Thesceneofthatafternoonwasrepeatedthatevening，andonthethreeafternoonsandeveningsnextensuing。Onthefourth，thehostwasinhighspirits，forhehadsatisfiedhimselfthattherewasnogroundforthechargeagainstMr。Tupman。SowasMr。Tupman，forMr。Jinglehadtoldhimthathisaffairwouldsoonbebroughttoacrisis。SowasMr。Pickwick，forhewasseldomotherwise。SowasnotMr。Snodgrass，forhehadgrownjealousofMr。Tupman。Sowastheoldlady，forshehadbeenwinningatwhist。SowereMr。JingleandMissWardle，forreasonsofsufficientimportanceinthiseventfulhistorytobenarratedinanotherchapter。
[NextChapter][TableofContents]ThePickwickPapers：Chapter9[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]CHAPTERIXADISCOVERYANDACHASE
THEsupperwasreadylaid，thechairsweredrawnroundthetable，bottles，jugs，andglasseswerearrangedupontheside-board，andeverythingbetokenedtheapproachofthemostconvivialperiodinthewholefour-and-twentyhours。
Where’sRachael？saidMr。Wardle。
Ay，andJingle？addedMr。Pickwick。
Dearme，saidthehost，IwonderIhaven’tmissedhimbefore。Why，Idon’tthinkI’veheardhisvoicefortwohoursatleast。Emily，mydear，ringthebell。
Thebellwasrung，andthefatboyappeared。
Where’sMissRachael？Hecouldn’tsay。
Where’sMr。Jingle，then？Hedidn’tknow。
Everybodylookedsurprised。Itwaslate——pasteleveno’clock。Mr。Tupmanlaughedinhissleeve。Theywereloiteringsomewhere，talkingabouthim。
Ha，ha！capitalnotionthat——funny。
Nevermind，saidWardle，afterashortpause，they’llturnuppresently，Idaresay。Ineverwaitsupperforanybody。
Excellentrule，that，saidMr。Pickwick，admirable。
Pray，sitdown，saidthehost。
Certainly，saidMr。Pickwick：anddowntheysat。
Therewasagiganticroundofcoldbeefonthetable，andMr。Pickwickwassuppliedwithaplentifulportionofit。Hehadraisedhisforktohislips，andwasontheverypointofopeninghismouthforthereceptionofapieceofbeef，whenthehumofmanyvoicessuddenlyaroseinthekitchen。
Hepaused，andlaiddownhisfork。Mr。Wardlepausedtoo，andinsensiblyreleasedhisholdofthecarving-knife，whichremainedinsertedinthebeef。HelookedatMr。Pickwick，Mr。Pickwicklookedathim。
Heavyfootstepswereheardinthepassage。theparlourdoorwassuddenlyburstopen。andthemanwhohadcleanedMr。Pickwick’sbootsonhisfirstarrival，rushedintotheroom，followedbythefatboy，andallthedomestics。
Whatthedevil’sthemeaningofthis？exclaimedthehost。
Thekitchenchimneyain’ta-fire，isit，Emma？inquiredtheoldlady。
Lor’，grandma！No，screamedboththeyoungladies。
What’sthematter？roaredthemasterofthehouse。
Themangaspedforbreath，andfaintlyejaculated——
Theyha’gone，Mas’r！——gonerightcleanoff，sir！AtthisjunctureMr。Tupmanwasobservedtolaydownhisknifeandfork，andtoturnverypale。
Who’sgone？saidMr。Wardle，fiercely。
Mus’rJingleandMissRachael，inapo’-chay，fromBlueLion，Muggleton。
Iwasthere。butIcouldn’tstop’em。soIrunofftotell’ee。
Ipaidhisexpenses！saidMr。Tupman，jumpingupfrantically。He’sgottenpoundsofmine！——stophim！——he’sswindledme！——Iwon’tbearit！——I’llhavejustice，Pickwick！——Iwon’tstandit！andwithsundryincoherentexclamationsofthelikenature，theunhappygentlemanspunroundandroundtheapartment，inatransportoffrenzy。
Lordpreserveus！ejaculatedMr。Pickwick，eyeingtheextraordinarygesturesofhisfriendwithterrifiedsurprise。He’sgonemad！Whatshallwedo！
Do！saidthestoutoldhost，whoregardedonlythelastwordsofthesentence。Putthehorseinthegig！I’llgetachaiseattheLion，andfollow’eminstantly。Where——heexclaimed，asthemanranouttoexecutethecommission——Where’sthatvillain，Joe？
HereIam。butIhan’tawillin，repliedavoice。Itwasthefatboy’s。
Letmegetathim，Pickwick，criedWardle，asherushedattheill-starredyouth。Hewasbribedbythatscoundrel，Jingle，toputmeonawrongscent，bytellingacock-and-a-bullstoryofmysisterandyourfriendTupman！
HereMr。Tupmansunkintoachair。Letmegetathim！
Don’tlethim！screamedallthewomen，abovewhoseexclamationstheblubberingofthefatboywasdistinctlyaudible。
Iwon’tbeheld！criedtheoldman。Mr。Winkle，takeyourhandsoff。
Mr。Pickwick，letmego，sir！
Itwasabeautifulsight，inthatmomentofturmoilandconfusion，tobeholdtheplacidandphilosophicalexpressionofMr。Pickwick’sface，albeitsomewhatflushedwithexertion，ashestoodwithhisarmsfirmlyclaspedroundtheextensivewaistoftheircorpulenthost，thusrestrainingtheimpetuosityofhispassion，whilethefatboywasscratched，andpulled，andpushedfromtheroombyallthefemalescongregatedtherein。Hehadnosoonerreleasedhishold，thanthemanenteredtoannouncethatthegigwasready。
Don’tlethimgoalone！screamedthefemales。He’llkillsomebody！
I’llgowithhim，saidMr。Pickwick。
You’reagoodfellow，Pickwick，saidthehost，graspinghishand。
Emma，giveMr。Pickwickashawltotieroundhisneck——makehaste。Lookafteryourgrandmother，girls。shehasfaintedaway。Nowthen，areyouready？
Mr。Pickwick’smouthandchinhavingbeenhastilyenvelopedinalargeshawl：hishathavingbeenputonhishead，andhisgreatcoatthrownoverhisarm，herepliedintheaffirmative。
Theyjumpedintothegig。Giveherherhead，Tom，criedthehost。
andawaytheywent，downthenarrowlanes：joltinginandoutofthecart-ruts，andbumpingupagainstthehedgesoneitherside，asiftheywouldgotopieceseverymoment。
Howmucharetheya-head？shoutedWardle，astheydroveuptothedooroftheBlueLion，roundwhichalittlecrowdhadcollected，lateasitwas。
Notabovethree-quartersofanhour，waseverybody’sreply。
Chaiseandfourdirectly！——outwith’em！Putupthegigafterwards。
Now，boys！criedthelandlord——chaiseandfourout——makehaste——lookalivethere！
Awayranthehostlers，andtheboys。Thelanternsglimmered，asthemenrantoandfro。thehorses’hoofsclatteredontheunevenpavingoftheyard。thechaiserumbledasitwasdrawnoutofthecoach-house。andallwasnoiseandbustle。
Nowthen！——isthatchaisecomingoutto-night？criedWardle。
Comingdowntheyardnow，sir，repliedthehostler。
Outcamethechaise——inwentthehorses——onsprungtheboys——ingotthetravellers。
Mind——theseven-milestageinlessthanhalfanhour！shoutedWardle。
Offwithyou！
Theboysappliedwhipandspur，thewaitersshouted，thehostlerscheered，andawaytheywent，fastandfuriously。
Prettysituation，thoughtMr。Pickwick，whenhehadhadamoment’stimeforreflection。PrettysituationfortheGeneralChairmanofthePickwickClub。Dampchaise——strangehorses——fifteenmilesanhour——andtwelveo’clockatnight！
Forthefirstthreeorfourmiles，notawordwasspokenbyeitherofthegentlemen，eachbeingtoomuchimmersedinhisownreflectionstoaddressanyobservationstohiscompanion。Whentheyhadgoneoverthatmuchground，however，andthehorsesgettingthoroughlywarmedbegantodotheirworkinreallygoodstyle，Mr。Pickwickbecametoomuchexhilaratedwiththerapidityofthemotion，toremainanylongerperfectlymute。
We’resuretocatchthem，Ithink，saidhe。
Hopeso，repliedhiscompanion。
Finenight，saidMr。Pickwick，lookingupatthemoon，whichwasshiningbrightly。
Somuchtheworse，returnedWardle。forthey’llhavehadalltheadvantageofthemoonlighttogetthestartofus，andweshallloseit。
Itwillhavegonedowninanotherhour。
Itwillberatherunpleasantgoingatthisrateinthedark，won’tit？inquiredMr。Pickwick。
Idaresayitwill，repliedhisfrienddrily。
Mr。Pickwick’stemporaryexcitementbegantosoberdownalittle，ashereflectedupontheinconveniencesanddangersoftheexpeditioninwhichhehadsothoughtlesslyembarked。Hewasrousedbyaloudshoutingofthepost-boyontheleader。
Yo——yo——yo——yo——yoe，wentthefirstboy。
Yo——yo——yo——yoe！wentthesecond。
Yo——yo——yo——yoe！chimedinoldWardlehimself，mostlustily，withhisheadandhalfhisbodyoutofthecoachwindow。
Yo——yo——yo——yoe！shoutedMr。Pickwick，takinguptheburdenofthecry，thoughhehadnottheslightestnotionofitsmeaningorobject。Andamidsttheyo——yoingofthewholefour，thechaisestopped。
What’sthematter？inquiredMr。Pickwick。
There’sagatehere，repliedoldWardle。Weshallhearsomethingofthefugitives。
Afteralapseoffiveminutes，consumedinincessantknockingandshouting，anoldmaninhisshirtandtrousersemergedfromtheturnpike-house，andopenedthegate。
Howlongisitsinceapost-chaisewentthroughhere？inquiredMr。
Wardle。
Howlong？
Ah！
Why，Idon’trightlyknow。Itworn’talongtimeago，noritworn’tashorttimeago——justbetweenthetwo，perhaps。
Hasanychaisebeenbyatall？
Ohyes，there’sbeenashayby。
Howlongago，myfriend，interposedMr。Pickwick，anhour？
Ah，Idaresayitmightbe，repliedtheman。
Ortwohours？inquiredthepost-boyonthewheeler。
Well，Ishouldn’twonderifitwas，returnedtheoldmandoubtfully。
Driveon，boys，criedthetestyoldgentleman。don’twasteanymoretimewiththatoldidiot！
Idiot！exclaimedtheoldmanwithagrin，ashestoodinthemiddleoftheroadwiththegatehalf-closed，watchingthechaisewhichrapidlydiminishedintheincreasingdistance。No——notmucho’thateither。you’velosttenminuteshere，andgoneawayaswiseasyoucame，arterall。Ifeverymanonthelineashasaguineagivehim，earnsithalfaswell，youwon’tcatcht’othershaythissideMich’lmas，oldshort-and-fat。Andwithanotherprolongedgrin，theoldmanclosedthegate，re-enteredhishouse，andboltedthedoorafterhim。
Meanwhilethechaiseproceeded，withoutanyslackeningofpace，towardstheconclusionofthestage。Themoon，asWardlehadforetold，wasrapidlyonthewane。largetiersofdarkheavyclouds，whichhadbeengraduallyoverspreadingtheskyforsometimepast，nowformedoneblackmassoverhead。
andlargedropsofrainwhichpatteredeverynowandthenagainstthewindowsofthechaise，seemedtowarnthetravellersoftherapidapproachofastormynight。Thewind，too，whichwasdirectlyagainstthem，sweptinfuriousgustsdownthenarrowroad，andhowleddismallythroughthetreeswhichskirtedthepathway。Mr。Pickwickdrewhiscoatcloserabouthim，coiledhimselfmoresnuglyupintothecornerofthechaise，andfellintoasoundsleep，fromwhichhewasonlyawakenedbythestoppingofthevehicle，thesoundofthehostler’sbell，andaloudcryofHorsesondirectly！
Buthereanotherdelayoccurred。Theboysweresleepingwithsuchmysterioussoundness，thatittookfiveminutesa-piecetowakethem。Thehostlerhadsomehoworothermislaidthekeyofthestable，andevenwhenthatwasfound，twosleepyhelpersputthewrongharnessonthewronghorses，andthewholeprocessofharnessinghadtobegonethroughafresh。HadMr。Pickwickbeenalone，thesemultipliedobstacleswouldhavecompletelyputanendtothepursuitatonce，butoldWardlewasnottobesoeasilydaunted。andhelaidabouthimwithsuchheartygood-will，cuffingthisman，andpushingthat。strappingabucklehere，andtakinginalinkthere，thatthechaisewasreadyinamuchshortertimethancouldreasonablyhavebeenexpected，undersomanydifficulties。
Theyresumedtheirjourney。andcertainlytheprospectbeforethemwasbynomeansencouraging。Thestagewasfifteenmileslong，thenightwasdark，thewindhigh，andtherainpouringintorrents。Itwasimpossibletomakeanygreatwayagainstsuchobstaclesunited：itwashardupononeo’clockalready。andnearlytwohourswereconsumedingettingtotheendofthestage。Here，however，anobjectpresenteditself，whichrekindledtheirhopes，andre-animatedtheirdroppingspirits。
Whendidthischaisecomein？criedoldWardle，leapingoutofhisownvehicle，andpointingtoonecoveredwithwetmud，whichwasstandingintheyard。
Notaquarterofanhourago，sir。repliedthehostler，towhomthequestionwasaddressed。
Ladyandgentleman？inquiredWardle，almostbreathlesswithimpatience。
Yes，sir。
Tallgentleman——dresscoat——longlegs——thinbody？
Yes，sir。
Elderlylady——thinface——ratherskinny——eh？
Yes，sir。
Byheavens，it’sthecouple，Pickwick，exclaimedtheoldgentleman。
Wouldhavebeenherebefore，saidthehostler，buttheybrokeatrace。
Itis！saidWardle，itisbyJove！Chaiseandfourinstantly！Weshallcatchthemyet，beforetheyreachthenextstage。Aguineaa-piece，boys——bealivethere——bustleabout——there’sgoodfellows。
Andwithsuchadmonitionsasthese，theoldgentlemanranupanddowntheyard，andbustledtoandfro，inastateofexcitementwhichcommunicateditselftoMr。Pickwickalso。andundertheinfluenceofwhich，thatgentlemangothimselfintocomplicatedentanglementswithharness，andmixedupwithhorsesandwheelsofchaises，inthemostsurprisingmanner，firmlybelievingthatbysodoinghewasmateriallyforwardingthepreparationsfortheirresumingtheirjourney。
Jumpin——jumpin！criedoldWardle，climbingintothechaise，pullingupthesteps，andslammingthedoorafterhim。Comealong！Makehaste！
AndbeforeMr。Pickwickknewpreciselywhathewasabout，hefelthimselfforcedinattheotherdoor，byonepullfromtheoldgentleman，andonepushfromthehostler。andofftheywereagain。
Ah！wearemovingnow，saidtheoldgentlemanexultingly。Theywereindeed，aswassufficientlytestifiedtoMr。Pickwick，byhisconstantcollisionseitherwiththehardwood-workofthechaise，orthebodyofhiscompanion。
Holdup！saidthestoutoldMr。Wardle，asMr。Pickwickdivedheadforemostintohiscapaciouswaistcoat。
Ineverdidfeelsuchajoltinginmylife，saidMr。Pickwick。
Nevermind，repliedhiscompanion，itwillsoonbeover。Steady，steady。
Mr。Pickwickplantedhimselfintohisowncorner，asfirmlyashecould。
andonwhirledthechaisefasterthanever。
Theyhadtravelledinthiswayaboutthreemiles，whenMr。Wardle，whohadbeenlookingoutofthewindow，fortwoorthreeminutes，suddenlydrewinhisface，coveredwithsplashes，andexclaimedinbreathlesseagerness——
Heretheyare！
Mr。Pickwickthrusthisheadoutofhiswindow。Yes：therewasachaiseandfour，ashortdistancebeforethem，dashingalongatfullgallop。
Goon，goon，almostshriekedtheoldgentleman。Twoguineasa-piece，boys——don’tlet’emgainonus——keepitup——keepitup。
Thehorsesinthefirstchaisestartedonattheirutmostspeed。andthoseinMr。Wardle’sgallopedfuriouslybehindthem。
Iseehishead，exclaimedthecholericoldman。Damme，Iseehishead。
SodoI，saidMr。Pickwick，that’she。
Mr。Pickwickwasnotmistaken。ThecountenanceofMr。Jingle，completelycoatedwiththemudthrownupbythewheels，wasplainlydiscernibleatthewindowofhischaise。andthemotionofhisarm，whichhewaswavingviolentlytowardsthepostillions，denotedthathewasencouragingthemtoincreasedexertion。
Theinterestwasintense。Fields，trees，andhedges，seemedtorushpastthemwiththevelocityofawhirlwind，sorapidwasthepaceatwhichtheytorealong。Theywereclosebythesideofthefirstchaise。Jingle’svoicecouldbeplainlyheard，evenabovethedinofthewheels，urgingontheboys。OldMr。Wardlefoamedwithrageandexcitement。Heroaredoutscoundrelsandvillainsbythedozen，clenchedhisfirstandshookitexpressivelyattheobjectofhisindignation。butMr。Jingleonlyansweredwithacontemptuoussmile，andrepliedtohismenacesbyashoutoftriumph，ashishorses，answeringtheincreasedapplicationofwhipandspur，brokeintoafastergallop，andleftthepursuersbehind。
Mr。Pickwickhadjustdrawninhishead，andMr。Wardle，exhaustedwithshouting，haddonethesame，whenatremendousjoltthrewthemforwardagainstthefrontofthevehicle。Therewasasuddenbump——aloudcrash——awayrolledawheel，andoverwentthechaise。
Afteraveryfewsecondsofbewildermentandconfusion，inwhichnothingbuttheplungingofhorsesandbreakingofglasscouldbemadeout，Mr。
Pickwickfelthimselfviolentlypulledoutfromamongtheruinsofthechaise。andassoonashehadgainedhisfeet，andextricatedhisheadfromtheskirtsofhisgreatcoat，whichmateriallyimpededtheusefulnessofhisspectacles，thefulldisasterofthecasemethisview。
OldMr。Wardlewithoutahat，andhisclothestorninseveralplaces，stoodbyhisside，andthefragmentsofthechaiselayscatteredattheirfeet。Thepost-boys，whohadsucceededincuttingthetraces，werestanding，disfiguredwithmudanddisorderedbyhardriding，bythehorses’heads。
Aboutahundredyardsinadvancewastheotherchaise，whichhadpulleduponhearingthecrash。Thepostillions，eachwithabroadgrinconvulsinghiscountenance，wereviewingtheadversepartyfromtheirsaddles，andMr。Jinglewascontemplatingthewreckfromthecoach-window，withevidentsatisfaction。Thedaywasjustbreaking，andthewholescenewasrenderedperfectlyvisiblebythegreylightofthemorning。
Hallow！shoutedtheshamelessJingle，anybodydamaged？——elderlygentlemen——nolightweights——dangerouswork——very。
You’rearascal！roaredWardle。
Ha！ha！repliedJingle。andthenheadded，withaknowingwink，andajerkofthethumbtowardstheinteriorofthechaise——Isay——she’sverywell——desireshercompliments——begsyouwon’ttroubleyourself——lovetoTuppy——won’tyougetupbehind？——driveon，boys。
Thepostillionsresumedtheirproperattitudes，andawayrattledthechaise，Mr。Jingleflutteringinderisionawhitehandkerchieffromthecoach-window。
Nothinginthewholeadventure，noteventheupset，haddisturbedthecalmandequablecurrentofMr。Pickwick’stemper。Thevillainy，however，whichcouldfirstborrowmoneyofhisfaithfulfollower，andthenabbreviatehisnametoTuppywasmorethanhecouldpatientlybear。Hedrewhisbreathhard，andcoloureduptotheverytipsofhisspectacles，ashesaid，slowlyandemphatically——
IfeverImeetthatmanagain，I’ll——
Yes，yes，interruptedWardle，that’sallverywell：butwhilewestandtalkinghere，they’llgettheirlicence，andbemarriedinLondon。
Mr。Pickwickpaused，bottleduphisvengeance，andcorkeditdown。
Howfarisittothenextstage？inquiredMr。Wardle，ofoneoftheboys。
Sixmile，ain’tit，Tom？
Raytherbetter。
Raytherbetternorsixmile，sir。
Can’tbehelped，saidWardle，wemustwalkit，Pickwick。
Nohelpforit，repliedthattrulygreatman。
Sosendingforwardoneoftheboysonhorseback，toprocureafreshchaiseandhorses，andleavingtheotherbehindtotakecareofthebrokenone，Mr。PickwickandMr。Wardlesetmanfullyforwardonthewalk，firsttyingtheirshawlsroundtheirnecks，andslouchingdowntheirhatstoescapeasmuchaspossiblefromthedelugeofrain，whichafteraslightcessationhadagainbeguntopourheavilydown。
[NextChapter][TableofContents]ThePickwickPapers：Chapter10[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]CHAPTERXCLEARINGUPALLDOUBTSIFANYEXISTEDOFTHEDISINTERESTEDNESS
OFMR。JINGLE’SCHARACTER
THEREareinLondonseveraloldinns，oncethehead-quartersofcelebratedcoachesinthedayswhencoachesperformedtheirjourneysinagraverandmoresolemnmannerthantheydointhesetimes。butwhichhavenowdegeneratedintolittlemorethantheabidingandbookingplacesofcountrywaggons。Thereaderwouldlookinvainforanyoftheseancienthostelries，amongtheGoldenCrossesandBullandMouths，whichreartheirstatelyfrontsintheimprovedstreetsofLondon。
Ifhewouldlightuponanyoftheseoldplaces，hemustdirecthisstepstotheobscurerquartersofthetown。andthereinsomesecludednookshewillfindseveral，stillstandingwithakindofgloomysturdiness，amidstthemoderninnovationswhichsurroundthem。
IntheBoroughespecially，therestillremainsomehalfdozenoldinns，whichhavepreservedtheirexternalfeaturesunchanged，andwhichhaveescapedaliketherageforpublicimprovement，andtheencroachmentsofprivatespeculation。Great，rambling，queer，oldplacestheyare，withgalleries，andpassages，andstaircases，wideenoughandantiquatedenoughtofurnishmaterialsforahundredghoststories，supposingweshouldeverbereducedtothelamentablenecessityofinventingany，andthattheworldshouldexistlongenoughtoexhausttheinnumerableveraciouslegendsconnectedwitholdLondonBridge，anditsadjacentneighbourhoodontheSurreyside。
Itwasintheyardofoneoftheseinns——ofnolesscelebratedaonethantheWhiteHart——thatamanwasbusilyemployedinbrushingthedirtoffapairofboots，earlyonthemorningsucceedingtheeventsnarratedinthelastchapter。Hewashabitedinacoarse-stripedwaistcoat，withblackcalicosleeves，andblueglassbuttons。drabbreechesandleggings。
Abrightredhandkerchiefwaswoundinaverylooseandunstudiedstyleroundhisneck，andanoldwhitehatwascarelesslythrownononesideofhishead。Thereweretworowsofbootsbeforehim，onecleanedandtheotherdirty，andateveryadditionhemadetothecleanrow，hepausedfromhiswork，andcontemplateditsresultswithevidentsatisfaction。
Theyardpresentednoneofthatbustleandactivitywhicharetheusualcharacteristicsofalargecoachinn。Threeorfourlumberingwaggons，eachwithapileofgoodsbeneathitsamplecanopy，abouttheheightofthesecond-floorwindowofanordinaryhouse，werestowedawaybeneathaloftyroofwhichextendedoveroneendoftheyard：andanother，whichwasprobablytocommenceitsjourneythatmorning，wasdrawnoutintotheopenspace。Adoubletierofbedroomgalleries，witholdclumsybalustrades，ranroundtwosidesofthestragglingarea，andadoublerowofbellstocorrespond，shelteredfromtheweatherbyalittleslopingroof，hungoverthedoorleadingtothebarandcoffee-room。Twoorthreegigsandchaise-cartswerewheeledupunderdifferentlittleshedsandpent-houses。andtheoccasionalheavytreadofacart-horse，orrattlingofachainatthefurtherendoftheyard，announcedtoanybodywhocaredaboutthematter，thatthestablelayinthatdirection。Whenweaddthatafewboysinsmockfrockswerelyingasleeponheavypackages，woolpacks，andotherarticlesthatwerescatteredaboutonheapsofstraw，wehavedescribedasfullyasneedbethegeneralappearanceoftheyardoftheWhiteHartInn，HighStreet，Borough，ontheparticularmorninginquestion。
Aloudringingofoneofthebells，wasfollowedbytheappearanceofasmartchambermaidintheuppersleepinggallery，who，aftertappingatoneofthedoors，andreceivingarequestfromwithin，calledoverthebalustrades——
Sam！
Hallo，repliedthemanwiththewhitehat。
Numbertwenty-twowantshisboots。
Asknumbertwenty-two，wetherhe’llhave’emnow，orwaittillhegets’em，wasthereply。
Come，don’tbeafool，Sam，saidthegirl，coaxingly，thegentlemanwantshisbootsdirectly。
Well，youareaniceyoung’oomanforamusicalparty，youare，
saidtheboot-cleaner。Lookatthesehereboots——elevenpairo’boots。
andoneshoeasb’longstonumbersix，withthewoodenleg。Theelevenbootsistobecalledathalf-pasteightandtheshoeatnine。Who’snumbertwenty-two，that’stoputalltheothersout？No，no。reg’larrotation，asJackKetchsaid，wenhetiedthemenup。Sorrytokeepyouawaitin’，sir，butI’llattendtoyoudirectly。
Sayingwhich，themaninthewhitehatsettoworkuponatop-bootwithincreasedassiduity。
Therewasanotherloudring。andthebustlingoldlandladyoftheWhiteHartmadeherappearanceintheoppositegallery。
Sam，criedthelandlady，where’sthatlazy，idle——why，Sam——oh，thereyouare。whydon’tyouanswer？
Wouldn’tbegen-teeltoanswer，’tillyou’ddonetalking，repliedSam，gruffly。
Here，cleanthemshoesfornumberseventeendirectly，andtake’emtoprivatesitting-room，numberfive，firstfloor。
Thelandladyflungapairoflady’sshoesintotheyard，andbustledaway。
Number5，saidSam，ashepickeduptheshoes，andtakingapieceofchalkfromhispocket，madeamemorandumoftheirdestinationonthesoles——Lady’sshoesandprivatesittin’-room！Isupposeshedidn’tcomeinthewaggin。
Shecameinearlythismorning，criedthegirl，whowasstillleaningovertherailingofthegallery，withagentlemaninahackney-coach，andit’shimaswantshisboots，andyou’dbetterdo’em，that’sallaboutit。
Vydidn’tyousaysobefore？saidSam，withgreatindignation，singlingoutthebootsinquestionfromtheheapbeforehim。ForallIknow’dhevasoneo’theregularthree-pennies。Privateroom！andaladytoo！Ifhe’sanythingofagen’lm’n，he’svorthashillin’aday，letalonethearrands。
Stimulatedbythisinspiringreflection，Mr。Samuelbrushedawaywithsuchheartygoodwill，thatinafewminutesthebootsandshoes，withapolishwhichwouldhavestruckenvytothesouloftheamiableMr。WarrenfortheyusedDayandMartinattheWhiteHart，hadarrivedatthedoorofnumberfive。
Comein，saidaman’svoice，inreplytoSam’srapatthedoor。
Sammadehisbestbow，andsteppedintothepresenceofaladyandgentlemanseatedatbreakfast。Havingofficiouslydepositedthegentleman’sbootsrightandleftathisfeet，andthelady’sshoesrightandleftathers，hebackedtowardsthedoor。
Boots，saidthegentleman。
Sir，saidSam，closingthedoor，andkeepinghishandontheknobofthelock。
Doyouknow——what’sa-name——Doctors’Commons？
Yes，sir。
Whereisit？
Paul’sChurch-yard，sir。lowarchwayonthecarriageside，bookseller’satonecorner，hot-elontheother，andtwoportersinthemiddleastoutsforlicences。
Toutsforlicences！saidthegentleman。
Toutsforlicences，repliedSam。Twocovesinvhiteaprons——touchestheirhatswenyouwalkin——`Licence，sir，licence？’Queersort，them，andtheirmas’rstoo，sir——OldBailyProctors——andnomistake。
Whatdotheydo？inquiredthegentleman。
Do！You，sir！Thata’ntthewostonit，neither。Theyputsthingsintooldgen’lm’n’sheadsastheyneverdreamedof。Myfather，sir，wosacoachman。Awidowerhewos，andfatenoughforanything——uncommonfat，tobesure。Hismissusdies，andleaveshimfourhundredpound。DownhegoestotheCommons，toseethelawyeranddrawtheblunt——werysmart——top-bootson——nosegayinhisbutton-hole——broad-brimmedtile——greenshawl——quitethegen’lm’n。Goesthroughthearchvay，thinkinghowheshouldinwestthemoney——upcomesthetouter，toucheshishat——`Licence，sir，licence？’——`What’sthat？’saysmyfather——`Licence，sir，’sayshe——`Whatlicence？’saysmyfather——`Marriagelicence，’saysthetouter——`Dashmyveskit，’saysmyfather，`Ineverthoughto’that。’——`Ithinkyouwantsone，sir，’saysthetouter。Myfatherpullsup，andthinksabit——`No，’sayshe，`damme，I’mtooold，b’sidesI’mamanysizestoolarge，’sayshe——`Notabitonit，sir，’saysthetouter——`Thinknot？’saysmyfather——`I’msurenot，’sayshe。`wemarriedagen’lm’ntwiceyoursize，lastMonday。’——`Didyou，though，’saidmyfather——`Tobesurewedid，’saysthetouter，`you’reababbytohim——thisway，sir——thisway！’——andsureenoughmyfatherwalksarterhim，likeatamemonkeybehindahorgan，intoalittlebackoffice，vereafellersatamongdirtypapersandtinboxes，makingbelievehewasbusy。`Praytakeaseat，vileImakesouttheaffidavit，sir，’saysthelawyer。`Thank’ee，sir，’saysmayfather，anddownhesat，andstaredwithallhiseyes，andhismouthvideopen，atthenamesontheboxes。`What’syourname，sir，’saysthelawyer——`TonyWeller，’saysmyfather——`Parish？’
saysthelawyer——`BelleSavage，’saysmyfather。forhestoppedtherewenhedroveup，andheknow’dnothingaboutparishes，hedidn’t——`Andwhat’sthelady’sname？’saysthelawyer。Myfatherwasstruckallofaheap。`BlessedifIknow，’sayshe——`Notknow！’saysthelawyer——`Nomorenoryoudo，’saysmyfather，`can’tIputthatinarterwards？’——`Impossible！’
saysthelawyer——`Werywell，’saysmyfather，afterhe’dthoughtamoment，`putdownMrs。Clarke。’——`WhatClarke？’saysthelawyer，dippinghispenintheink——`SusanClarke，Markiso’Granby，Dorking，’saysmyfather。
`she’llhaveme，ifIask，Ides-say——Ineversaidnothingtoher，butshe’llhaveme，Iknow。’Thelicencewasmadeout，andshedidhavehim，andwhat’smoreshe’sgothimnow。andIneverhadanyofthefourhundredpound，worseluck。Begyourpardon，sir，saidSam，whenhehadconcluded，butwenIgetsonthisheregrievance，Irunsonlikeanewbarrowviththewheelgreased。Havingsaidwhich，andhavingpausedforaninstanttoseewhetherhewaswantedforanythingmore，Samlefttheroom。
Half-pastnine——justthetime——offatonce。saidthegentleman，whomweneedhardlyintroduceasMr。Jingle。
Time——forwhat？saidthespinsteraunt，coquettishly。
Licence，dearestofangles——givenoticeatthechurch——callyoumine，to-morrow——saidMr。Jingle，andhesqueezedthespinsteraunt’shand。
Thelicence！saidRachael，blushing。
Thelicence，repeatedMr。Jingle——Inhurry，post-hasteforalicence，Inhurry，dingdongIcomeback。
Howyourunon，saidRachael。
Runon——nothingtothehours，days，weeks，months，years，whenwe’reunited——runon——they’llflyon——volt——mizzle——steam-engine——thousand-horsepower——nothingtoit。
Can’t——can’twebemarriedbeforeto-morrowmorning？inquiredRachael。
Impossible——can’tbe——noticeatthechurch——leavethelicenceto-day——ceremonycomeoffto-morrow。
Iamsoterrified，lestmybrothershoulddiscoverus！saidRachael。
Discover——nonsense——toomuchshakenbythebreakdown——besides——extremecaution——gaveupthepost-chaise——walkedon——tookahackneycoach——cametotheBorough——lastplaceintheworldthathe’dlookin——ha！ha！——capitalnotionthat——very。
Don’tbelong，saidthespinster，affectionately，asMr。Jinglestuckthepinched-uphatonhishead。
Longawayfromyou？——Cruelcharmer，andMr。Jingleskippedplayfullyuptothespinsteraunt，imprintedachastekissuponherlips，anddancedoutoftheroom。
Dearman！saidthespinsterasthedoorclosedafterhim。
Rumoldgirl，saidMr。Jingle，ashewalkeddownthepassage。
Itispainfultoreflectupontheperfidyofourspecies。andwewillnot，therefore，pursuethethreadofMr。Jingle’smeditations，ashewendedhiswaytoDoctors’Commons。Itwillbesufficientforourpurposetorelate，thatescapingthesnaresofthedragonsinwhiteaprons，whoguardtheentrancetothatenchantedregion，hereachedtheVicarGeneral’sofficeinsafety，andhavingprocuredahighlyflatteringaddressonparchment，fromtheArchbishopofCanterbury，tohistrustyandwell-belovedAlfredJingleandRachaelWardle，greeting，hecarefullydepositedthemysticdocumentinhispocket，andretracedhisstepsintriumphtotheBorough。
HewasyetonhiswaytotheWhiteHart，whentwoplumpgentlemenandonethinoneenteredtheyard，andlookedroundinsearchofsomeauthorisedpersonofwhomtheycouldmakeafewinquiries。Mr。SamuelWellerhappenedtobeatthatmomentengagedinburnishingapairofpaintedtops，thepersonalpropertyofafarmerwhowasrefreshinghimselfwithaslightlunchoftwoorthreepoundsofcoldbeefandapotortwoofporter，afterthefatiguesoftheBoroughmarket。andtohimthethingentlemenstraightwayadvanced。
Myfriend，saidthethingentleman。
You’reoneo’theadwicegratisorder，thoughtSam，oryouwouldn’tbesowerryfondo’meallatonce。Butheonlysaid——Well，sir。
Myfriend，saidthethingentleman，withaconciliatoryhem——Haveyougotmanypeoplestoppinghere，now？Prettybusy。Eh？
Samstolealookattheinquirer。Hewasalittlehighdriedman，withadarksqueezed-upface，andsmallrestlessblackeyes，thatkeptwinkingandtwinklingoneachsideofhislittleinquisitivenose，asiftheywereplayingaperpetualgameofpeep-bowiththatfeature。Hewasdressedallinblack，withbootsasshinyashiseyes，alowwhiteneckcloth，andacleanshirtwithafrilltoit。Agoldwatch-chain，andseals，dependedfromhisfob。Hecarriedhisblackkidglovesinhishands，notonthem。andashespoke，thrusthiswristsbeneathhiscoat-tails，withtheairofamanwhowasinthehabitofpropoundingsomeregularposers。
Prettybusy，eh？saidthelittleman。
Oh，werrywell，sir，repliedSam，weshan’tbebankrupts，andweshan’tmakeourfort’ns。Weeatsourbiledmuttonwithoutcapers，anddon’tcareforhorse-radishwenvecangetbeef。
Ah，saidthelittleman，you’reawag，a’ntyou？
Myeldestbrotherwastroubledwiththatcomplaint，saidSam。itmaybecatching——Iusedtosleepwithhim。
Thisisacuriousoldhouseofyours，saidthelittleman，lookingroundhim。
Ifyou’dsentwordyouwasacoming，we’dha’haditrepaired。repliedtheimperturbableSam。
Thelittlemanseemedratherbaffledbytheseseveralrepulses，andashortconsultationtookplacebetweenhimandthetwoplumpgentlemen。
Atitsconclusion，thelittlemantookapinchofsnufffromanoblongsilverbox，andwasapparentlyonthepointofrenewingtheconversation，whenoneoftheplumpgentlemen，whoinadditiontoabenevolentcountenance，possessedapairofspectacles，andapairofblackgaiters，interfered——
Thefactofthematteris，saidthebenevolentgentleman，thatmyfriendherepointingtotheotherplumpgentlemanwillgiveyouhalfaguinea，ifyou’llansweroneortwo——
Now，mydearsir——mydearsir，saidthelittleman，pray，allowme——mydearsir，theveryfirstprincipletobeobservedinthesecases，isthis：
ifyouplaceamatterinthehandsofaprofessionalman，youmustinnowayinterfereintheprogressofthebusiness。youmustreposeimplicitconfidenceinhim。Really，Mr。heturnedtotheotherplumpgentleman，andsaid——Iforgetyourfriend’sname。
Pickwick，saidMr。Wardle，foritwasnootherthanthatjollypersonage。
Ah，Pickwick——reallyMr。Pickwick，mydearsir，excuseme——Ishallbehappytoreceiveanyprivatesuggestionsofyours，asamicuscuriae，butyoumustseetheimproprietyofyourinterferingwithmyconductinthiscase，withsuchanadcaptandumargumentastheofferofhalfaguinea。Really，mydearsir，really。andthelittlemantookanargumentativepinchofsnuff，andlookedveryprofound。
Myonlywish，sir，saidMr。Pickwick，wastobringthisveryunpleasantmattertoasspeedyacloseaspossible。
Quiteright——quiteright，saidthelittleman。
Withwhichview，continuedMr。Pickwick，Imadeuseoftheargumentwhichmyexperienceofmenhastaughtmeisthemostlikelytosucceedinanycase。
Ay，ay，saidthelittleman，verygood，verygood，indeed。butyoushouldhavesuggestedittome。Mydearsir，I’mquitecertainyoucannotbeignorantoftheextentofconfidencewhichmustbeplacedinprofessionalmen。Ifanyauthoritycanbenecessaryonsuchapoint，mydearsir，letmereferyoutothewell-knowncaseinBarnwelland——
NevermindGeorgeBarnwell，interruptedSam，whohadremainedawonderinglistenerduringthisshortcolloquy。everybodyknowsvhatsortofacasehiswas，tho’it’salwaysbeenmyopinion，mindyou，thattheyoung’oomandeservedscraggingaprecioussightmorethanhedid。Hows’ever，that’sneitherherenorthere。Youwantmetoexceptofhalfaguinea。Werrywell，I’magreeable：Ican’tsaynofairerthanthat，canI，sir？Mr。Pickwicksmiled。Thenthenextquestionis，whatthedevildoyouwantwithme，asthemansaidwenheseetheghost？
Wewanttoknow——saidMr。Wardle。
Now，mydearsir——mydearsir，interposedthebusylittleman。
Mr。Wardleshruggedhisshoulders，andwassilent。
Wewanttoknow，saidthelittleman，solemnly。andweaskthequestionofyou，inorderthatwemaynotawakenapprehensionsinside——wewanttoknowwhoyou’vegotinthishouse，atpresent？
Whothereisinthehouse！saidSam，inwhosemindtheinmateswerealwaysrepresentedbythatparticulararticleoftheircostume，whichcameunderhisimmediatesuperintendence。There’sawoodenleginnumbersix。
there’sapairofHessiansinthirteen。there’stwopairofhalvesinthecommercial。there’stheseherepaintedtopsinthesnuggeryinsidethebar。andfivemoretopsinthecoffee-room。
Nothingmore？saidthelittleman。
Stopabit，repliedSam，suddenlyrecollectinghimself。Yes。there’sapairo’Wellingtonsagooddealworn，andapairoflady’sshoes，innumberfive。
Whatsortofshoes？hastilyinquiredWardle，who，togetherwithMr。
Pickwick，hadbeenlostinbewildermentatthesingularcatalogueofvisitors。
Countrymake，repliedSam。
Anymaker’sname？
Brown。
Whereof？
Muggleton。
Itisthem，exclaimedWardle。ByHeavens，we’vefoundthem。
Hush！saidSam。TheWellingtonshasgonetoDoctors’Commons。
No，saidthelittleman。
Yes，foralicence。
We’reintime，exclaimedWardle。Showustheroom。notamomentistobelost。
Pray，mydearsir——pray，saidthelittleman。caution，caution。
Hedrewfromhispocketaredsilkpurse，andlookedveryhardatSamashedrewoutasovereign。
Samgrinnedexpressively。
Showusintotheroomatonce，withoutannouncingus，saidthelittleman，andit’syours。
Samthrewthepaintedtopsintoacorner，andledthewaythroughadarkpassage，andupawidestaircase。Hepausedattheendofasecondpassage，andheldouthishand。
Hereitis，whisperedtheattorney，ashedepositedthemoneyinthehandoftheirguide。
Themansteppedforwardforafewpacesfollowedbythetwofriendsandtheirlegaladviser。Hestoppedatadoor。
Isthistheroom？murmuredthelittlegentleman。
Samnoddedassent。
OldWardleopenedthedoor。andthewholethreewalkedintotheroomjustasMr。Jingle，whohadthatmomentreturned，hadproducedthelicencetothespinsteraunt。
Thespinsterutteredaloudshriek，and，throwingherselfinachair，coveredherfacewithherhands。Mr。Jinglecrumpledupthelicence，andthrustitintohiscoat-pocket。Theunwelcomevisitorsadvancedintothemiddleoftheroom。
You——youareanicerascal，arn’tyou？exclaimedWardle，breathlesswithpassion。
Mydearsir，mydearsir，saidthelittleman，layinghishatonthetable。Pray，consider——pray。Defamationofcharacter：actionfordamages。
Calmyourself，mydearsir，pray——
Howdareyoudragmysisterfrommyhouse？saidtheoldman。
Ay——ay——verygood，saidthelittlegentleman，youmayaskthat。Howdareyou，sir？——eh，sir？
Whothedevilareyou？inquiredMr。Jingle，insofierceatone，thatthelittlegentlemaninvoluntarilyfellbackasteportwo。
Whoishe，youscoundrel，interposedWardle。He’smylawyer，Mr。
Perker，ofGray’sInn。Perker，I’llhavethisfellowprosecuted——indicted——I’ll——I’ll——I’llruinhim。Andyou，continuedMr。Wardle，turningabruptlyroundtohissister，you，Rachael，atatimeoflifewhenyououghttoknowbetter，whatdoyoumeanbyrunningawaywithavagabond，disgracingyoufamily，andmakingyourselfmiserable。Getonyourbonnet，andcomeback。
Callahackney-coachthere，directly，andbringthislady’sbill，d’yehear——d’yehear？
Cert’nly，sir，repliedSam，whohadansweredWardle’sviolentringingofthebellwithadegreeofceleritywhichmusthaveappearedmarvelloustoanybodywhodidn’tknowthathiseyehadbeenappliedtotheoutsideofthekeyholeduringthewholeinterview。
Getonyourbonnet，repeatedWardle。
Donothingofthekind，saidJingle。Leavetheroom，sir——nobusinesshere——lady’sfreetoactasshepleases——morethanone-and-twenty。
Morethanone-and-twenty！ejaculatedWardle，contemptuously。Morethanone-and-forty！
Ian’t，saidthespinsteraunt，herindignationgettingthebetterofherdeterminationtofaint。**
Youare，repliedWardle，you’refiftyifyou’reanhour。
Herethespinsterauntutteredaloudshriek，andbecamesenseless。
Aglassofwater，saidthehumaneMr。Pickwick，summoningthelandlady。
Aglassofwater！saidthepassionateWardle。Bringabucket，andthrowitalloverher。it’lldohergood，andsherichlydeservesit。
Ugh，youbrute！ejaculatedthekind-heartedlandlady。Poordear。
Andwithsundryejaculations，ofComenow，there’sadear——drinkalittleofthis——it’lldoyougood——don’tgivewayso——there’salove，etc。，etc。，thelandlady，assistedbyachamber-maid，proceededtovinegartheforehead，beatthehands，titillatethenose，andunlacethestaysofthespinsteraunt，andtoadministersuchotherrestorativesasareusuallyappliedbycompassionatefemalestoladieswhoareendeavouringtofermentthemselvesintohysterics。
Coachisready，sir，saidSam，appearingatthedoor。
Comealong。criedWardle。I’llcarryherdownstairs。
Atthisproposition，thehystericscameonwithredoubledviolence。
Thelandladywasabouttoenteraveryviolentprotestagainstthisproceeding，andhadalreadygivenventtoanindignantinquirywhetherMr。Wardleconsideredhimselfalordofcreation，whenMr。Jingleinterposed——
Boots，saidhe，getmeanofficer。
Stay，stay，saidlittleMr。Perker。Consider，sir，consider。
I’llnotconsider，repliedJingle。She’sherownmistress——seewhodarestotakeheraway——unlessshewishesit。
Iwon’tbetakenaway，murmuredthespinsteraunt。Idon’twishit。Heretherewasafrightfulrelapse。
Mydearsir，saidthelittleman，inalowtone，takingMr。WardleandMr。Pickwickapart：Mydearsir，we’reinaveryawkwardsituation。
It’sadistressingcase——very。Ineverknewonemoreso。butreally，mydearsir，reallywehavenopowertocontrolthislady’sactions。Iwarnedyoubeforewecame，mydearsir，thattherewasnothingtolooktobutacompromise。
Therewasashortpause。
Whatkindofcompromisewouldyourecommend？inquiredMr。Pickwick。
Why，mydearsir，ourfriend’sinanunpleasantposition——verymuchso。Wemustbecontenttosuffersomepecuniaryloss。
I’llsufferany，ratherthansubmittothisdisgrace，andlether，foolassheis，bemademiserableforlife，saidWardle。
Iratherthinkitcanbedone，saidthebustlinglittleman。Mr。
Jingle，willyoustepwithusintothenextroomforamoment？
Mr。Jingleassented，andthequartettewalkedintoanemptyapartment。
Now，sir，saidthelittleman，ashecarefullyclosedthedoor，istherenowayofaccommodatingthismatter——stepthisway，sir，foramoment——intothiswindow，sir，wherewecanbealone——there，sir，there，praysitdown，sir。Now，mydearsir，betweenyouandI，weknowverywell，mydearsir，thatyouhaverunoffwiththisladyforthesakeofhermoney。Don’tfrown，sir，don’tfrown。Isay，betweenyouandI，weknowit。Wearebothmenoftheworld，andweknowverywellthatourfriendshere，arenot——eh？
Mr。Jingle’sfacegraduallyrelaxed。andsomethingdistantlyresemblingawinkquiveredforaninstantinhislefteye。
Verygood，verygood，saidthelittleman，observingtheimpressionhehadmade。Nowthefactis，thatbeyondafewhundreds，theladyhaslittleornothingtillthedeathofhermother——fineoldlady，mydearsir。
Old，saidMr。Jingle，brieflybutemphatically。
Why，yes，saidtheattorneywithaslightcough。Youareright，mydearsir，sheisratherold。Shecomesofanoldfamilythough，mydearsir。oldineverysenseoftheword。ThefounderofthatfamilycameintoKent，whenJuliusCaesarinvadedBritain——onlyonememberofit，since，whohasn’tlivedtoeighty-five，andhewasbeheadedbyoneoftheHenrys。Theoldladyisnotseventy-threenow，mydearsir。
Thelittlemanpaused，andtookapinchofsnuff。
Well，criedMr。Jingle。
Well，mydearsir——youdon’ttakesnuff！——ah！somuchthebetter——expensivehabit——well，mydearsir，you’reafineyoungman，manoftheworld——abletopushyourfortune，ifyouhadcapital，eh？
Well，saidMr。Jingleagain。
Doyoucomprehendme？
Notquite。
Don’tyouthink——now，mydearsir，Iputittoyou，don’tyouthink——thatfiftypoundsandliberty，wouldbebetterthanMissWardleandexpectation？
Won’tdo——nothalfenough！saidMr。Jinglerising。
Nay，nay，mydearsir，remonstratedthelittleattorney，seizinghimbythebutton。Goodroundsum——amanlikeyoucouldtrebleitinnotime——greatdealtobedonewithfiftypounds，mydearsir。
Moretobedonewithahundredandfifty，repliedMr。Jingle，coolly。
Well，mydearsir，wewon’twastetimeinsplittingstraws，resumedthelittleman，say——say——seventy。
Won’tdo，saidMr。Jingle。
Don’tgoaway，mydearsir——praydon’thurry，saidthelittleman。
Eighty。come：I’llwriteyouachequeatonce。
Won’tdo，saidMr。Jingle。
Well，mydearsir，well，saidthelittleman，stilldetaininghim。
justtellmewhatwilldo。
Expensiveaffair，saidMr。Jingle。Moneyoutofpocket——posting，ninepounds。licence，three——that’stwelve——compensation，ahundred——hundredandtwelve——Breachofhonour——andlossofthelady——
Yes，mydearsir，yes，saidthelittleman，withaknowinglook，nevermindthelasttwoitems。That’sahundredandtwelve——sayahundred——come。
Andtwenty，saidMr。Jingle。
Come，come，I’llwriteyouacheque，saidthelittleman。anddownhesatatthetableforthatpurpose。
I’llmakeitpayablethedayafterto-morrow，saidthelittleman，withalooktowardsMr。Wardle。andwecangettheladyaway，meanwhile。
Mr。Wardlesullenlynoddedassent。
Ahundred，saidthelittleman。
Andtwenty，saidMr。Jingle。
Mydearsir，remonstratedthelittleman。
Giveithim，interposedMr。Wardle，andlethimgo。
Thechequewaswrittenbythelittlegentleman，andpocketedbyMr。
Jingle。
Now，leavethishouseinstantly！saidWardle，startingup。
Mydearsir，urgedthelittleman。
Andmind，saidMr。Wardle，thatnothingshouldhaveinducedmetomakethiscompromise——notevenaregardformyfamily——ifIhadnotknownthatthemomentyougotanymoneyinthatpocketofyours，you’dgotothedevilfaster，ifpossible，thanyouwouldwithoutit——
Mydearsir，urgedthelittlemanagain。
Bequiet。Perker，resumedWardle。Leavetheroom，sir。
Offdirectly，saidtheunabashedJingle。Byebye，Pickwick。
Ifanydispassionatespectatorcouldhavebeheldthecountenanceoftheillustriousman，whosenameformstheleadingfeatureofthetitleofthiswork，duringthelatterpartofthisconversation，hewouldhavebeenalmostinducedtowonderthattheindignantfirewhichflashedfromhiseyes，didnotmelttheglassesofhisspectacles——somajesticwashiswrath。Hisnostrilsdilated，andhisfistsclenchedinvoluntarily，asheheardhimselfaddressedbythevillain。Butherestrainedhimselfagain——hedidnotpulverisehim。
Here，continuedthehardenedtraitor，tossingthelicenceatMr。Pickwick’sfeet。getthenamealtered——takehomethelady——doforTuppy。
Mr。Pickwickwasaphilosopher，butphilosophersareonlymeninarmour，afterall。Theshafthadreachedhim，penetratedthroughhisphilosophicalharness，tohisveryheart。Inthefrenzyofhisragehehurledtheinkstandmadlyforward，andfollowedituphimself。ButMr。Jinglehaddisappeared，andhefoundhimselfcaughtinthearmsofSam。
Hallo，saidthateccentricfunctionary，furniter’scheapwhereyoucomefrom，sir。Self-actingink，that’ere。it’swroteyoumarkuponthewall，oldgen’lm’n。Holdstill，sir。wot’stheuseo’runnin’arteramanashasmadehislucky，andgottot’otherendoftheBoroughbythistime。
Mr。Pickwick’smind，likethoseofalltrulygreatmen，wasopentoconviction。Hewasaquickandpowerfulreasoner。andamoment’sreflectionsufficedtoremindhimoftheimpotencyofhisrage。Itsubsidedasquicklyasithadbeenroused。Hepantedforbreath，andlookedbenignantlyrounduponhisfriends。
Shallwetellthelamentationsthatensued，whenMissWardlefoundherselfdesertedbythefaithlessJingle？ShallweextractMr。Pickwick’smasterlydescriptionofthatheartrendingscene？Hisnote-book，blottedwiththetearsofsympathisinghumanity，liesopenbeforeus。oneword，anditisintheprinter’shands。But，no！wewillberesolute！Wewillnotwringthepublicbosom，withthedelineationofsuchsuffering！
Slowlyandsadlydidthetwofriendsandthedesertedlady，returnnextdayintheMuggletonheavycoach。Dimlyanddarklyhadthesombreshadowsofasummer’snightfallenuponallaround，whentheyagainreachedDingleyDell，andstoodwithintheentrancetoManorFarm。
[NextChapter][TableofContents]ThePickwickPapers：Chapter11[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]CHAPTERXIINVOLVINGANOTHERJOURNEY，ANDANANTIQUARIANDISCOVERY。
RECORDINGMR。PICKWICK’SDETERMINATIONTOBEPRESENTATANELECTION。AND
CONTAININGAMANUSCRIPTOFTHEOLDCLERGYMAN’S
ANIGHTofquietandreposeintheprofoundsilenceofDingleyDell，andanhour’sbreathingofitsfreshandfragrantairontheensuingmorning，completelyrecoveredMr。Pickwickfromtheeffectsofhislatefatigueofbodyandanxietyofmind。Thatillustriousmanhadbeenseparatedfromhisfriendsandfollowers，fortwowholedays。anditwaswithadegreeofpleasureanddelight，whichnocommonimaginationcanadequatelyconceive，thathesteppedforwardtogreetMr。WinkleandMr。Snodgrass，asheencounteredthosegentlemenonhisreturnfromhisearlywalk。Thepleasurewasmutual。forwhocouldevergazeonMr。Pickwick’sbeamingfacewithoutexperiencingthesensation？Butstillacloudseemedtohangoverhiscompanionswhichthatgreatmancouldnotbutbesensibleof，andwaswhollyatalosstoaccountfor。Therewasamysteriousairaboutthemboth，asunusualasitwasalarming。
Andhow，saidMr。Pickwick，whenhehadgraspedhisfollowersbythehand，andexchangedwarmsalutationsofwelcome。howisTupman？
Mr。Winkle，towhomthequestionwasmorepeculiarlyaddressed，madenoreply。Heturnedawayhishead，andappearedabsorbedinmelancholyreflections。
Snodgrass，saidMr。Pickwick，earnestly，Howisourfriend——heisnotill？
No，repliedMr。Snodgrass。andateartrembledonhissentimentaleye-lid，likearain-droponawindow-frame。No。heisnotill。
Mr。Pickwickstopped，andgazedoneachofhisfriendsinturn。
Winkle——Snodgrass，saidMr。Pickwick：whatdoesthismean？Whereisourfriend？Whathashappened？Speak——Iconjure，Ientreat——nay，Icommandyou，speak。
Therewasasolemnity——adignity——inMr。Pickwick’smanner，nottobewithstood。
Heisgone，saidMr。Snodgrass。
Gone！exclaimedMr。Pickwick。Gone！
Gone，repeatedMr。Snodgrass。
Where！ejaculatedMr。Pickwick。
Wecanonlyguessfromthatcommunication，repliedMr。Snodgrass，takingaletterfromhispocket，andplacingitinhisfriend’shand。Yesterdaymorning，whenaletterwasreceivedfromMr。Wardle，statingthatyouwouldbehomewithhissisteratnight，themelancholywhichhadhungoverourfriendduringthewholeofthepreviousday，wasobservedtoincrease。
Heshortlyafterwardsdisappeared：hewasmissingduringthewholeday，andintheeveningthisletterwasbroughtbythehostlerfromtheCrown，atMuggleton。Ithadbeenleftinhischargeinthemorning，withastrictinjunctionthatitshouldnotbedelivereduntilnight。
Mr。Pickwickopenedtheepistle。Itwasinhisfriend’shandwriting，andthesewereitscontents：——
MydearPickwick，You，mydearfriend，areplacedfarbeyondthereachofmanymortalfrailtiesandweaknesseswhichordinarypeoplecannotovercome。Youdonotknowwhatitis，atoneblow，tobedesertedbyalovelyandfascinatingcreature，andtofallavictimtotheartificesofavillain，whohidthegrinofcunning，beneaththemaskoffriendship。Ihopeyounevermay。
Anyletter，addressedtomeattheLeatherBottle，Cobham，Kent，willbeforwarded——supposingIstillexist。Ihastenfromthesightofthatworld，whichhasbecomeodioustome。ShouldIhastenfromitaltogether，pity——forgiveme。Life，mydearPickwick，hasbecomeinsupportabletome。
Thespiritwhichburnswithinus，isaporter’sknot，onwhichtoresttheheavyloadofworldlycaresandtroubles。andwhenthatspiritfailsus，theburdenistooheavytobeborne。Wesinkbeneathit。YoumaytellRachael——Ah，thatname！。
TRACYTUPMAN。