhadeverseenbefore。somethingwhichithadbeenreservedforhimalonetodiscover，andwhichheshouldimmortalisehisnamebychroniclingforthebenefitofposterity。Fullofthisidea，thescientificgentlemanseizedhispenagain，andcommittedtopapersundrynotesoftheseunparalleledappearances，withthedate，day，hour，minute，andprecisesecondatwhichtheywerevisible：allofwhichweretoformthedataofavoluminoustreatiseofgreatresearchanddeeplearning，whichshouldastonishalltheatmosphericalsagesthateverdrewbreathinanypartofthecivilisedglobe。
Hethrewhimselfbackinhiseasychair，wrappedincontemplationsofhisfuturegreatness。Themysteriouslightappearedmorebrilliantlythanbefore：dancing，toallappearance，upanddownthelane，crossingfromsidetoside，andmovinginanorbitaseccentricascometsthemselves。
Thescientificgentlemanwasabachelor。Hehadnowifetocallinandastonish，soherangthebellforhisservant。
Pruffle，saidthescientificgentleman，thereissomethingveryextraordinaryintheairto-night。Didyouseethat？saidthescientificgentleman，pointingoutofthewindow，asthelightagainbecamevisible。
Yes，Idid，sir。
Whatdoyouthinkofit，Pruffle？
Thinkofit，sir？
Yes。Youhavebeenbredupinthiscountry。Whatshouldyousaywasthecauseofthoselights，now？
ThescientificgentlemansmilinglyanticipatedPruffle’sreplythathecouldassignnocauseforthematall。Prufflemeditated。
Ishouldsayitwasthieves，sir，saidPruffleatlength。
You’reafool，andmaygodown-stairs，saidthescientificgentleman。
Thankyou，sir，saidPruffle。Anddownhewent。
Butthescientificgentlemancouldnotrestundertheideaoftheingenioustreatisehehadprojectedbeinglosttotheworld，whichmustinevitablybethecaseifthespeculationoftheingeniousMr。Prufflewerenotstifledinitsbirth。Heputonhishatandwalkedquicklydownthegarden，determinedtoinvestigatethemattertotheverybottom。
Now，shortlybeforethescientificgentlemanwalkedoutintothegarden，Mr。Pickwickhadrundownthelaneasfastashecould，toconveyafalsealarmthatsomebodywascomingthatway。occasionallydrawingbacktheslideofthedarklanterntokeephimselffromtheditch。Thealarmwasnosoonergiven，thanMr。Winklescrambledbackoverthewall，andArabellaranintothehouse。thegarden-gatewasshut，andthethreeadventurersweremakingthebestoftheirwaydownthelane，whentheywerestartledbythescientificgentlemanunlockinghisgarden-gate。
Holdhard，whisperedSam，whowas，ofcourse，thefirstoftheparty。
Showalightforjustvunsecond，sir。
Mr。Pickwickdidashewasdesired，andSam，seeingaman’sheadpeepingoutverycautiouslywithinhalfayardofhisown，gaveitagentletapwithhisclenchedfist，whichknockedit，withahollowsound，againstthegate。Havingperformedthisfeatwithgreatsuddennessanddexterity，Mr。WellercaughtMr。Pickwickuponhisback，andfollowedMr。Winkledownthelaneatapacewhich，consideringtheburdenhecarried，wasperfectlyastonishing。
Haveyougotyourvindbackagin，sir，inquiredSam，whentheyhadreachedtheend。
Quite。Quite，now，repliedMr。Pickwick。
Thencomealong，sir，saidSam，settinghismasteronhisfeetagain。
Comebetveenus，sir。Nothalfamiletorun。Thinkyou’revinnin’acup，sir。Nowforit。
Thusencouraged，Mr。Pickwickmadetheverybestuseofhislegs。ItmaybeconfidentlystatedthatapairofblackgaitersnevergotoverthegroundinbetterstylethandidthoseofMr。Pickwickonthismemorableoccasion。
Thecoachwaswaiting，thehorseswerefresh，theroadsweregood，andthedriverwaswilling。ThewholepartyarrivedinsafetyattheBushbeforeMr。Pickwickrecoveredhisbreath。
Inwithyouatonce，sir，saidSam，ashehelpedhismasterout。Don’tstopasecondinthestreet，arterthat’ereexercise。Begyourpardon，sir，continuedSam，touchinghishatasMr。Winkledescended。Hopetherewarn’tapriory’tachment，sir？
Mr。Winklegraspedhishumblefriendbythehand，andwhisperedinhisear，It’sallright，Sam。quiteright。UponwhichMr。Wellerstruckthreedistinctblowsuponhisnoseintokenofintelligence，smiled，winked，andproceededtoputthestepsup，withacountenanceexpressiveoflivelysatisfaction。
Astothescientificgentleman，hedemonstrated，inamasterlytreatise，thatthesewonderfullightsweretheeffectofelectricity。andclearlyprovedthesamebydetailinghowaflashoffiredancedbeforehiseyeswhenheputhisheadoutofthegate，andhowhereceivedashockwhichstunnedhimforaquarterofanhourafterwards。whichdemonstrationdelightedalltheScientificAssociationsbeyondmeasure，andcausedhimtobeconsideredalightofscienceeverafterwards。
[NextChapter][TableofContents]ThePickwickPapers：Chapter40[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]CHAPTERXLINTRODUCESMR。PICKWICKTOANEWANDNOTUNINTERESTING
SCENEINTHEGREATDRAMAOFLIFE
THEremainderoftheperiodwhichMr。PickwickhadassignedasthedurationofthestayatBath，passedoverwithouttheoccurrenceofanythingmaterial。TrinityTermcommenced。Ontheexpirationofitsfirstweek，Mr。PickwickandhisfriendsreturnedtoLondon。andtheformergentleman，attendedofcoursebySam，straightwayrepairedtohisoldquartersattheGeorgeandVulture。
Onthethirdmorningaftertheirarrival，justasalltheclocksinthecitywerestrikingnineindividually，andsomewhereaboutninehundredandninety-ninecollectively，SamwastakingtheairinGeorgeYard，whenaqueersortoffreshpaintedvehicledroveup，outofwhichtherejumpedwithgreatagility，throwingthereinstoastoutmanwhosatbesidehim，aqueersortofgentleman，whoseemedmadeforthevehicle，andthevehicleforhim。
Thevehiclewasnotexactlyagig，neitherwasitastanhope。Itwasnotwhatiscurrentlydenominatedadog-cart，neitherwasitataxed-cart，norachaise-cart，noraguillotinedcabriolet。andyetithadsomethingofthecharacterofeachandeveryofthesemachines。Itwaspaintedabrightyellow，withtheshaftsandwheelspickedoutinblack。andthedriversat，intheorthodoxsportingstyle，oncushionspiledabouttwofeetabovetherail。Thehorsewasabay，awell-lookinganimalenough。
butwithsomethingofaflashanddog-fightingairabouthim，nevertheless，whichaccordedbothwiththevehicleandhismaster。
Themasterhimselfwasamanofaboutforty，withblackhair，andcarefullycombedwhiskers。Hewasdressedinaparticularlygorgeousmanner，withplentyofarticlesofjewelleryabouthim——allaboutthreesizeslargerthanthosewhichareusuallywornbygentlemen——andaroughgreat-coattocrownthewhole。Intoonepocketofthisgreat-coat，hethrusthislefthandthemomenthedismounted，whilefromtheotherhedrewforth，withhisright，averybrightandglaringsilkhandkerchief，withwhichhewhiskedaspeckortwoofdustfromhisboots，andthen，crumblingitinhishand，swaggeredupthecourt。
IthadnotescapedSam’sattentionthat，whenthispersondismounted，ashabby-lookingmaninabrowngreat-coatshornofdiversbuttons，whohadbeenpreviouslyslinkingabout，ontheoppositesideoftheway，crossedover，andremainedstationarycloseby。Havingsomethingmorethanasuspicionoftheobjectofthegentleman’svisit，SamprecededhimtotheGeorgeandVulture，and，turningsharpround，plantedhimselfinthecentreofthedoorway。
Now，myfinefellow！saidthemanintheroughcoat，inanimperioustone，attemptingatthesametimetopushhiswaypast。
Now，sir，wot’sthematter！repliedSam，returningthepushwithcompoundinterest。
Come，noneofthis，myman。thiswon’tdowithme，saidtheowneroftheroughcoat，raisinghisvoice，andturningwhite。Here，Smouch！
Well，wot’samisshere？growledthemaninthebrowncoat，whohadbeengraduallysneakingupthecourtduringthisshortdialogue。
Onlysomeinsolenceofhisyoungman’s，saidtheprincipal，givingSamanotherpush。
Come，noneo’thisgammon，growledSmouch，givinghimanother，andaharderone。
ThislastpushhadtheeffectwhichitwasintendedbytheexperiencedMr。Smouchtoproduce。forwhileSam，anxioustoreturnthecompliment，wasgrindingthatgentleman’sbodyagainstthedoorpost，theprincipalcreptpast，andmadehiswaytothebar。whitherSam，afterbandyingafewepitheticalremarkswithMr。Smouch，followedatonce。
Good-morning，mydear，saidtheprincipal，addressingtheyoungladyatthebar，withBotanyBayease，andNewSouthWalesgentility。whichisMr。Pickwick’sroom，mydear？
Showhimup，saidthebar-maidtoawaiter，withoutdeigninganotherlookattheexquisite，inreplytohisinquiry。
Thewaiterledthewayup-stairsashewasdesired，andthemanintheroughcoatfollowed，withSambehindhim：who，inhisprogressupthestaircase，indulgedinsundrygesturesindicativeofsupremecontemptanddefiance：
totheunspeakablegratificationoftheservantsandotherlookers-on。
Mr。Smouch，whowastroubledwithahoarsecough，remainedbelow，andexpectoratedinthepassage。
Mr。Pickwickwasfastasleepinbed，whenhisearlyvisitor，followedbySam，enteredtheroom。Thenoisetheymadeinsodoing，awokehim。
Shavingwater，Sam，saidMr。Pickwick，fromwithinthecurtains。
Shaveyoudirectly，Mr。Pickwick，saidthevisitor，drawingoneofthembackfromthebed’shead。I’vegotanexecutionagainstyou，atthesuitofBardell——Here’sthewarrant——CommonPleas——Here’smycard。I
supposeyou’llcomeovertomyhouse。GivingMr。Pickwickafriendlytapontheshoulder，thesheriff’sofficerforsuchhewasthrewhiscardonthecounterpane，andpulledagoldtoothpickfromhiswaistcoatpocket。
Namby’sthename，saidthesheriff’sdeputy，asMr。Pickwicktookhisspectaclesfromunderthepillow，andputthemon，toreadthecard。
Namby，BellAlley，ColemanStreet。
Atthispoint，SamWeller，whohadhadhiseyesfixedhithertoonMr。
Namby’sshiningbeaver，interfered：
AreyouaQuaker？saidSam。
I’llletyouknowwhoIam，beforeI’vedonewithyou，repliedtheindignantofficer。I’llteachyoumanners，myfinefellow，oneofthesefinemornings。
Thank’ee，saidSam。I’lldothesametoyou。Takeyourhatoff。
Withthis，Mr。Weller，inthemostdexterousmanner，knockedMr。Namby’shattotheothersideoftheroomwithsuchviolence，thathehadverynearlycausedhimtoswallowthegoldtoothpickintothebargain。
Observethis，Mr。Pickwick，saidthedisconcertedofficer，gaspingforbreath。I’vebeenassaultedintheexecutionofmydootybyyourservantinyourchamber。I’minbodilyfear。Icallyoutowitnessthis。
Don’twitnessnothin’，sir，interposedSam。Shutyoureyesuptight，sir。I’dpitchhimouto’winder，onlyhecouldn’tfallfarenough，’causeo’theleadsoutside。
Sam，saidMr。Pickwick，inanangryvoice，ashisattendantmadevariousdemonstrationsofhostilities，ifyousayanotherword，oroffertheslightestinterferencewiththisperson，Idischargeyouthatinstant。
But，sir！saidSam。
Holdyourtongue，interposedMr。Pickwick。Takethathatupagain。
ButthisSamflatlyandpositivelyrefusedtodo。and，afterhehadbeenseverelyreprimandedbyhismaster，theofficer，beinginahurry，condescendedtopickituphimself：ventingagreatvarietyofthreatsagainstSammeanwhile，whichthatgentlemanreceivedwithperfectcomposure：
merelyobservingthatifMr。Nambywouldhavethegoodnesstoputhishatonagain，hewouldknockitintothelatterendofnextweek。Mr。Namby，perhapsthinkingthatsuchaprocessmightbeproductiveofinconveniencetohimself，declinedtoofferthetemptation，and，soonafter，calledupSmouch。Havinginformedhimthatthecapturewasmade，andthathewastowaitfortheprisoneruntilheshouldhavefinisheddressing，Nambythenswaggeredout，anddroveaway。Smouch，requestingMr。Pickwickinasurlymannertobeasaliveashecould，foritwasabusytime，drewupachairbythedoor，andsatthere，untilhehadfinisheddressing。
Samwasthendispatchedforahackneycoach，andinitthetriumvirateproceededtoColemanStreet。Itwasfortunatethedistancewasshort，forMr。Smouch，besidespossessingnoveryenchantingconversationalpowers，wasrenderedadecidedlyunpleasantcompanioninalimitedspace，bythephysicalweaknesstowhichwehaveelsewhereadverted。
Thecoachhavingturnedintoaverynarrowanddarkstreet，stoppedbeforeahousewithironbarstoallthewindows。thedoor-postsofwhichweregracedbythenameandtitleofNamby，OfficertotheSheriffsofLondon：theinnergatehavingbeenopenedbyagentlemanwhomighthavepassedforaneglectedtwinbrotherofMr。Smouch，andwhowasendowedwithalargekeyforthepurpose，Mr。Pickwickwasshownintothecoffee-room。
Thiscoffee-roomwasafrontparlour：theprincipalfeaturesofwhichwerefreshsandandstaletobaccosmoke。Mr。Pickwickbowedtothethreepersonswhowereseatedinitwhenheentered。andhavingdispatchedSamforPerker，withdrewintoanobscurecorner，andfromthencelookedwithsomecuriosityuponhisnewcompanions。
Oneofthesewasamereboyofnineteenortwenty，who，thoughitwasyetbarelyteno’clock，wasdrinkingginandwater，andsmokingacigar：
amusementstowhich，judgingfromhisinflamedcountenance，hehaddevotedhimselfprettyconstantlyforthelastyearortwoofhislife。Oppositehim，engagedinstirringthefirewiththetoeofhisrightboot，wasacoarsevulgaryoungmanofaboutthirty，withasallowfaceandharshvoice：
evidentlypossessedofthatknowledgeoftheworld，andcaptivatingfreedomofmanner，whichistobeacquiredinpublic-houseparlours，andatlowbilliard-tables。Thethirdtenantoftheapartmentwasamiddleagedmaninaveryoldsuitofblack，wholookedpaleandhaggard，andpacedupanddowntheroomincessantly。stopping，nowandthen，tolookwithgreatanxietyoutofthewindowasifheexpectedsomebody，andthenresuminghiswalk。
You’dbetterhavetheloanofmyrazorthismorning，Mr。Ayresleigh，
saidthemanwhowasstirringthefire，tippingthewinktohisfriendtheboy。
Thankyou，no，Ishan’twantit。IexpectIshallbeout，inthecourseofanhourorso，repliedtheotherinahurriedmanner。Then，walkingagainuptothewindow，andoncemorereturningdisappointed，hesigheddeeply，andlefttheroom。uponwhichtheothertwoburstintoaloudlaugh。
Well，Ineversawsuchagameasthat，saidthegentlemanwhohadofferedtherazor，whosenameappearedtobePrice。Never！Mr。Priceconfirmedtheassertionwithanoath，andthenlaughedagain，whenofcoursetheboywhothoughthiscompaniononeofthemostdashingfellowsalive
laughedalso。
You’dhardlythink，wouldyounow，saidPrice，turningtowardsMr。
Pickwick，thatthatchap’sbeenhereaweekyesterday，andneveronceshavedhimselfyet，becausehefeelssocertainhe’sgoingoutinhalfanhour’stime，thathethinkshemayaswellputitofftillhegetshome？
Poorman！saidMr。Pickwick。Arehischancesofgettingoutofhisdifficultiesreallysogreat？
Chancesbed——d，repliedPrice。hehasn’thalftheghostofone。
Iwouldn’tgivethatforhischanceofwalkingaboutthestreetsthistimetenyears。WiththisMr。Pricesnappedhisfingerscontemptuously，andrangthebell。
Givemeasheetofpaper，Crookey，saidMr。Pricetotheattendant，whoindressandgeneralappearancelookedsomethingbetweenabankruptgrazier，andadroverinastateofinsolvency。andaglassofbrandyandwater，Crookey，d’yehear？I’mgoingtowritetomyfather，andImusthaveastimulant，orIshan’tbeabletopitchitstrongenoughintotheoldboy。Atthisfacetiousspeech，theyoungboy，itisalmostneedlesstosay，wasfairlyconvulsed。
That’sright，saidMr。Price。Neversaydie。Allfun，ain’tit？
Prime！saidtheyounggentleman。
You’vesomespiritaboutyou，youhave，saidPrice。You’veseensomethingoflife。
IratherthinkIhave！repliedtheboy。Hehadlookedatitthroughthedirtypanesofglassinabardoor。
Mr。Pickwickfeelingnotalittledisgustedwiththisdialogue，aswellaswiththeairandmannerofthetwobeingsbywhomithadbeencarriedon，wasabouttoinquirewhetherhecouldnotbeaccommodatedwithaprivatesitting-room，whentwoorthreestrangersofgenteelappearanceentered，atsightofwhomtheboythrewhiscigarintothefire，andwhisperingtoMr。Pricethattheyhadcometomakeitallrightforhim，joinedthematatableinthefurtherendoftheroom。
Itwouldappear，however，thatmatterswerenotgoingtobemadeallrightquitesospeedilyastheyounggentlemananticipated。foraverylongconversationensued，ofwhichMr。Pickwickcouldnotavoidhearingcertainangryfragmentsregardingdissoluteconduct，andrepeatedforgiveness。
Atlast，therewereverydistinctallusionsmadebytheoldestgentlemanofthepartytooneWhitecrossStreet，atwhichtheyounggentleman，notwithstandinghisprimenessandhisspiritandhisknowledgeoflifeintothebargain，reclinedhisheaduponthetable，andhowleddismally。
Verymuchsatisfiedwiththissuddenbringingdownoftheyouth’svalour，andthiseffectualloweringofhistone，Mr。Pickwickrangthebell，andwasshown，athisownrequest，intoaprivateroomfurnishedwithacarpet，table，chairs，sideboard，andsofa，andornamentedwithalooking-glass，andvariousoldprints。Here，hehadtheadvantageofhearingMrs。Namby’sperformanceonasquarepianooverhead。whilethebreakfastwasgettingready。whenitcame，Mr。Perkercametoo。
Aha，mydearsir，saidthelittleman，nailedatlast，eh？Come，come，I’mnotsorryforiteither，becausenowyou’llseetheabsurdityofthisconduct。I’venoteddowntheamountofthetaxedcostsanddamagesforwhichtheca-sawasissued，andwehadbettersettleatonceandlosenotime。Nambyiscomehomebythistime，Idaresay。Whatsayyou，mydearsir？ShallIdrawacheque，orwillyou？Thelittlemanrubbedhishandswithaffectedcheerfulnessashesaidthis，butglancingatMr。Pickwick’scountenance，couldnotforbearatthesametimecastingadespondinglooktowardsSamWeller。
Perker，saidMr。Pickwick，letmehearnomoreofthis，Ibeg。I
seenoadvantageinstayinghere，soIshallgotoprisonto-night。
Youcan’tgotoWhitecrossStreet，mydearsir，saidPerker。Impossible！
Therearesixtybedsinaward。andthebolt’son，sixteenhoursoutofthefour-and-twenty。
IwouldrathergotosomeotherplaceofconfinementifIcan，saidMr。Pickwick。Ifnot，ImustmakethebestIcanofthat。
YoucangototheFleet，mydearsir，ifyou’redeterminedtogosomewhere，
saidPerker。
That’lldo，saidMr。Pickwick。I’llgotheredirectlyIhavefinishedmybreakfast。
Stop，stop，mydearsir。nottheleastoccasionforbeinginsuchaviolenthurrytogetintoaplacethatmostothermenareaseagertogetoutof，saidthegood-naturedlittleattorney。Wemusthaveahabeascorpus。There’llbenojudgeatchamberstillfouro’clockthisafternoon。
Youmustwaittillthen。
Verygood，saidMr。Pickwick，withunmovedpatience。Thenwewillhaveachop，here，attwo。Seeaboutit，Sam，andtellthemtobepunctual。
Mr。Pickwickremainingfirm，despitealltheremonstrancesandargumentsofPerker，thechopsappearedanddisappearedinduecourse。hewasthenputintoanotherhackney-coach，andcarriedofftoChanceryLane，afterwaitinghalfanhourorsoforMr。Namby，whohadaselectdinner-party，andcouldonnoaccountbedisturbedbefore。
ThereweretwojudgesinattendanceatSergeant’sInn——oneKing’sBench，andoneCommonPleas——andagreatdealofbusinessappearedtobetransactingbeforethem，ifthenumberoflawyer’sclerkswhowerehurryinginandoutwithbundlesofpapers，affordedanytest。WhentheyreachedthelowarchwaywhichformstheentrancetotheInn，Perkerwasdetainedafewmomentsparleyingwiththecoachmanaboutthefareandthechange。andMr。Pickwick，steppingtoonesidetobeoutofthewayofthestreamofpeoplethatwerepouringinandout，lookedabouthimwithsomecuriosity。