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。