Afterthat，wewentintoChancery，wherewearestill，andwhereIshallalwaysbe。Mylawyershavehadallmythousandpoundlongago。andwhatbetweentheestate，astheycallit，andthecosts，I’mherefortenthousand，andshallstophere，tillIdie，mendingshoes。Somegentlemenhavetalkedofbringingitaforeparliament，andIdaresaywouldhavedoneit，onlytheyhadn’ttimetocometome，andIhadn’tpowertogotothem，andtheygottiredofmylongletters，anddroppedthebusiness。AndthisisGod’struth，withoutonewordofsuppressionorexaggeration，asfiftypeople，bothinthisplaceandoutofit，verywellknow。
ThecobblerpausedtoascertainwhateffecthisstoryhadproducedonSam。butfindingthathehaddroppedasleep，knockedtheashesoutofhispipe，sighed，putitdown，drewthebedclothesoverhishead，andwenttosleeptoo。
Mr。Pickwickwassittingatbreakfast，alone，nextmorningSambeingbusilyengagedinthecobbler’sroom，polishinghismaster’sshoesandbrushingtheblackgaiterswhentherecameaknockatthedoor，which，beforeMr。PickwickcouldcryComein！wasfollowedbytheappearanceofaheadofhairandacotton-velvetcap，bothofwhicharticlesofdresshehadnodifficultyinrecognisingasthepersonalpropertyofMr。Smangle。
Howareyou？saidthatworthy，accompanyingtheinquirywithascoreortwoofnods。Isay——doyouexpectanybodythismorning？Threemen——devilishgentlemanlyfellows——havebeenaskingafteryoudown-stairs，andknockingateverydoorontheHallflight。forwhichthey’vebeenmostinfernallyblownupbythecollegiansthathadthetroubleofopening’em。
Dearme！Howveryfoolishofthem，saidMr。Pickwick，rising。Yes。
IhavenodoubttheyaresomefriendswhomIratherexpectedtosee，yesterday。
Friendsofyours！exclaimedSmangle，seizingMr。Pickwickbythehand。
Saynomore。Curseme，they’refriendsofminefromthisminute，andfriendsofMivins’stoo。Infernalpleasant，gentlemanlydog，Mivins，isn’the？
saidSmangle，withgreatfeeling。
Iknowsolittleofthegentleman，saidMr。Pickwick，hesitating，thatI——
Iknowyoudo，interposedSmangle，claspingMr。Pickwickbytheshoulder。
Youshallknowhimbetter。You’llbedelightedwithhim。Thatman，sir，
saidSmangle，withasolemncountenance，hascomicpowersthatwoulddohonourtoDruryLaneTheatre。
Hasheindeed？saidMr。Pickwick。
Ah，byJovehehas！repliedSmangle。Hearhimcomethefourcatsinthewheelbarrow——fourdistinctcats，sir，Ipledgeyoumyhonour。Nowyouknowthat’sinfernalclever！Damme，youcan’thelplikingaman，whenyouseethesetraitsabouthim。He’sonlyonefault——thatlittlefailingImentionedtoyou，youknow。
AsMr。Smangleshookhisheadinaconfidentialandsympathisingmanneratthisjuncture，Mr。Pickwickfeltthathewasexpectedtosaysomething，sohesaidAh！andlookedrestlesslyatthedoor。
Ah！echoedMr。Smangle，withalong-drawnsigh。He’sdelightfulcompany，thatmanis，sir。Idon’tknowbettercompanyanywhere。buthehasthatonedrawback。Iftheghostofhisgrandfather，sir，wastorisebeforehimthisminute，he’daskhimfortheloanofhisacceptanceonaneighteenpennystamp。
Dearme！exclaimedMr。Pickwick。
Yes，addedMr。Smangle。andifhe’dthepowerofraisinghimagain，hewould，intwomonthsandthreedaysfromthistime，torenewthebill！
Thoseareveryremarkabletraits，saidMr。Pickwick。butI’mafraidthatwhilewearetalkinghere，myfriendsmaybeinastateofgreatperplexityatnotfindingme。
I’llshow’emtheway，saidSmangle，makingforthedoor。Goodday。
Iwon’tdisturbyouwhilethey’rehere，youknow。By-the-bye——
AsSmanglepronouncedthelastthreewords，hestoppedsuddenly，re-closedthedoorwhichhehadopened，and，walkingsoftlybacktoMr。Pickwick，steppedcloseuptohimontip-toe，andsaidinaverysoftwhisper：
Youcouldn’tmakeitconvenienttolendmehalf-a-crowntillthelatterendofnextweek，couldyou？
Mr。Pickwickcouldscarcelyforbearsmiling，butmanagingtopreservehisgravity，hedrewforththecoin，andplaceditinMr。Smangle’spalm。
uponwhich，thatgentleman，withmanynodsandwinks，implyingprofoundmystery，disappearedinquestofthethreestrangers，withwhomhepresentlyreturned。andhavingcoughedthrice，andnoddedasmanytimes，asanassurancetoMr。Pickwickthathewouldnotforgettopay，heshookhandsallround，inanengagingmanner，andatlengthtookhimselfoff。
Mydearfriends，saidMr。Pickwick，shakinghandsalternatelywithMr。Tupman，Mr。Winkle，andMr。Snodgrass，whowerethethreevisitorsinquestion，Iamdelightedtoseeyou。
Thetriumvirateweremuchaffected。Mr。Tupmanshookhisheaddeploringly。
Mr。Snodgrassdrewforthhishandkerchief，withundisguisedemotion。andMr。Winkleretiredtothewindowandsniffedaloud。
Mornin’，gen’l’m’n，saidSam，enteringatthemomentwiththeshoesandgaiters。Avayvithmelincholly，asthelittleboysaidvenhisschool-missisdied。VelcometotheCollege，gen’l’m’n。
Thisfoolishfellow，saidMr。Pickwick，tappingSamontheheadashekneltdowntobuttonuphismaster’sgaiters：Thisfoolishfellowhasgothimselfarrested，inordertobenearme。
What！exclaimedthethreefriends。
Yes，gen’l’m’n，saidSam，I’ma——standsteady，sir，ifyouplease——I’mapris’ner，gen’l’m’n。Con-fined，astheladysaid。
Aprisoner！exclaimedMr。Winkle，withunaccountablevehemence。
Hallo，sir！respondedSam，lookingup。Wot’sthematter，sir？
Ihadhoped，Sam，that——nothing，nothing，saidMr。Winkle，precipitately。
TherewassomethingsoveryabruptandunsettledinMr。Winkle’smanner，thatMr。Pickwickinvoluntarilylookedathistwofriendsforanexplanation。
Wedon’tknow，saidMr。Tupman，answeringthismuteappealaloud。
Hehasbeenmuchexcitedfortwodayspast，andhiswholedemeanourveryunlikewhatitusuallyis。Wefeartheremustbesomethingthematter，butheresolutelydeniesit。
No，no，saidMr。Winkle，colouringbeneathMr。Pickwick’sgaze。thereisreallynothing。Iassureyouthereisnothing，mydearsir。Itwillbenecessaryformetoleavetown，forashorttime，onprivatebusiness，andIhadhopedtohaveprevaileduponyoutoallowSamtoaccompanyme。
Mr。Pickwicklookedmoreastonishedthanbefore。
Ithink，falteredMr。Winkle，thatSamwouldhavehadnoobjectiontodoso。but，ofcourse，hisbeingaprisonerhere，rendersitimpossible。
SoImustgoalone。
AsMr。Winklesaidthesewords，Mr。Pickwickfelt，withsomeastonishment，thatSam’sfingersweretremblingatthegaiters，asifhewererathersurprisedorstartled。SamlookedupatMr。Winkle，too，whenhehadfinishedspeaking。andthoughtheglancetheyexchangedwasinstantaneous，theyseemedtounderstandeachother。
Doyouknowanythingofthis，Sam？saidMr。Pickwick，sharply。
No，Idon’t，sir，repliedMr。Weller，beginningtobuttonwithextraordinaryassiduity。
Areyousure，Sam？saidMr。Pickwick。
Wy，sir，respondedMr。Weller。I’msuresofar，thatI’veneverheerdanythin’onthesubjectaforethismoment。IfImakesanyguessaboutit，
addedSam，lookingatMr。Winkle，Ihaven’tgotanyrighttosaywotitis，’fearitshouldbeawrong’un。
Ihavenorighttomakeanyfurtherinquiryintotheprivateaffairsofafriend，howeverintimateafriend，saidMr。Pickwick，afterashortsilence。atpresentletmemerelysay，thatIdonotunderstandthisatall。There。Wehavehadquiteenoughofthesubject。
Thusexpressinghimself，Mr。Pickwickledtheconversationtodifferenttopics，andMr。Winklegraduallyappearedmoreatease，thoughstillveryfarfrombeingcompletelyso。Theyhadallsomuchtoconverseabout，thatthemorningveryquicklypassedaway。andwhen，atthreeo’clock，Mr。Wellerproduceduponthelittlediningtable，aroastlegofmuttonandanenormousmeatpie，withsundrydishesofvegetables，andpotsofporter，whichstooduponthechairsorthesofa-bedstead，orwheretheycould，everybodyfeltdisposedtodojusticetothemeal，notwithstandingthatthemeathadbeenpurchased，anddressed，andthepiemade，andbaked，attheprisoncookeryhardby。
Tothesesucceededabottleortwoofverygoodwine，forwhichamessengerwasdispatchedbyMr。PickwicktotheHornCoffee-house，inDoctors’Commons。
Thebottleortwo，indeed，mightbemoreproperlydescribedasabottleorsix，forbythetimeitwasdrunk，andteaover，thebellbegantoringforstrangerstowithdraw。
But，ifMr。Winkle’sbehaviourhadbeenunaccountableinthemorning，itbecameperfectlyunearthlyandsolemnwhen，undertheinfluenceofhisfeelings，andhisshareofthebottleorsix，hepreparedtotakeleaveofhisfriend。Helingeredbehind，untilMr。TupmanandMr。Snodgrasshaddisappeared，andthenferventlyclenchedMr。Pickwick’shand，withanexpressionoffaceinwhichdeepandmightyresolvewasfearfullyblendedwiththeveryconcentratedessenceofgloom。
Goodnight，mydearsir！saidMr。Winklebetweenhissetteeth。
Blessyou，mydearfellow！repliedthewarm-heartedMr。Pickwick，ashereturnedthepressureofhisyoungfriend’shand。
Nowthen！criedMr。Tupmanfromthegallery。
Yes，yes，directly，repliedMr。Winkle。Goodnight！
Goodnight，saidMr。Pickwick。
Therewasanothergoodnight，andanother，andhalf-a-dozenmoreafterthat，andstillMr。Winklehadfastholdofhisfriend’shand，andwaslookingintohisfacewiththesamestrangeexpression。
Isanythingthematter？saidMr。Pickwickatlast，whenhisarmwasquitesorewithshaking。
Nothing，saidMr。Winkle。
Wellthen，goodnight，saidMr。Pickwick，attemptingtodisengagehishand。
Myfriend，mybenefactor，myhonouredcompanion，murmuredMr。Winkle，catchingathiswrist。Donotjudgemeharshly。donot，whenyouhearthat，driventoextremitybyhopelessobstacles，I——
Nowthen，saidMr。Tupman，re-appearingatthedoor。Areyoucoming，orarewetobelockedin？
Yes，yes，Iamready，repliedMr。Winkle。Andwithaviolentefforthetorehimselfaway。
AsMr。Pickwickwasgazingdownthepassageaftertheminsilentastonishment，SamWellerappearedatthestairhead，andwhisperedforonemomentinMr。
Winkle’sear。
Ohcertainly，dependuponme，saidthatgentlemanaloud。
Thank’ee，sir。Youwon’tforget，sir？saidSam。
Ofcoursenot，repliedMr。Winkle。
Wishyouluck，sir，saidSam，touchinghishat。Ishouldverymuchliketoha’joinedyou，sir。butthegov’nero’courseispairamount。
Itisverymuchtoyourcreditthatyouremainhere，saidMr。Winkle。
Withthesewordstheydisappeareddownthestairs。
Veryextraordinary，saidMr。Pickwick，goingbackintohisroom，andseatinghimselfatthetableinamusingattitude。
Whatcanthatyoungmanbegoingtodo？
Hehadsatruminatingaboutthematterforsometime，whenthevoiceofRoker，theturnkey，demandedwhetherhemightcomein。
Byallmeans，saidMr。Pickwick。
I’vebroughtyouasofterpillow，sir，saidRoker，insteadofthetemporaryoneyouhadlastnight。
Thankyou，saidMr。Pickwick。Willyoutakeaglassofwine？
You’rewerygood，sir，repliedMr。Roker，acceptingtheprofferedglass。Yours，sir。
Thankyou，saidMr。Pickwick。
I’msorrytosaythatyourlandlord’swerybadto-night，sir，saidRoker，settingdowntheglass，andinspectingtheliningofhishatpreparatorytoputtingitonagain。
What！TheChanceryprisoner！exclaimedMr。Pickwick。
Hewon’tbeaChanceryprisonerwerylong，sir，repliedRoker，turninghishatround，soastogetthemaker’snamerightsideupwards，ashelookedintoit。
Youmakemybloodruncold，saidMr。Pickwick。Whatdoyoumean？
He’sbeenconsumptiveforalongtimepast，saidMr。Roker，andhe’stakenwerybadinthebreathto-night。Thedoctorsaid，sixmonthsago，thatnothingbutchangeofaircouldsavehim。
GreatHeaven！exclaimedMr。Pickwick。hasthismanbeenslowlymurderedbythelawforsixmonths？
Idon’tknowaboutthat，repliedRoker，weighingthehatbythebrimsinbothhands。Isupposehe’dhavebeentookthesame，whereverhewas。
Hewentintotheinfirmary，thismorning。thedoctorsayshisstrengthistobekeptupasmuchaspossible。andthewarden’ssenthimwineandbrothandthat，fromhisownhouseIt’snotthewarden’sfault，youknow，sir，
Ofcoursenot，repliedMr。Pickwickhastily。
I’mafraid，however，saidRoker，shakinghishead，thatit’sallupwithhim。IofferedNeddytwosixpenn’orthstooneuponitjustnow，buthewouldn’ttakeit，andquiteright。Thank’ee，sir。Goodnight，sir。
Stay，saidMr。Pickwickearnestly。Whereisthisinfirmary？
Justoverwhereyouslept，sir，repliedRoker。I’llshowyou，ifyouliketocome。Mr。Pickwicksnatcheduphishatwithoutspeaking，andfollowedatonce。
Theturnkeyledthewayinsilence。andgentlyraisingthelatchoftheroom-door，motionedMr。Pickwicktoenter。Itwasalarge，bare，desolateroom，withanumberofstumpbedsteadsmadeofiron：ononeofwhichlaystretched，theshadowofaman：wan，pale，andghastly。Hisbreathingwashardandthick，andhemoanedpainfullyasitcameandwent。Atthebedsidesatashortoldmaninacobbler’sapron，who，bytheaidofapairofhornspectacles，wasreadingfromtheBiblealoud。Itwasthefortunatelegatee。
Thesickmanlaidhishanduponhisattendant’sarm，andmotionedhimtostop。Heclosedthebook，andlaiditonthebed。
Openthewindow，saidthesickman。
Hedidso。Thenoiseofcarriagesandcarts，therattleofwheels，thecriesofmenandboys，allthebusysoundsofamightymultitudeinstinctwithlifeandoccupation，blendedintoonedeepmurmur，floatedintotheroom。Abovethehoarseloudhum，arosefromtimetotimeaboisterouslaugh。
orascrapofsomejinglingsong，shoutedforthbyoneofthegiddycrowd，wouldstrikeupontheearforaninstant，andthenbelostamidsttheroarofvoicesandthetrampoffootsteps。thebreakingofthebillowsoftherestlessseaoflifethatrolledheavilyon，without。Melancholysoundstoaquitelisteneratanytime。howmelancholytothewatcherbythebedofdeath！
Thereisnoairhere，saidthesickmanfaintly。Theplacepollutesit。Itwasfreshroundabout，whenIwalkedthere，yearsago。butitgrowshotandheavyinpassingthesewalls。Icannotbreatheit。
Wehavebreathedittogether，foralongtime，saidtheoldman。Come，come。
Therewasashortsilence，duringwhichthetwospectatorsapproachedthebed。Thesickmandrewahandofhisoldfellow-prisonertowardshim，andpressingitaffectionatelybetweenbothhisown，retaineditinhisgrasp。
Ihope，hegaspedafterawhile：sofaintlythattheybenttheirearscloseoverthebedtocatchthehalf-formedsoundshispalelipsgaveventto：IhopemymercifulJudgewillbearinmindmyheavypunishmentonearth。Twentyyears，myfriend，twentyyearsinthishideousgrave！Myheartbrokewhenmychilddied，andIcouldnotevenkisshiminhislittlecoffin。Mylonelinesssincethen，inallthisnoiseandriot，hasbeenverydreadful。MayGodforgiveme！Hehasseenmysolitary，lingeringdeath。
Hefoldedhishands，andmurmuringsomethingmoretheycouldnothear，fellintoasleep——onlyasleepatfirst，fortheysawhimsmile。
Theywhisperedtogetherforalittletime，andtheturnkey，stoopingoverthepillow，drewhastilyback。Hehasgothisdischarge，byG——！
saidtheman。
Hehad。Buthehadgrownsolikedeathinlife，thattheyknewnotwhenhedied。
[NextChapter][TableofContents]ThePickwickPapers：Chapter45[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]CHAPTERXLVDESCRIPTIVEOFANAFFECTINGINTERVIEWBETWEENMR。
SAMUELWELLERANDAFAMILYPARTY。MR。PICKWICKMAKESATOUROFTHEDIMINUTIVE
WORLDHEINHABITS，ANDRESOLVESTOMIXWITHIT，INFUTURE，ASLITTLEAS
POSSIBLE
AFEWmorningsafterhisincarceration，Mr。SamuelWeller，havingarrangedhismaster’sroomwithallpossiblecare，andseenhimcomfortablyseatedoverhisbooksandpapers，withdrewtoemployhimselfforanhourortwotocome，ashebestcould。Itwasafinemorning，anditoccurredtoSamthatapintofporterintheopenairwouldlightenhisnextquarterofanhourorso，aswellasanylittleamusementinwhichhecouldindulge。
Havingarrivedatthisconclusion，hebetookhimselftothetap。Havingpurchasedthebeer，andobtained，moreover，theday-but-one-before-yesterday’spaper，herepairedtotheskittle-ground，andseatinghimselfonabench，proceededtoenjoyhimselfinaverysedateandmethodicalmanner。
Firstofall，hetookarefreshingdraughtofthebeer，andthenhelookedupatawindow，andbestowedaPlatonicwinkonayoungladywhowaspeelingpotatoesthereat。Thenheopenedthepaper，andfoldeditsoastogetthepolicereportsoutwards。andthisbeingavexatiousanddifficultthingtodo，whenthereisanywindstirring，hetookanotherdraughtofthebeerwhenhehadaccomplishedit。Then，hereadtwolinesofthepaper，andstoppedshort，tolookatacoupleofmenwhowerefinishingagameatrackets，whichbeingconcluded，hecriedoutwerygoodinanapprovingmanner，andlookedrounduponthespectators，whethertheirsentimentscoincidedwithhisown。Thisinvolvedthenecessityoflookingupatthewindowsalso。andastheyoungladywasstillthere，itwasanactofcommonpolitenesstowinkagain，andtodrinktohergoodhealthindumbshow，inanotherdraughtofthebeer，whichSamdid。andhavingfrownedhideouslyuponasmallboywhohadnotedthislatterproceedingwithopeneyes，hethrewonelegovertheother，and，holdingthenewspaperinbothhands，begantoreadinrealearnest。
Hehadhardlycomposedhimselfintotheneedfulstateofabstraction，whenhethoughtheheardhisownnameproclaimedinsomedistantpassage。
Norwashemistaken，foritquicklypassedfrommouthtomouth，andinafewsecondstheairteemedwithshoutsofWeller！
Here！roaredSam，inastentorianvoice。Wot’sthematter？Whowantshim？Hasanexpresscometosaythathiscountry-houseisa-fire？
Somebodywantsyouinthehall，saidamanwhowasstandingby。
Justmindthat’erepaperandthepot，oldfeller，willyou？saidSam。I’macomin’。Blessed，iftheywasacallin’metothebar，theycouldn’tmakemorenoiseaboutit！
Accompanyingthesewordswithagentlerapontheheadoftheyounggentlemanbeforenoticed，who，unconsciousofhisclosevicinitytothepersoninrequest，wasscreamingWeller！withallhismight，Samhastenedacrosstheground，andranupthestepsintothehall。Here，thefirstobjectthatmethiseyeswashisbelovedfathersittingonabottomstair，withhishatinhishand，shoutingoutWeller！inhisveryloudesttone，athalf-minuteintervals。
Wotareyouroarin’at？saidSamimpetuously，whentheoldgentlemanhaddischargedhimselfofanothershout。makin’yourselfsoprecioushotthatyoulookslikeaaggrawatedglass-blower。Wot’sthematter？
Aha！repliedtheoldgentleman，Ibegantobeafeerdthatyou’dgoneforawalkroundtheRegencyPark，Sammy。
Come，saidSam，noneo’themtauntsaginthewictimo’avarice，andcomeoffthat’erestep。Wotareyouasettin’downtherefor？Idon’tlivethere。
I’vegotsuchagameforyou，Sammy，saidtheelderMr。Weller，rising。
Stopaminit，saidSam，you’reallvitebehind。
That’sright，Sammy，rubitoff，saidMr。Weller，ashissondustedhim。Itmightlookpersonalhere，ifamanwalkedaboutwithwhitevashonhisclothes，eh，Sammy？
AsMr。Wellerexhibitedinthisplaceunequivocalsymptomsofanapproachingfitofchuckling，Saminterposedtostopit。
Keepquiet，do，saidSam，therenevervossuchaoldpicter-cardborn。Wotareyoubustin’vith，now？
Sammy，saidMr。Weller，wipinghisforehead，I’mafeerdthatvuno’thesedaysIshalllaughmyselfintoaappleplexy，myboy。
Vell，then，wotdoyoudoitfor？saidSam。Now。wothaveyougottosay？
Whodoyouthink’scomeherewithme，Samivel？saidMr。Weller，drawingbackapaceortwo，pursinguphismouth，andextendinghiseyebrows。
Pell？saidSam。
Mr。Wellershookhishead，andhisredcheekexpandedwiththelaughterthatwasendeavouringtofindavent。
Mottled-facedman，p’r’aps？suggestedSam。
AgainMr。Wellershookhishead。
Whothen？askedSam。
Yourmother-in-law，saidMr。Weller。anditwasluckyhedidsayit，orhischeeksmustinevitablyhavecracked，fromtheirmostunnaturaldistension。
Yourmother-in-law，Sammy，saidMr。Weller，andthered-nosedman，myboy。andthered-nosedman。Ho！ho！ho！
Withthis，Mr。Wellerlaunchedintoconvulsionsoflaughter，whileSamregardedhimwithabroadgringraduallyoverspreadinghiswholecountenance。
They’vecometohavealittleserioustalkwithyou，Samivel，saidMr。Weller，wipinghiseyes。Don’tletoutnothin’abouttheunnat’ralcreditor，Sammy。
Wot，don’ttheyknowwhoitis？inquiredSam。
Notabitonit，repliedhisfather。
Verearethey？saidSam，reciprocatingalltheoldgentleman’sgrins。
Inthesnuggery，rejoinedMr。Weller。Catchthered-nosedmanagoin’
anyverebutveretheliquorsis。nothe，Samivel，nothe。Ve’dawerypleasantridealongtheroadfromtheMarkisthismornin’，Sammy，saidMr。Weller，whenhefelthimselfequaltothetaskofspeakinginanarticulatemanner。Idrovetheoldpiebaldinthat’erelittleshay-cartasbelongedtoyourmother-in-law’sfirstwenter，intovichaharm-cheerwosliftedfortheshepherd。andI’mblest，saidMr。Weller，withalookofdeepscorn：I’mblestiftheydidn’tbringaprotableflighto’stepsoutintotheroadafronto’ourdoor，forhimtogetupby。
Youdon’tmeanthat？saidSam。
Idomeanthat，Sammy，repliedhisfather，andIvishyoucouldha’seenhowtightheheldonbythesideswenhedidgetup，asifhewosafeerdo’beingprecipitayteddownfullsixfoot，anddashedintoamilliono’hatoms。Hetumbledinatlast，however，andavayhevent。
andIraytherthink，IsayIraytherthink，Samivel，thathefoundhis-selfalittlejoltedwenveturnedthecorners。
Wot，Is’poseyouhappenedtodriveupaginapostortwo？saidSam。
I’mafeerd，repliedMr。Weller，inaraptureofwinks，I’mafeerdItookvunortwoon’em，Sammy。hewosaflyin’outo’theharm-cheeralltheway。
Heretheoldgentlemanshookhisheadfromsidetoside，andwasseizedwithahoarseinternalrumbling，accompaniedwithaviolentswellingofthecountenance，andasuddenincreaseinthebreadthofallhisfeatures。
symptomswhichalarmedhissonnotalittle。
Don’tbefrightened，Sammy，don’tbefrightened，saidtheoldgentleman，when，bydintofmuchstruggling，andvariousconvulsivestampsupontheground，hehadrecoveredhisvoice。It’sonlyakindo’quietlaughasI’matryin’tocome，Sammy。
Well，ifthat’swotitis，saidSam，you’dbetternottrytocomeitagin。You’llfinditraytheradangerousinwention。
Don’tyoulikeit，Sammy？inquiredtheoldgentleman。
Notatall，repliedSam。
Well，saidMr。Weller，withthetearsstillrunningdownhischeeks，it’udha’beenawerygreataccommodationtomeifIcouldha’doneit，and’udha’savedagoodmanyvordsatweenyourmother-in-lawandme，sometimes。
butIamafeerdyou’reright，Sammy：it’stoomuchintheappleplexyline——adealtoomuch，Samivel。
Thisconversationbroughtthemtothedoorofthesnuggery，intowhichSam——pausingforaninstanttolookoverhisshoulder，andcastaslyleerathisrespectedprogenitor，whowasstillgigglingbehind——atonceledtheway。
Mother-in-law，saidSam，politelysalutingthelady，werymuchobligedtoyouforthisherewisit。Shepherd，howairyou？
Oh，Samuel！saidMrs。Weller。Thisisdreadful。
Notabitonit，mum，repliedSam。Isit，shepherd？
Mr。Stigginsraisedhishands，andturneduphiseyes，tillthewhites——orrathertheyellows——werealonevisible。butmadenoreplyinwords。
Isthisheregen’l’m’ntroubledvithanypainfulcomplaint？saidSam，lookingtohismother-in-lawforexplanation。
Thegoodmanisgrievedtoseeyouhere，Samuel，repliedMrs。Weller。
Oh，that’sit，isit？saidSam。Iwasafeerd，fromhismanner，thathemightha’forgottentotakepepperviththat’erelastcowcumberheeat。Setdown，sir。vemakenoextrachargeforthesettin’down，asthekingremarkedwenhebloweduphisministers。
Youngman，saidMr。Stiggins，ostentatiously，Ifearyouarenotsoftenedbyimprisonment。
Begyoupardon，sir，repliedSam。wotwosyougraciouslypleasedtohobserve？
Iapprehend，youngman，thatyournatureisnosofterforthischastening，
saidMr。Stiggins，inaloudvoice。
Sir，repliedSam，you’rewerykindtosayso。Ihopemynaturisnotasoftvun，sir。Werymuchobligedtoyouforyourgoodopinion，sir。
Atthispointoftheconversation，asound，indecorouslyapproachingtoalaugh，washeardtoproceedfromthechairinwhichtheelderMr。
Wellerwasseated。uponwhichMrs。Weller，onahastyconsiderationofallthecircumstancesofthecase，considereditherboundendutytobecomegraduallyhysterical。
Weller，saidMrs。W。theoldgentlemanwasseatedinacorner。Weller！
Comeforth。
Werymuchobleegedtoyou，mydear，repliedMr。Weller。butI’mquitecomfortablevereIam。
Uponthis，Mrs。Wellerburstintotears。
Wot’sgonewrong，mum？saidSam。
Oh，Samuel！repliedMrs。Weller，yourfathermakesmewretched。Willnothingdohimgood？
Doyouhearthishere？saidSam。Ladywantstoknowvethernothin’
’ulldoyougood。
WerymuchindebtedtoMrs。Wellerforherpo-liteinquiries，Sammy，
repliedtheoldgentleman。Ithinkapipevouldbenefitmeagooddeal。
CouldIbeaccommodated，Sammy？
HereMrs。Wellerletfallsomemoretears，andMr。Stigginsgroaned。
Hallo！Here’sthisunfort’nategen’l’m’ntookillagain，saidSam，lookinground。Weredoyoufeelitnow，sir？
Inthesameplace，youngman，rejoinedMr。Stiggins：inthesameplace。
Weremaythatbe，sir？inquiredSam，withgreatoutwardsimplicity。
Inthebuzzim，youngman，repliedMr。Stiggins，placinghisumbrellaonhiswaistcoat。
Atthisaffectingreply，Mrs。Weller，beingwhollyunabletosuppressherfeelings，sobbedaloud，andstatedherconvictionthatthered-nosedmanwasasaint。whereuponMr。Weller，senior，venturedtosuggest，inanundertone，thathemustbetherepresentativeoftheunitedparishesofSaintSimonWithout，andSaintWalkerWithin。
I’mafeerd，mum，saidSam，thatthisheregen’l’m’n，withthetwistinhiscountenance，feelsraytherthirsty，withthemelancholyspectacleaforehim。Isitthecase，mum？
TheworthyladylookedatMr。Stigginsforareply。thatgentleman，withmanyrollingsoftheeye，clenchedhisthroatwithhisrighthand，andmimickedtheactofswallowing，tointimatethathewasathirst。
Iamafraid，Samuel，thathisfeelingshavemadehimso，indeed，saidMrs。Weller，mournfully。
Wot’syourusualtap，sir，repliedSam。
Oh，mydearyoungfriend，repliedMr。Stiggins，alltapsisvanities！
Tootrue，tootrue，indeed，saidMrs。Weller，murmuringagroan，andshakingherheadassentingly。
Well，saidSam，Ides-saytheymaybe，sir。butwhichisyourparticklerwanity。Vichwanitydoyouliketheflavouronbest，sir？
Oh，mydearyoungfriend，repliedMr。Stiggins，Idespisethemall。
If，saidMr。Stiggins，ifthereisanyoneofthemlessodiousthananother，itistheliquorcalledrum。Warm，mydearyoungfriend，withthreelumpsofsugartothetumbler。
Werysorrytosay，sir，saidSam，thattheydon’tallowthatparticklerwanitytobesoldinthishereestablishment。
Oh，thehardnessofheartoftheseinveteratemen！ejaculatedMr。
Stiggins。Oh，theaccursedcrueltyoftheseinhumanpersecutors！
Withthesewords，Mr。Stigginsagaincastuphiseyes，andrappedhisbreastwithhisumbrella。anditisbutjusticetothereverendgentlemantosay，thathisindignationappearedveryrealandunfeignedindeed。
AfterMrs。Wellerandthered-nosedgentlemanhadcommentedonthisinhumanusageinaveryforciblemanner，andhadventedavarietyofpiousandholyexecrationsagainstitsauthors，thelatterrecommendedabottleofportwine，warmedwithalittlewater，spice，andsugar，asbeinggratefultothestomach，andsavouringlessofvanitythanmanyothercompounds。
Itwasaccordinglyorderedtobeprepared。Pendingitspreparationthered-nosedmanandMrs。WellerlookedattheelderW。andgroaned。
Well，Sammy，saidthatgentleman，Ihopeyou’llfindyourspiritsrosebythisherelivelywisit。Werycheerfulandimprovin’conwersation，ain’tit，Sammy？
You’reareprobate，repliedSam。andIdesireyouwon’taddressnomoreo’themungracefulremarkstome。
Sofarfrombeingedifiedbythisveryproperreply，theelderMr。Welleratoncerelapsedintoabroadgrin。andthisinexorableconductcausingtheladyandMr。Stigginstoclosetheireyes，androckthemselvestoandfroontheirchairs，inatroubledmanner，hefurthermoreindulgedinseveralactsofpantomime，indicativeofadesiretopummelandwringthenoseoftheaforesaidStiggins：theperformanceofwhichappearedtoaffordhimgreatmentalrelief。Theoldgentlemanverynarrowlyescapeddetectioninoneinstance。forMr。Stigginshappeningtogiveastartonthearrivalofthenegus，broughthisheadinsmartcontactwiththeclenchedfistwithwhichMr。Wellerhadbeendescribingimaginaryfireworksintheair，withintwoinchesofhisear，forsomeminutes。
Wotareyouareachin’outyourhandforthetumblerinthat’eresawagewayfor？saidSam，withgreatpromptitude。Don’tyouseeyou’vehitthegen’l’m’n？
Ididn’tgotodoit，Sammy，saidMr。Weller，insomedegreeabashedbytheveryunexpectedoccurrenceoftheincident。
Tryanin’ardapplication，sir，saidSam，asthered-nosedgentlemanrubbedhisheadwitharuefulvisage。Wotdoyouthinko’that，foragoo’wanitywarm，sir？
Mr。Stigginsmadenoverbalanswer，buthismannerwasexpressive。hetastedthecontentsoftheglasswhichSamhadplacedinhishand。puthisumbrellaonthefloor，andtasteditagain：passinghishandplacidlyacrosshisstomachtwiceofthrice。hethendrankthewholeatabreath，andsmackinghislips，heldoutthetumblerformore。
NorwasMrs。Wellerbehind-handindoingjusticetothecomposition。
Thegoodladybeganbyprotestingthatshecouldn’ttouchadrop——thentookasmalldrop——thenalargedrop——thenagreatmanydrops。andherfeelingsbeingofthenatureofthosesubstanceswhicharepowerfullyaffectedbytheapplicationofstrongwaters，shedroppedatearwitheverydropofnegus，andsogoton，meltingthefeelingsdown，untilatlengthshehadarrivedataverypatheticanddecentpitchofmisery。
TheelderMr。Wellerobservedthesesignsandtokenswithmanymanifestationsofdisgust，andwhen，afterasecondjugofthesame，Mr。Stigginsbegantosighinadismalmanner，heplainlyevincedhisdisapprobationofthewholeproceedings，bysundryincoherentramblingsofspeech，amongwhichfrequentangryrepetitionsofthewordgammonwerealonedistinguishabletotheear。
I’lltellyouwotitis，Samivel，myboy，whisperedtheoldgentlemanintohisson’sear，afteralongandsteadfastcontemplationofhisladyandMr。Stiggins。Ithinktheremustbesomethin’wronginyourmother-in-law’sinside，asvellasinthato’thered-nosedman。
Wotdoyoumean？saidSam。
Imeanthishere，Sammy，repliedtheoldgentleman，thatwottheydrink，don’tseemnonourishmentto’em。itallturnstowarmwater，andcomesa’pourin’outo’theireyes。’Penduponit，Sammy，it’saconstitootionalinfirmity。
Mr。Wellerdeliveredthisscientificopinionwithmanyconfirmatoryfrownsandnods。which，Mrs。Wellerremarking，andconcludingthattheyboresomedisparagingreferenceeithertoherselfortoMr。Stiggins，ortoboth，wasonthepointofbecominginfinitelyworse，whenMr。Stiggins，gettingonhislegsaswellashecould，proceededtodeliveranedifyingdiscourseforthebenefitofthecompany，butmoreespeciallyofMr。Samuel，whomheadjuredinmovingtermstobeuponhisguardinthatsinkofiniquityintowhichhewascast。toabstainfromallhypocrisyandprideofheart。
andtotakeinallthingsexactpatternandcopybyhimStiggins，inwhichcasehemightcalculateonarriving，soonerorlateratthecomfortableconclusion，that，likehim，hewasamostestimableandblamelesscharacter，andthatallhisacquaintanceandfriendswerehopelesslyabandonedandprofligatewretches。Whichconsideration，hesaid，couldnotbutaffordhimtheliveliestsatisfaction。
Hefurthermoreconjuredhimtoavoid，aboveallthings，theviceofintoxication，whichhelikeneduntothefilthyhabitsofswine，andtothosepoisonousandbalefuldrugswhichbeingchewedinthemouth，aresaidtofilchawaythememory。Atthispointofhisdiscourse，thereverendandred-nosedgentlemanbecamesingularlyincoherent，andstaggeringtoandfrointheexcitementofhiseloquence，wasfaintocatchatthebackofachairtopreservehisperpendicular。
Mr。Stigginsdidnotdesirehishearerstobeupontheirguardagainstthosefalseprophetsandwretchedmockersofreligion，who，withoutsensetoexpounditsfirstdoctrines，orheartstofeelitsfirstprinciples，aremoredangerousmembersofsocietythanthecommoncriminal。imposing，astheynecessarilydo，upontheweakestandworstinformed，castingscornandcontemptonwhatshouldbeheldmostsacred，andbringingintopartialdisreputelargebodiesofvirtuousandwell-conductedpersonsofmanyexcellentsectsandpersuasions。Butasheleantoverthebackofthechairforaconsiderabletime，andclosingoneeye，winkedagooddealwiththeother，itispresumedthathethoughtallthis，butkeptittohimself。
Duringthedeliveryoftheoration，Mrs。Wellersobbedandweptattheendoftheparagraphs：whileSam，sittingcross-leggedonachairandrestinghisarmsonthetop-rail，regardedthespeakerwithgreatsuavityandblandnessofdemeanour。occasionallybestowingalookofrecognitionontheoldgentleman，whowasdelightedatthebeginning，andwenttosleepabouthalf-way。
Brayvo。werypretty！saidSam，whenthered-nosedmanhavingfinished，pulledhisworngloveson：therebythrustinghisfingersthroughthebrokentopstilltheknucklesweredisclosedtoview。Werypretty。
Ihopeitmaydoyougood，Samuel，saidMrs。Wellersolemnly。
Ithinkitvill，mum，repliedSam。
IwishIcouldhopethatitwoulddoyourfathergood，saidMrs。Weller。
Thank’ee，mydear，saidMr。Weller，senior。Howdoyoufindyourselfarterit，mylove？
Scoffer！exclaimedMrs。Weller。
Benightedman！saidthereverendMr。Stiggins。
IfIdon’tgetnobetterlightthanthat’eremoonshineo’yourn，myworthycreetur，saidtheelderMr。Weller，it’swerylikelyasIshallcontineytobeanightcoachtillI’mtookofftheroadaltogether。Now，Mrs。We，ifthepiebaldstandsatliverymuchlonger，he’llstandatnothin’
aswegoback，andp’rapsthat’ereharmcheer’ullbetippedoverintosomehedgeoranother，withtheshepherdinit。
Atthissupposition，thereverendMr。Stiggins，inevidentconsternation，gathereduphishatandumbrella，andproposedanimmediatedeparture，towhichMrs。Wellerassented。Samwalkedwiththemtothelodge-gate，andtookadutifulleave。
A-do，Samivel，saidtheoldgentleman。
Wot’sa-do？inquiredSammy。
Well，good-bye，then，saidtheoldgentleman。
Oh，that’swotyou’reaaimin’at，isit？saidSam。Good-bye！
Sammy，whisperedMr。Weller，lookingcautiouslyround。mydutytoyourgov’ner，andtellhimifhethinksbettero’thisherebis’ness，tocommoonicatevithme。Meandacab’net-makerhasdewisedaplanforgettin’
himout。Apianner，Samivel，apianner！saidMr。Weller，strikinghissononthechestwiththebackofhishand，andfallingbackasteportwo。
Wotdoyoumean？saidSam。
Apiannerforty，Samivel，rejoinedMr。Weller，inastillmoremysteriousmanner，ashecanhaveonhire。vunasvon’tplay，Sammy。
Andwot’udbethegoodo’that？saidSam。
Lethimsendtomyfriend，thecab’net-maker，tofetchitback，Sammy，
repliedMr。Weller。Areyouavake，now？
No，rejoinedSam。
Thereain’tnovurksinit，whisperedhisfather。It’ullholdhimeasy，vithhishatandshoeson，andbreathethroughthelegs，vichhisholler。Haveapassagereadytakenfor’Merriker。The’Merrikingov’mentwillnevergivehimup，ventheyfindashe’sgotmoneytospend，Sammy。
Letthegov’nerstopthere，tillMrs。Bardell’sdead，orMr。DodsonandFogg’shungwichlastewentIthinkisthemostlikelytohappenfirst，Sammy，andthenlethimcomebackandwriteabookaboutthe’Merrikinsas’llpayallhisexpensesandmore，ifheblows’emupenough。
Mr。Wellerdeliveredthishurriedabstractofhisplotwithgreatvehemenceofwhisper。then，asiffearfulofweakeningtheeffectofthetremendouscommunication，byanyfurtherdialogue，hegavethecoachman’ssalute，andvanished。
Samhadscarcelyrecoveredhisusualcomposureofcountenance，whichhadbeengreatlydisturbedbythesecretcommunicationofhisrespectedrelative，whenMr。Pickwickaccostedhim。
Sam，saidthatgentleman。
Sir，repliedMr。Weller。
Iamgoingforawalkroundtheprison，andIwishyoutoattendme。
Iseeaprisonerweknowcomingthisway，Sam，saidMr。Pickwick，smiling。
Wich，sir？inquiredMr。Weller。thegen’l’m’nviththeheado’hair，ortheinterestin’captiveinthestockin’s？
Neither，rejoinedMr。Pickwick。Heisanolderfriendofyours，Sam。
O’mine，sir？exclaimedMr。Weller。
Yourecollectthegentlemanverywell，Idaresay，Sam，repliedMr。
Pickwick，orelseyouaremoreunmindfulofyouroldacquaintancesthanIthinkyouare。Hush！notaword，Sam。notasyllable。Hereheis。
AsMr。Pickwickspoke，Jinglewalkedup。Helookedlessmiserablethanbefore，beingcladinahalf-wornsuitofclothes，which，withMr。Pickwick’sassistance，hadbeenreleasedfromthepawnbroker’s。Heworecleanlinentoo，andhadhadhishaircut。Hewasverypaleandthin，however。andashecreptslowlyup，leaningonastick，itwaseasytoseethathehadsufferedseverelyfromillnessandwant，andwasstillveryweak。HetookoffhishatasMr。Pickwicksalutedhim，andseemedmuchhumbledandabashedatsightofSamWeller。
Followingcloseathisheels，cameMr。JobTrotter，inthecatalogueofwhosevices，wantoffaithandattachmenttohiscompanioncouldatalleventsfindnoplace。Hewasstillraggedandsqualid，buthisfacewasnotquitesohollowasonhisfirstmeetingwithMr。Pickwick，afewdaysbefore。Ashetookoffhishattoourbenevolentoldfriend，hemurmuredsomebrokenexpressionsofgratitude，andmutteredsomethingabouthavingbeensavedfromstarving。
Well，well，saidMr。Pickwick，impatientlyinterruptinghim，youcanfollowwithSam。Iwanttospeaktoyou，Mr。Jingle。Canyouwalkwithouthisarm？
Certainly，sir——allready——nottoofast——legsshaky——headqueer——roundandround——earthquakysortoffeeling——very。
Here，givemeyourarm，saidMr。Pickwick。
No，no，repliedJingle。won’tindeed——rathernot。
Nonsense。saidMr。Pickwick，leanuponme，Idesire，sir。
Seeingthathewasconfusedandagitated，anduncertainwhattodo，Mr。Pickwickcutthemattershortbydrawingtheinvalidedstroller’sarmthroughhis，andleadinghimaway，withoutsayinganotherwordaboutit。
Duringthewholeofthistime，thecountenanceofMr。SamuelWellerhadexhibitedanexpressionofthemostoverwhelmingandabsorbingastonishmentthattheimaginationcanportray。AfterlookingfromJobtoJingle，andfromJingletoJobinprofoundsilence，hesoftlyejaculatedthewords，Well，Iamdamn’d！Whichherepeatedatleastascoreoftimes：
afterwhichexertion，heappearedwhollybereftofspeech，andagaincasthiseyes，firstupontheoneandthenupontheother，inmuteperplexityandbewilderment。
Now，Sam！saidMr。Pickwick，lookingback。
I’macomin’，sir，repliedMr。Weller，mechanicallyfollowinghismaster。andstillheliftednothiseyesfromMr。JobTrotter，whowalkedathisside，insilence。
Jobkepthiseyesfixedonthegroundforsometime。Sam，withhisgluedtoJob’scountenance，ranupagainstthepeoplewhowerewalkingabout，andfelloverlittlechildren，andstumbledagainststepsandrailings，withoutappearingatallsensibleofit，untilJob，lookingstealthilyup，said：
Howdoyoudo，Mr。Weller？
Itishim！exclaimedSam：andhavingestablishedJob’sidentitybeyondalldoubt，hesmotehisleg，andventedhisfeelingsinalongshrillwhistle。
Thingshasalteredwithme，sir，saidJob。
Ishouldthinktheyhad，exclaimedMr。Weller，surveyinghiscompanion’sragswithundisguisedwonder。Thisisraytherachangefortheworse，Mr。Trotter，asthegen’l’m’nsaid，wenhegottwodoubtfulshillin’sandsix-penn’ortho’pocketpiecesforagoodhalf-crown。
It，isindeed，repliedJob，shakinghishead。Thereisnodeceptionnow，Mr。Weller。Tears，saidJob，withalookofmomentaryslyness，tearsarenottheonlyproofsofdistress，northebestones。
No，theyain’t，repliedSam，expressively。
Theymaybeputon，Mr。Weller，saidJob。
Iknowtheymay，saidSam。somepeople，indeed，has’emalwaysreadylaidon，andcanpullouttheplugwenevertheylikes。
Yes，repliedJob。butthesesortofthingsarenotsoeasilycounterfeited，Mr。Weller，anditisamorepainfulprocesstogetthemup。Ashespoke，hepointedtohissallowsunkencheeks，and，drawinguphiscoatsleeves，disclosedanarmwhichlookedasifthebonecouldbebrokenatatouch：sosharpandbrittlediditappear，beneathitsthincoveringofflesh。
Wothaveyoubeenadoin’toyourself？saidSam，recoiling。
Nothing，repliedJob。
Nothin’！echoedSam。
Ihavebeendoin’nothingformanyweekspast，saidJob。andeatinganddrinkingalmostaslittle。
SamtookonecomprehensiveglanceatMr。Trotter’sthinfaceandwretchedapparel。andthen，seizinghimbythearm，commenceddragginghimawaywithgreatviolence。
Whereareyougoing，Mr。Weller？saidJob，vainlystrugglinginthepowerfulgraspofhisoldenemy。
Comeon，saidSam。comeon！Hedeignednofurtherexplanationuntiltheyreachedthetap。andthencalledforapotofporter，whichwasspeedilyproduced。
Now，saidSam，drinkthatup，ev’rydroponit，andthenturnthepotupsidedown，toletmeseeasyou’vetookthemed’cine。
But，mydearMr。Weller，remonstratedJob。
Downvithit！saidSam，peremptorily。
Thusadmonished，Mr。Trotterraisedthepottohislips，and，bygentleandalmostimperceptibledegrees，tilteditintotheair。Hepausedonce，andonlyonce，todrawalongbreath，butwithoutraisinghisfacefromthevessel，which，inafewmomentsthereafter，heheldoutatarm’slength，bottomupward。Nothingfelluponthegroundbutafewparticlesoffroth，whichslowlydetachedthemselvesfromtherim，andtrickledlazilydown。
Welldone！saidSam。Howdoyoufindyourselfarterit？
Better，sir。IthinkIambetter，respondedJob。
O’courseyouair，saidSam，argumentatively。It’slikeputtin’gasinaballoon。Icanseewiththenakedeyethatyougetsstouterundertheoperation。Wotdoyousaytoanothero’thesamedi-mensions？
Iwouldrathernot，Iammuchobligedtoyou，sir，repliedJob，muchrathernot。
Vell，then，wotdoyousaytosomewittles？inquiredSam。
Thankstoyourworthygovernor，sir，saidMr。Trotter，wehavehalfalegofmutton，baked，ataquarterbeforethree，withthepotatoesunderittosaveboiling。
Wot！Hashebeenapurwidin’foryou？askedSam，emphatically。
Hehas，sir，repliedJob。Morethanthat，Mr。Weller。mymasterbeingveryill，hegotusaroom——wewereinakennelbefore——andpaidforit，sir。andcometolookatus，atnight，whennobodyshouldknow。Mr。Weller，
saidJob，withrealtearsinhiseyes，foronce，IcouldservethatgentlemantillIfelldowndeadathisfeet。
Isay！saidSam，I’lltroubleyou，myfriend！Noneo’that！
JobTrotterlookedamazed。
Noneo’that，Isay，youngfeller，repeatedSam，firmly。Nomanserveshimbutme。Andnowwe’reuponit，I’llletyouintoanothersecretbesidesthat，saidSam，ashepaidforthebeer。Ineverheerd，mindyou，norreadofinstory-books，norseeinpicters，anyangelintightsandgaiters——noteveninspectacles，asIremember，thoughthatmayha’beendoneforanythin’
Iknowtothecontrairey——butmarkmyvords，JobTrotter，he’sareg’larthorough-bredangelforallthat。andletmeseethemanaswenturstotellmeheknowsabettervun。Withthisdefiance，Mr。Wellerbuttoneduphischangeinasidepocket，and，withmanyconfirmatorynodsandgesturesbytheway，proceededinsearchofthesubjectofdiscourse。
TheyfoundMr。Pickwick，incompanywithJingle，talkingveryearnestly，andnotbestowingalookonthegroupswhowerecongregatedontheracket-ground。
theywereverymotleygroupstoo，andworththelookingat，ifitwereonlyinidlecuriosity。
Well，saidMr。Pickwick，asSamandhiscompaniondrewnigh，youwillseehowyourhealthbecomes，andthinkaboutitmeanwhile。Makethestatementoutformewhenyoufeelyourselfequaltothetask，andIwilldiscussthesubjectwithyouwhenIhaveconsideredit。Now，gotoyourroom。Youaretired，andnotstrongenoughtobeoutlong。
Mr。AlfredJingle，withoutonesparkofhisoldanimation——withnothingevenofthedismalgaietywhichhehadassumedwhenMr。Pickwickfirststumbledonhiminhismisery——bowedlowwithoutspeaking，and，motioningtoJobnottofollowhimjustyet，creptslowlyaway。
Curiousscenethis，isitnot，Sam？saidMr。Pickwick，lookinggood-humouredlyround。
Werymuchso，sir，repliedSam。Wonders’ullnevercease，addedSam，speakingtohimself。I’mwerymuchmistakenifthat’ereJingleworn’tadoin’somethin’inthewater-cartway！
TheareaformedbythewallinthatpartoftheFleetinwhichMr。Pickwickstood，wasjustwideenoughtomakeagoodracket-court。onesidebeingformed，ofcourse，bythewallitselfandtheotherbythatportionoftheprisonwhichlookedorratherwouldhavelooked，butforthewall
towardsSt。Paul’sCathedral。Saunteringorsittingabout，ineverypossibleattitudeoflistlessidleness，wereagreatnumberofdebtors，themajorpartofwhomwerewaitinginprisonuntiltheirdayofgoingupbeforetheInsolventCourtshouldarrive。whileothershadbeenremandedforvariousterms，whichtheywereidlingaway，astheybestcould。Somewereshabby，someweresmart，manydirty，afewclean。buttheretheyalllounged，andloitered，andslunkabout，withaslittlespiritorpurposeasthebeastsinamenagerie。
Lollingfromthewindowswhichcommandedaviewofthispromenade，wereanumberofpersons，someinnoisyconversationwiththeiracquaintancebelow，othersplayingatballwithsomeadventurousthrowersoutside，otherslookingonattheracket-players，orwatchingtheboysastheycriedthegame。Dirtyslipshodwomenpassedandre-passed，ontheirwaytothecooking-houseinonecorneroftheyard。childrenscreamed，andfought，andplayedtogether，inanother。thetumblingoftheskittles，andtheshoutsoftheplayers，mingledperpetuallywiththeseandahundredothersounds。andallwasnoiseandtumult——saveinalittlemiserableshedafewyardsoff，wherelay，allquietandghastly，thebodyoftheChanceryprisonerwhohaddiedthenightbefore，awaitingthemockeryofaninquest。Thebody！Itisthelawyer’stermfortherestlesswhirlingmassofcaresandanxieties，affections，hopes，andgriefs，thatmakeupthelivingman。Thelawhadhisbody。andthereitlay，clothedingraveclothes，anawfulwitnesstoitstendermercy。
Wouldyouliketoseeawhistling-shop，sir？inquiredJobTrotter。
Whatdoyoumean？wasMr。Pickwick’scounterinquiry。
Avistlin’shop，sir，interposedMr。Weller。
Whatisthat，Sam？Abird-fancier’s？inquiredMr。Pickwick。
Blessyourheart，no，sir，repliedJob。awhistling-shop，sir，iswheretheysellspirits。Mr。JobTrotterbrieflyexplainedhere，thatallpersons，beingprohibitedunderheavypenaltiesfromconveyingspiritsintodebtors’prisons，andsuchcommoditiesbeinghighlyprizedbytheladiesandgentlemenconfinedtherein，ithadoccurredtosomespeculativeturnkeytoconnive，forcertainlucrativeconsiderations，attwoorthreeprisonersretailingthefavouritearticleofgin，fortheirownprofitandadvantage。
Thisplan，yousee，sir，hasbeengraduallyintroducedintoalltheprisonsfordebt，saidMr。Trotter。
Andithasthiswerygreatadvantage，saidSam，thattheturnkeystakeswerygoodcaretoseizeholdo’ev’rybodybutthemaspays’em，thatattemptthewillainy，andwenitgetsinthepapersthey’reapplaudedfortheirwigilance。soitcutstwoways——frightensotherpeoplefromthetrade，andelewatestheirowncharacters。
Exactlyso，Mr。Weller，observedJob。
Well，butaretheseroomsneversearched，toascertainwhetheranyspiritsareconcealedinthem？saidMr。Pickwick。
Cert’nlytheyare，sir，repliedSam。buttheturnkeysknowsbeforehand，andgivesthewordtothewistlers，andyoumaywistleforitwenyougotolook。
Bythistime，Jobhadtappedatadoor，whichwasopenedbyagentlemanwithanuncombedhead，whobolteditafterthemwhentheyhadwalkedin，andgrinned。uponwhichJobgrinned，andSamalso。whereuponMr。Pickwick，thinkingitmightbeexpectedofhim，keptonsmilingtotheendoftheinterview。
Thegentlemanwiththeuncombedheadappearedquitesatisfiedwiththismuteannouncementoftheirbusiness，and，producingaflatstonebottle，whichmightholdaboutacoupleofquarts，frombeneathhisbedstead，filledoutthreeglassesofgin，whichJobTrotterandSamdisposedofinamostworkmanlikemanner。
Anymore？saidthewhistlinggentleman。
Nomore，repliedJobTrotter。
Mr。Pickwickpaid，thedoorwasunbolted，andouttheycame。theuncombedgentlemanbestowingafriendlynoduponMr。Roker，whohappenedtobepassingatthemoment。
Fromthisspot，Mr。Pickwickwanderedalongallthegalleries，upanddownallthestaircases，andonceagainroundthewholeareaoftheyard。
ThegreatbodyoftheprisonpopulationappearedtobeMivins，andSmangle，andtheparson，andthebutcher，andtheleg，overandover，andoveragain。
Therewerethesamesqualor，thesameturmoilandnoise，thesamegeneralcharacteristics，ineverycorner。inthebestandtheworstalike。Thewholeplaceseemedrestlessandtroubled。andthepeoplewerecrowdingandflittingtoandfro，liketheshadowsinanuneasydream。
Ihaveseenenough，saidMr。Pickwick，ashethrewhimselfintoachairinhislittleapartment。Myheadacheswiththesescenes，andmyhearttoo。HenceforthIwillbeaprisonerinmyownroom。
AndMr。Pickwicksteadfastlyadheredtothisdetermination。Forthreelongmonthsheremainedshutup，allday。onlystealingoutatnighttobreathetheairwhenthegreaterpartofhisfellowprisonerswereinbedorcarousingintheirrooms。Hishealthwasbeginningtosufferfromtheclosenessoftheconfinement，butneithertheoften-repeatedentreatiesofPerkerandhisfriends，northestillmorefrequently-repeatedwarningsandadmonitionsofMr。SamuelWeller，couldinducehimtoalteronejotofhisinflexibleresolution。
[NextChapter][TableofContents]ThePickwickPapers：Chapter46[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]CHAPTERXLVIRECORDSATOUCHINGACTOFDELICATEFEELING，NOTUNMIXED
WITHPLEASANTRY，ACHIEVEDANDPERFORMEDBYMESSRS。DODSONANDFOGG
ITwaswithinaweekofthecloseofthemonthofJuly，thatahackneycabriolet，numberunrecorded，wasseentoproceedatarapidpaceupGoswellStreet。threepeopleweresqueezedintoitbesidesthedriver，whosatinhisownparticularlittledickeyattheside。overtheapronwerehungtwoshawls，belongingtotwosmallvixenish-lookingladiesundertheapron。betweenwhom，compressedintoaverysmallcompass，wasstowedaway，agentlemanofheavyandsubdueddemeanour，who，wheneverheventuredtomakeanobservation，wassnappedupshortbyoneofthevixenishladiesbefore-mentioned。Lastly，thetwovixenishladiesandtheheavygentlemanweregivingthedrivercontradictorydirections，alltendingtotheonepointthatheshouldstopatMrs。Bardell’sdoor。whichtheheavygentleman，indirectoppositionto，anddefianceof，thevixenishladies，contendedwasagreendoorandnotayellowone。
Stopatthehousewiththegreendoor，driver，saidtheheavygentleman。
Oh！Youperwersecreetur！exclaimedoneofthevixenishladies。Drivetotheousewiththeyellowdoor，cabmin。
Uponthis，thecabman，whoinasuddenefforttopullupatthehousewiththegreendoor，hadpulledthehorseupsohighthathenearlypulledhimbackwardintothecabriolet，lettheanimal’sforelegsdowntothegroundagain，andpaused。
NowvereamItopullup？inquiredthedriver。Settleitamongyourselves。
AllIaskis，vere？
Herethecontestwasrenewedwithincreasedviolence。andthehorsebeingtroubledwithaflyonhisnose，thecabmanhumanelyemployedhisleisureinlashinghimaboutthehead，onthecounter-irritationprinciple。
Mostwotescarriestheday！saidoneofthevixenishladiesatlength。
Theousewiththeyellowdoor，cabmin。
Butafterthecabriolethaddashedup，insplendidstyle，tothehousewiththeyellowdoor：making，asoneofthevixenishladiestriumphantlysaid，acterrallymorenoisethanifonehadcomeinone’sowncarriage——andafterthedriverhaddismountedtoassisttheladiesingettingout——thesmallroundheadofMasterThomasBardellwasthrustoutoftheonepairwindowofahousewithareddoor，afewnumbersoff。
Aggrawatin’thing！saidthevixenishladylastmentioned，dartingawitheringglanceattheheavygentleman。
Mydear，it’snotmyfault，saidthegentleman。
Don’ttalktome，youcreetur，don’t，retortedthelady。Theousewiththereddoor，cabmin。Oh！Ifeverawomanwastroubledwitharuffinlycreetur，thattakesaprideandapleasureindisgracinghiswifeoneverypossibleoccasionaforestrangers，Iamthatwoman！
Yououghttobeashamedofyourself，Raddle，saidtheotherlittlewoman，whowasnootherthanMrs。Cluppins。
WhathaveIbeenadoingof？askedMr。Raddle。
Don’ttalktome，don’t，youbrute，forfearIshouldbeperwokedtoforgitmysectandstrikeyou！saidMrs。Raddle。