Mr。Pickwickmadenoreply，but，pushingtheletteracrossthetable，anddesiringMr。Tupmantoreaditaloud，fellbackinhischairwithalookofvacantastonishmentquitealarmingtobehold。
　　Mr。Tupman，withatremblingvoice，readtheletter，ofwhichthefollowingisacopy：——Freeman’sCourt，Cornhill，August28th，1830。BardellagainstPickwick。Sir，HavingbeeninstructedbyMrs。MarthaBardelltocommenceanactionagainstyouforabreachofpromiseofmarriage，forwhichtheplaintifflaysherdamagesatfifteenhundredpounds，webegtoinformyouthatawrithasbeenissuedagainstyouinthissuitintheCourtofCommonPleas。
　　andrequesttoknow，byreturnofpost，thenameofyourattorneyinLondon，whowillacceptservicethereof。
　　Weare，Sir，Yourobedientservants，DodsonandFogg。
　　Mr。SamuelPickwick。
　　Therewassomethingsoimpressiveinthemuteastonishmentwithwhicheachmanregardedhisneighbour，andeverymanregardedMr。Pickwick，thatallseemedafraidtospeak。ThesilencewasatlengthbrokenbyMr。Tupman。
　　DodsonandFogg，herepeatedmechanically。
　　BardellandPickwick，saidMr。Snodgrass，musing。
　　Peaceofmindandhappinessofconfidingfemales，murmuredMr。winkle，withanairofabstraction。
　　It’saconspiracy，saidMr。Pickwick，atlengthrecoveringthepowerofspeech。abaseconspiracybetweenthesetwograspingattorneys，DodsonandFogg。Mrs。Bardellwouldneverdoit——shehasn’tthehearttodoit——shehasn’tthecasetodoit。Ridiculous——ridiculous。
　　Ofherheart，saidWardle，withasmile，youshouldcertainlybethebestjudge。Idon’twishtodiscourageyou，butIshouldcertainlysaythat，ofhercase，DodsonandFoggarefarbetterjudgesthananyofuscanbe。
　　It’savileattempttoextortmoney，saidMr。Pickwick。
　　Ihopeitis，saidWardle，withashort，drycough。
　　Whoeverheardmeaddressherinanywaybutthatinwhichalodgerwouldaddresshislandlady？continuedMr。Pickwick，withgreatvehemence。
　　Whoeversawmewithher？Notevenmyfriendshere——
　　Exceptononeoccasion，saidMr。Tupman。
　　Mr。Pickwickchangedcolour。
　　Ah，saidMr。Wardle。Well，that’simportant。Therewasnothingsuspiciousthen，Isuppose？
　　Mr。Tupmanglancedtimidlyathisleader。Why，saidhe，therewasnothingsuspicious。but——Idon’tknowhowithappened，mind——shecertainlywasreclininginhisarms。
　　Graciouspowers！ejaculatedMr。Pickwick，astherecollectionofthesceneinquestionstruckforciblyuponhim。whatadreadfulinstanceoftheforceofcircumstances！Soshewas——soshewas。
　　Andourfriendwassoothingheranguish，saidMr。Winkle，rathermaliciously。
　　SoIwas，saidMr。Pickwick。Iwon’tdenyit。SoIwas。
　　Hallo！saidWardle。foracaseinwhichthere’snothingsuspicious，thislooksratherqueer——eh，Pickwick？Ah，slydog——slydog！andhelaughedtilltheglassesonthesideboardrangagain。
　　Whatadreadfulconjunctionofappearances！exclaimedMr。Pickwick，restinghischinuponhishands。Winkle——Tupman——IbegyourpardonfortheobservationsImadejustnow。Weareallthevictimsofcircumstances，andIthegreatest。WiththisapologyMr。Pickwickburiedhisheadinhishands，andruminated。whileWardlemeasuredoutaregularcircleofnodsandwinks，addressedtotheothermembersofthecompany。
　　I’llhaveitexplained，though，saidMr。Pickwick，raisinghisheadandhammeringthetable。I’llseethisDodsonandFogg！I’llgotoLondonto-morrow。
　　Notto-morrow，saidWardle。you’retoolame。
　　Well，then，nextday。
　　NextdayisthefirstofSeptember，andyou’repledgedtorideoutwithus，asfarasSirGeoffreyManning’sgrounds，atallevents，andtomeetusatlunch，ifyoudon’ttakethefield。
　　Well，then，thedayafter，saidMr。Pickwick。Thursday——Sam！
　　Sir，repliedMr。Weller。
　　TaketwoplacesoutsidetoLondon，onThursdaymorning，foryourselfandme。
　　Werywell，sir。
　　Mr。Wellerlefttheroom，anddepartedslowlyonhiserrand，withhishandsinhispocket，andhiseyesfixedontheground。
　　Rumfeller，thehemperor，saidMr。Weller，ashewalkedslowlyupthestreet。Thinko’hismakinguptothatereMrs。Bardell——vithalittleboy，too！Alwaysthevayviththesehereold’unshows’ever，asissuchsteadygoerstolookat。Ididn’tthinkhe’dha’doneit，though——Ididn’tthinkhe’dha’doneit！Moralisinginthisstrain，Mr。SamuelWellerbenthisstepstowardsthebooking-office。
　　[NextChapter][TableofContents]ThePickwickPapers：Chapter19[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]CHAPTERXIXAPLEASANTDAY，WITHANUNPLEASANTTERMINATION
　　THEbirds，who，happilyfortheirownpeaceofmindandpersonalcomfort，wereinblissfulignoranceofthepreparationswhichhadbeenmakingtoastonishthem，onthefirstofSeptember，haileditnodoubt，asoneofthepleasantestmorningstheyhadseenthatseason。
　　Manyayoungpartridgewhostruttedcomplacentlyamongthestubble，withallthefinickingcoxcombryofyouth，andmanyanolderonewhowatchedhislevityoutofhislittleroundeye，withthecontemptuousairofabirdofwisdomandexperience，alikeunconsciousoftheirapproachingdoom，baskedinthefreshmorningairwithlivelyandblithesomefeelings，andafewhoursafterwardswerelaidlowupontheearth。Butwegrowaffecting：
　　letusproceed。
　　Inplaincommon-placematter-of-fact，then，itwasafinemorning——sofinethatyouwouldscarcelyhavebelievedthatthefewmonthsofanEnglishsummerhadyetflownby。Hedges，fields，andtrees，hillandmoorland，presentedtotheeyetheirever-varyingshadesofdeeprichgreen。scarcealeafhadfallen，scarceasprinkleofyellowmingledwiththehuesofsummer，warnedyouthatautumnhadbegun。Theskywascloudless，thesunshoneoutbrightandwarm。thesongsofbirds，andhumofmyriadsofsummerinsects，filledtheair。andthecottagegardens，crowdedwithflowersofeveryrichandbeautifultint，sparkled，intheheavydew，likebedsofglitteringjewels。Everythingborethestampofsummer，andnoneofitsbeautifulcolourshadyetfadedfromthedye。
　　Suchwasthemorning，whenanopencarriage，inwhichwerethreePickwickiansMr。Snodgrasshavingpreferredtoremainathome，Mr。Wardle，andMr。
　　Trundle，withSamWellerontheboxbesidethedriver，pulledupbyagateattheroad-side，beforewhichstoodatall，raw-bonedgame-keeper，andahalf-booted，leather-legginedboy：eachbearingabagofcapaciousdimensions，andaccompaniedbyabraceofpointers。
　　Isay，whisperedMr。WinkletoWardle，asthemanletdownthesteps，theydon’tsupposewe’regoingtokillgameenoughtofillthosebags，dothey？
　　Fillthem！exclaimedoldWardle。Blessyou，yes！Youshallfillone，andItheother。andwhenwe’vedonewiththem，thepocketsofourshootingjacketswillholdasmuchmore。
　　Mr。Winkledismountedwithoutsayinganythinginreplytothisobservation。
　　buthethoughtwithinhimself，thatifthepartyremainedintheopenair，untilhehadfilledoneofthebags，theystoodaconsiderablechanceofcatchingcoldsintheirheads。
　　``Hi，Juno，lass——hi，oldgirl。down，Daph，down，saidWardle，caressingthedogs。SirGeoffreystillinScotland，ofcourse，Martin？
　　Thetallgamekeeperrepliedintheaffirmative，andlookedwithsomesurprisefromMr。Winkle，whowasholdinghisgunasifhewishedhiscoatpockettosavehimthetroubleofpullingthetrigger，toMr。Tupman，whowasholdinghisasifhewereafraidofit——asthereisnoearthlyreasontodoubthereallywas。
　　Myfriendsarenotmuchinthewayofthissortofthingyet，Martin，
　　saidWardle，noticingthelook。Liveandlearn，youknow。They’llbegoodshotsoneofthesedays。IbegmyfriendWinkle’spardon，though。hehashadsomepractice。
　　Mr。Winklesmiledfeeblyoverhisblueneckerchiefinacknowledgmentofthecompliment，andgothimselfsomysteriouslyentangledwithhisgun，inhismodestconfusion，thatifthepiecehadbeenloaded，hemustinevitablyhaveshothimselfdeaduponthespot。
　　Youmusn’thandleyourpieceinthatereway，whenyoucometohavethechargeinit，sir，saidthetallgamekeeper，gruffly，orI’mdamnedifyouwon’tmakecoldmeatofsomeonus。
　　Mr。Winkle，thusadmonished，abruptlyaltereditsposition，andinsodoing，contrivedtobringthebarrelintoprettysharpcontactwithMr。
　　Weller’shead。
　　Hallo！saidSam，pickinguphishat，whichhadbeenknockedoff，andrubbinghistemple。Hallo，sir！ifyoucomesitthisvay，you’llfilloneo’thembags，andsomethingtospare，atonefire。
　　Heretheleather-legginedboylaughedveryheartily，andthentriedtolookasifitwassomebodyelse，whereatMr。Winklefrownedmajestically。
　　Wheredidyoutelltheboytomeetuswiththesnack，Martin？inquiredWardle。
　　SideofOne-treeHill，attwelveo’clock，sir。
　　That’snotSirGeoffrey’sland，isit？
　　No，sir。butit’sclosebyit。It’sCaptainBoldwig’sland。butthere’llbenobodytointerruptus，andthere’safinebitofturfthere。
　　Verywell，saidoldWardle。Nowthesoonerwe’reoffthebetter。
　　Willyoujoinusattwelve，then，Pickwick？
　　Mr。Pickwickwasparticularlydesiroustoviewthesport，themoreespeciallyashewasratheranxiousinrespectofMr。Winkle’slifeandlimbs。Onsoinvitingamorning，too，itwasverytantalisingtoturnback，andleavehisfriendstoenjoythemselves。Itwas，therefore，withaveryruefulairthathereplied，Why，IsupposeImust。
　　An’tthegentlemanashot，sir？inquiredthelonggamekeeper。
　　No，repliedWardle。andhe’slamebesides。
　　Ishouldverymuchliketogo，saidMr。Pickwick，verymuch。
　　Therewasashortpauseofcommiseration。
　　There’sabarrowt’othersidethehedge，saidtheboy。Ifthegentleman’sservantwouldwheelalongthepaths，hecouldkeepnighus，andwecouldliftitoverthestiles，andthat。
　　Thewerything，saidMr。Weller，whowasapartyinterested，inasmuchasheardentlylongedtoseethesport。Thewerything。Wellsaid，Smallcheek。
　　I’llhaveitoutinaminute。
　　Buthereadifficultyarose。Thelonggamekeeperresolutelyprotestedagainsttheintroductionintoashootingparty，ofagentlemaninabarrow，asagrossviolationofallestablishedrulesandprecedents。
　　Itwasagreatobjection，butnotaninsurmountableone。Thegamekeeperhavingbeencoaxedandfeed，andhaving，moreover，easedhismindbypunching
　　theheadoftheinventiveyouthwhohadfirstsuggestedtheuseofthemachine，Mr。Pickwickwasplacedinit，andoffthepartyset。Wardleandthelonggamekeeperleadingtheway，andMr。Pickwickinthebarrow，propelledbySam，bringinguptherear。
　　Stop，Sam，saidMr。Pickwick，whentheyhadgothalfacrossthefirstfield。
　　What’sthematternow？saidWardle。
　　Iwon’tsufferthisbarrowtobemovedanotherstep，saidMr。Pickwick，resolutely，unlessWinklecarriesthatgunofhis，inadifferentmanner。
　　HowamItocarryit？saidthewretchedWinkle。
　　Carryitwiththemuzzletotheground，repliedMr。Pickwick。
　　It’ssounsportsman-like，reasonedWinkle。
　　Idon’tcarewhetherit’sunsportsman-likeornot，repliedMr。Pickwick。
　　Iamnotgoingtobeshotinawheelbarrow，forthesakeofappearances，topleaseanybody。
　　Iknowthegentleman’llputthaterechargeintosomebodyaforehe’sdone，growledthelongman。
　　Well，well——Idon’tmind，saidpoorWinkle，turninghisgun-stockuppermost——there。
　　Anythin’foraquietlife，saidMr。Weller。andontheywentagain。
　　Stop！saidMr。Pickwick，aftertheyhadgoneafewyardsfurther。
　　Whatnow？saidWardle。
　　ThatgunofTupman’sisnotsafe：Iknowitisn’tsaidMr。Pickwick。
　　Eh？What！notsafe？saidMr。Tupman，inatoneofgreatalarm。
　　Notasyouarecarryingit，saidMr。Pickwick。Iamverysorrytomakeanyfurtherobjection，butIcannotconsenttogoon，unlessyoucarryitasWinkledoeshis。
　　Ithinkyouhadbetter，sir，saidthelonggamekeeper，oryou’requiteaslikelytolodgethechargeinyourselfasinanythingelse。
　　Mr。Tupman，withthemostobliginghaste，placedhispieceinthepositionrequired，andthepartymovedonagain。thetwoamateursmarchingwithreversedarms，likeacoupleofprivatesataroyalfuneral。
　　Thedogssuddenlycametoadeadstop，andthepartyadvancingstealthilyasinglepace，stoppedtoo。
　　What’sthematterwiththedogs’legs？whisperedMr。Winkle。Howqueerthey’restanding。
　　Hush，can’tyou？repliedWardle，softly。Don’tyouseethey’remakingapoint？
　　Makingapoint！saidMr。Winkle，staringabouthim，asifheexpectedtodiscoversomeparticularbeautyinthelandscape，whichthesagaciousanimalswerecallingspecialattentionto。Makingapoint！Whataretheypointingat？
　　Keepyoueyesopen，saidWardle，notheedingthequestionintheexcitementofthemoment。Nowthen。
　　Therewasasharpwhirringnoise，thatmadeMr。Winklestartbackasifhehadbeenshothimself。Bang，bang，wentacoupleofguns——thesmokesweptquicklyawayoverthefield，andcurledintotheair。
　　Wherearethey？saidMr。Winkle，inastateofthehighestexcitement，turningroundandroundinalldirections。Wherearethey？Tellmewhentofire。Wherearethey——wherearethey？
　　Wherearethey？saidWardle，takingupabraceofbirdswhichthedogshaddepositedathisfeet。Why，heretheyare。
　　No，no。Imeantheothers，saidthebewilderedWinkle。
　　Farenoughoff，bythistime，repliedWardle，coollyreloadinghisgun。
　　Weshallverylikelybeupwithanothercoveyinfiveminutes，saidthelonggamekeeper。Ifthegentlemanbeginstofirenow，perhapshe’lljustgettheshotoutofthebarrelbythetimetheyrise。
　　Ha！ha！ha！roaredMr。Weller。
　　Sam，saidMr。Pickwick，compassionatinghisfollower’sconfusionandembarrassment。
　　Sir。
　　Don’tlaugh。
　　Certainlynot，sir。So，bywayofindemnification，Mr。Wellercontortedhisfeaturesfrombehindthewheel-barrowfortheexclusiveamusementoftheboywiththeleggings，whothereuponburstintoaboisterouslaugh，andwassummarilycuffedbythelonggamekeeper，whowantedapretextforturninground，tohidehisownmerriment。
　　Bravo，oldfellow！saidWardletoMr。Tupman。youfiredthattime，atallevents。
　　Ohyes，repliedMr。Tupman，withconsciouspride。Iletitoff。
　　Welldone。You’llhitsomethingnexttime，ifyoulooksharp。Veryeasy，ain’tit？
　　Yes，it’sveryeasy，saidMr。Tupman。Howithurtsone’sshoulder，though。Itnearlyknockedmebackwards。Ihadnoideathesesmallfire-armskickedso。
　　Ah，saidtheoldgentleman，smiling。you’llgetusedtoitintime。
　　Nowthen——allready——allrightwiththebarrowthere？
　　Allright，sir，repliedMr。Weller。
　　Comealongthen。
　　Holdhard，sir，saidSam，raisingthebarrow。
　　Aye，aye，repliedMr。Pickwick。andontheywent，asbrisklyasneedbe。
　　Keepthatbarrowbacknow，criedWardlewhenithadbeenhoistedoverastileintoanotherfield，andMr。Pickwickhadbeendepositedinitoncemore。
　　Allright，sir，repliedMr。Weller，pausing。
　　Now，Winkle，saidtheoldgentleman，followmesoftly，anddon’tbetoolatethistime。
　　Neverfear，saidMr。Winkle。Aretheypointing？
　　No，no。notnow。Quietlynow，quietly。Ontheycrept，andveryquietlytheywouldhaveadvanced，ifMr。Winkle，intheperformanceofsomeveryintricateevolutionswithhisgun，hadnotaccidentallyfired，atthemostcriticalmoment，overtheboy’shead，exactlyintheveryspotwherethetallman’sbrainswouldhavebeen，hadhebeenthereinstead。
　　Why，whatonearthdidyoudothatfor？saidoldWardle，asthebirdsflewunharmedaway。
　　Ineversawsuchaguninmylife，repliedpoorMr。Winkle，lookingatthelock，asifthatwoulddoanygood。Itgoesoffofitsownaccord。
　　Itwilldoit。
　　Willdoit！echoedWardle，withsomethingofirritationinhismanner。
　　Iwishitwouldkillsomethingofitsownaccord。
　　It’lldothataforelong，sir，observedthetallman，inalow，propheticvoice。
　　Whatdoyoumeanbythatobservation，sir？inquiredMr。Winkle，angrily。
　　Nevermind，sir，nevermind，repliedthelonggamekeeper。I’venofamilymyself，sir。andthishereboy’smotherwillgetsomethinghandsomefromSirGeoffrey，ifhe’skilledonhisland。Loadagain，sir，loadagain。
　　Takeawayhisgun，criedMr。Pickwickfromthebarrow，horror-strickenatthelongman’sdarkinsinuations。Takeawayhisgun，doyouhear，somebody？
　　Nobody，however，volunteeredtoobeythecommand。andMr。Winkle，afterdartingarebelliousglanceatMr。Pickwick，reloadedhisgun，andproceededonwardswiththerest。
　　Wearebound，ontheauthorityofMr。Pickwick，tostate，thatMr。Tupman’smodeofproceedingevincedfarmoreofprudenceanddeliberation，thanthatadoptedbyMr。Winkle。Still，thisbynomeansdetractsfromthegreatauthorityofthelattergentleman，onallmattersconnectedwiththefield。
　　because，asMr。Pickwickbeautifullyobserves，ithassomehoworotherhappened，fromtimeimmemorial，thatmanyofthebestandablestphilosophers，whohavebeenperfectlightsofscienceinmattersoftheory，havebeenwhollyunabletoreducethemtopractice。
　　Mr。Tupman’sprocess，likemanyofourmostsublimediscoveries，wasextremelysimple。Withthequicknessandpenetrationofamanofgenius，hehadatonceobservedthatthetwogreatpointstobeattainedwere——first，todischargehispiecewithoutinjurytohimself，andsecondly，todoso，withoutdangertotheby-standers——obviouslythebestthingtodoaftersurmountingthedifficultyoffiringatall，wastoshuthiseyesfirmly，andfireintotheair。
　　Ononeoccasion，afterperformingthisfeat，Mr。Tupman，onopeninghiseyes，beheldaplumppartridgeintheactoffallingwoundedtotheground。HewasonthepointofcongratulatingMr。Wardleonhisinvariablesuccess，whenthatgentlemanadvancedtowardshim，andgraspedhimwarmlybythehand。
　　Tupman，saidtheoldgentleman，yousingledoutthatparticularbird？
　　No，saidMr。Tupman——no。
　　Youdid，saidWardle。Isawyoudoit——Iobservedyoupickhimout——I
　　noticedyou，asyouraisedyourpiecetotakeaim。andIwillsaythis，thatthebestshotinexistencecouldnothavedoneitmorebeautifully。
　　Youareanolderhandatthis，thanIthoughtyou，Tupman。youhavebeenoutbefore。
　　ItwasinvainforMr。Tupmantoprotest，withasmileofself-denialthatheneverhad。Theverysmilewastakenasevidencetothecontrary。
　　andfromthattimeforth，hisreputationwasestablished。Itisnottheonlyreputationthathasbeenacquiredaseasily，noraresuchfortunatecircumstancesconfinedtopartridge-shooting。
　　Meanwhile，Mr。Winkleflashed，andblazed，andsmokedaway，withoutproducinganymaterialresultsworthyofbeingnoteddown。sometimesexpendinghischargeinmid-air，andatotherssendingitskimmingalongsonearthesurfaceofthegroundastoplacethelivesofthetwodogsonaratheruncertainandprecarioustenure。Asadisplayoffancyshooting，itwasextremelyvariedandcurious。asanexhibitionoffiringwithanypreciseobject，itwas，uponthewhole，perhapsafailure。Itisanestablishedaxiom，thateverybullethasitsbillet。’Ifitapplyinanequaldegreetoshot，thoseofMr。Winklewereunfortunatefoundlings，deprivedoftheirnaturalrights，castlooseupontheworld，andbilletednowhere。
　　Well，saidWardle，walkinguptothesideofthebarrow，andwipingthestreamsofperspirationfromhisjollyredface。smokingday，isn’tit？
　　Itis，indeed，repliedMr。Pickwick。Thesunistremendouslyhot，eventome。Idon’tknowhowyoumustfeelit。
　　Why，saidtheoldgentleman，prettyhot。It’spasttwelve，though。
　　Youseethatgreenhillthere？
　　Certainly。
　　That’stheplacewherewearetolunch。and，byJove，there’stheboywiththebasket，punctualasclockwork！
　　Soheis，saidMr。Pickwick，brighteningup。Goodboy，that。I’llgivehimashilling，presently。Now，then，Sam，wheelaway。
　　Holdon，sir，saidMr。Weller，invigoratedwiththeprospectofrefreshments。
　　Outofthevay，youngleathers。Ifyouwalleymypreciouslifedon’tupsetme，asthegen’l’m’nsaidtothedriverwhentheywasacarryin’himtoTyburn。Andquickeninghispacetoasharprun，Mr。Wellerwheeledhismasternimblytothegreenhill，shothimdexterouslyoutbytheverysideofthebasket，andproceededtounpackitwiththeutmostdispatch。
　　Wealpie，saidMr。Weller，soliloquising，ashearrangedtheeatablesonthegrass。Werygoodthingiswealpie，whenyouknowtheladyasmadeit，andisquitesureitan’tkittens。andarterallthough，where’stheodds，whenthey’resolikewealthatthewerypiementhemselvesdon’tknowthedifference？
　　Don’tthey，Sam？saidMr。Pickwick。
　　Notthey，sir，repliedMr。Weller，touchinghishat。Ilodgedinthesamehousevithapiemanonce，sir，andawerynicemanhewas——reg’larcleverchap，too——makepiesouto’anything，hecould。`Whatanumbero’
　　catsyoukeep，Mr。Brooks，’saysI，whenI’dgotintimatewithhim。`Ah，’
　　sayshe，`Ido——agoodmany，’sayshe。`Youmustbeweryfondo’cats，’
　　saysI。`Otherpeopleis，’sayshe，awinkin’atme。`theyan’tinseasontillthewinterthough，’sayshe。`Notinseason！’saysI。`No，’sayshe，`fruitsisin，catsisout。’`Why，whatdoyoumean？’saysI。`Mean？’sayshe。`ThatI’llneverbeapartytothecombinationo’thebutchers，tokeepupthepriceso’meat，’sayshe。`Mr。Weller，’sayshe，asqueezingmyhandweryhard，andvisperinginmyear——`don’tmentionthishereagin——butit’stheseasonin’asdoesit。They’reallmadeo’themnobleanimals，’
　　sayshe，apointin’toawerynicelittletabbykitten，`andIseasons’emforbeef-steak，weal，orkidney，’cordin’tothedemand。Andmorethanthat，’sayshe，`Icanmakeawealabeef-steak，orabeef-steakakidney，oranyoneon’emamutton，ataminute’snotice，justasthemarketchanges，andappetiteswary！’
　　Hemusthavebeenaveryingeniousyoungman，that，Sam，saidMr。
　　Pickwick，withaslightshudder。
　　Justwas，sir，repliedMr。Weller，continuinghisoccupationofemptyingthebasket，andthepieswasbeautiful。Tongue。wellthat’sawerygoodthingwhenitan’tawoman’s。Bread——knuckleo’ham，reg’larpicter——coldbeefinslices，werygood。What’sinthemstonejars，youngtouch-and-go？
　　Beerinthisone，repliedtheboy，takingfromhisshoulderacoupleoflargestonebottles，fastenedtogetherbyaleathernstrap——coldpunchint’other。
　　Andawerygoodnotionofalunchitis，takeitaltogether，saidMr。Weller，surveyinghisarrangementsoftherepastwithgreatsatisfaction。
　　Now，gen’l’m’n，`fallon，’astheEnglishsaidtotheFrenchwhentheyfixedbagginets。
　　Itneedednosecondinvitationtoinducethepartytoyieldfulljusticetothemeal。andaslittlepressingdiditrequiretoinduceMr。Weller，thelonggamekeeper，andthetwoboys，tostationthemselvesonthegrass，atalittledistance，anddogoodexecutionuponadecentproportionoftheviands。Anoldoakaffordedapleasantsheltertothegroup，andarichprospectofarableandmeadowland，intersectedwithluxurianthedges，andrichlyornamentedwithwood，layspreadoutbeforethem。
　　Thisisdelightful——thoroughlydelightful！saidMr。Pickwick，theskinofwhoseexpressivecountenancewasrapidlypeelingoff，withexposuretothesun。
　　Soitis：soitis，oldfellow，repliedWardle。Come。aglassofpunch！
　　Withgreatpleasure，saidMr。Pickwick。thesatisfactionofwhosecountenance，afterdrinkingit，boretestimonytothesincerityofthereply。
　　Good，saidMr。Pickwick，smackinghislips。Verygood。I’lltakeanother。Cool。verycool。Come，gentlemen，continuedMr。Pickwick，stillretaininghisholduponthejar，atoast。OurfriendsatDingleyDell。
　　Thetoastwasdrunkwithloudacclamations。
　　I’lltellyouwhatIshalldo，togetupmyshootingagain，saidMr。
　　Winkle，whowaseatingbreadandhamwithapocket-knife。I’llputastuffedpartridgeonthetopofapost，andpracticeatit，beginningatashortdistance，andlengtheningitbydegrees。Iunderstandit’scapitalpractice。
　　Iknowagen’l’man，sir，saidMr。Weller，asdidthat，andbegunattwoyards。buthenevertrieditonagin。forheblowedthebirdrightcleanawayatthefirstfire，andnobodyeverseedafeatheronhimarterwards。
　　Sam，saidMr。Pickwick。
　　Sir，repliedMr。WellerHavethegoodnesstoreserveyouranecdotestilltheyarecalledfor。
　　Cert’nly，sir。
　　HereMr。Wellerwinkedtheeyewhichwasnotconcealedbythebeer-canhewasraisingtohislipswithsuchexquisiteness，thatthetwoboyswentintospontaneousconvulsions，andeventhelongmancondescendedtosmile。
　　Wellthatcertainlyismostcapitalcoldpunch，saidMr。Pickwick，lookingearnestlyatthestonebottle。andthedayisextremelywarm，and——Tupman，mydearfriend，aglassofpunch？
　　Withthegreatestdelight，repliedMr。Tupman。andhavingdrankthatglass，Mr。Pickwicktookanother，justtoseewhethertherewasanyorangepeelinthepunch，becauseorangepeelalwaysdisagreedwithhim。andfindingthattherewasnot，Mr。Pickwicktookanotherglasstothehealthoftheirabsentfriend，andthenfelthimselfimperativelycalledupontoproposeanotherinhonourofthepunch-compounder，unknown。
　　ThisconstantsuccessionofglassesproducedconsiderableeffectuponMr。Pickwick。hiscountenancebeamedwiththemostsunnysmiles，laughterplayedaroundhislips，andgood-humouredmerrimenttwinkledinhiseye。
　　Yieldingbydegreestotheinfluenceoftheexcitingliquid，renderedmoresobytheheat，Mr。Pickwickexpressedastrongdesiretorecollectasongwhichhehadheardinhisinfancy，andtheattemptprovingabortive，soughttostimulatehismemorywithmoreglassesofpunch，whichappearedtohavequiteacontraryeffect。for，fromforgettingthewordsofthesong，hebegantoforgethowtoarticulateanywordsatall。andfinally，afterrisingtohislegstoaddressthecompanyinaneloquentspeech，hefellintothebarrow，andfastasleep，simultaneously。
　　Thebaskethavingbeenrepacked，anditbeingfoundperfectlyimpossibletoawakenMr。Pickwickfromhistorpor，somediscussiontookplacewhetheritwouldbebetterforMr。Wellertowheelhismasterbackagain，ortoleavehimwherehewas，untiltheyshouldallbereadytoreturn。Thelattercoursewasatlengthdecidedon。andasthefurtherexpeditionwasnottoexceedanhour’sduration，andasMr。Wellerbeggedveryhardtobeoneoftheparty，itwasdeterminedtoleaveMr。Pickwickasleepinthebarrow，andtocallforhimontheirreturn。Soawaytheywent，leavingMr。Pickwicksnoringmostcomfortablyintheshade。
　　ThatMr。Pickwickwouldhavecontinuedtosnoreintheshadeuntilhisfriendscameback，or，indefaultthereof，untiltheshadesofeveninghadfallenonthelandscape，thereappearsnoreasonablecausetodoubt。
　　alwayssupposingthathehadbeensufferedtoremainthereinpeace。Buthewasnotsufferedtoremainthereinpeace。Andthiswaswhatpreventedhim。
　　CaptainBoldwigwasalittlefiercemaninastiffblackneckerchiefandbluesurtout，who，whenhedidcondescendtowalkabouthisproperty，diditincompanywithathickrattanstickwithabrassferrule，andagardenerandsubgardenerwithmeekfaces，towhomthegardeners，notthestickCaptainBoldwiggavehisorderswithallduegrandeurandferocity：
　　forCaptainBoldwig’swife’ssisterhadmarriedaMarquis，andtheCaptain’shousewasavilla，andhislandgrounds，anditwasallveryhigh，andmighty，andgreat。
　　Mr。PickwickhadnotbeenasleephalfanhourwhenlittleCaptainBoldwig，followedbythetwogardeners，camestridingalongasfastashissizeandimportancewouldlethim。andwhenhecameneartheoaktree，CaptainBoldwigpaused，anddrewalongbreath，andlookedattheprospectasifhethoughttheprospectoughttobehighlygratifiedathavinghimtotakenoticeofit。andthenhestruckthegroundemphaticallywithhisstick，andsummonedthehead-gardener。
　　Hunt，saidCaptainBoldwig。
　　Yes，sir，saidthegardener。
　　Rollthisplaceto-morrowmorning——doyouhear，Hunt？
　　Yes，sir。
　　Andtakecarethatyoukeepmethisplaceingoodorder——doyouhear，Hunt？
　　Yes，sir。
　　Andremindmetohaveaboarddoneabouttrespassers，andspringguns，andallthatsortofthing，tokeepthecommonpeopleout。Doyouhear，Hunt。doyouhear？
　　I’llnotforgetit，sir。
　　Ibegyourpardon，sir，saidtheotherman，advancing，withhishandtohishat。
　　Well，Wilkins，what’sthematterwithyou？saidCaptainBoldwig。
　　Ibegyourpardon，sir——butIthinktherehavebeentrespassershereto-day。
　　Ha！saidtheCaptain，scowlingaroundhim。
　　Yes，sir——theyhavebeendininghere，Ithink，sir。
　　Why，confoundtheiraudacity，sotheyhave，saidCaptainBoldwig，asthecrumbsandfragmentsthatwerestrewnuponthegrassmethiseye。
　　Theyhaveactuallybeendevouringtheirfoodhere。IwishIhadthevagabondshere！saidtheCaptain，clenchingthethickstick。
　　IwishIhadthevagabondshere，saidtheCaptain，wrathfully。
　　Begyourpardon，sir，saidWilkins，but——
　　Butwhat？Eh？roaredtheCaptain。andfollowingthetimidglanceofWilkins，hiseyesencounteredthewheel-barrowandMr。Pickwick。
　　Whoareyou，yourascal？saidtheCaptain，administeringseveralpokestoMr。Pickwick’sbodywiththethickstick。What’syourname？
　　Coldpunch，murmuredMr。Pickwick，ashesunktosleepagain。
　　What？demandedCaptainBoldwig。
　　Noreply。
　　Whatdidhesayhisnamewas？askedtheCaptain。
　　Punch，Ithink，sir，repliedWilkins。
　　That’shisimpudence，that’shisconfoundedimpudence，saidCaptainBoldwig。He’sonlyfeigningtobeasleepnow，saidtheCaptain，inahighpassion。He’sdrunk。he’sadrunkenplebeian。Wheelhimaway，Wilkins，wheelhimawaydirectly。
　　WhereshallIwheelhimto，sir？inquiredWilkins，withgreattimidity。
　　WheelhimtotheDevil，repliedCaptainBoldwig。
　　Verywell，sir，saidWilkins。
　　Stay，saidtheCaptain。
　　Wilkinsstoppedaccordingly。
　　Wheelhim，saidtheCaptain，wheelhimtothePound。andletusseewhetherhecallshimselfPunchwhenhecomestohimself。Heshallnotbullyme，heshallnotbullyme。Wheelhimaway。
　　AwayMr。Pickwickwaswheeledincompliancewiththisimperiousmandate。
　　andthegreatCaptainBoldwig，swellingwithindignation，proceededonhiswalk。
　　Inexpressiblewastheastonishmentofthelittlepartywhentheyreturned，tofindthatMr。Pickwickhaddisappeared，andtakenthewheelbarrowwithhim。Itwasthemostmysteriousandunaccountablethingthatwaseverheardof。Foralamemantohavegotuponhislegswithoutanypreviousnotice，andwalkedoff，wouldhavebeenmostextraordinary。butwhenitcametohiswheelingaheavybarrowbeforehim，bywayofamusement，itgrewpositivelymiraculous。Theysearchedeverynookandcornerround，togetherandseparately。
　　theyshouted，whistled，laughed，called——andallwiththesameresult。
　　Mr。Pickwickwasnottobefound。Aftersomehoursoffruitlesssearch，theyarrivedattheunwelcomeconclusionthattheymustgohomewithouthim。
　　MeanwhileMr。PickwickhadbeenwheeledtothePound，andsafelydepositedtherein，fastasleepinthewheelbarrow，totheimmeasurabledelightandsatisfaction，notonlyofalltheboysinthevillage，butthree-fourthsofthewholepopulation，whohadgatheredround，inexpectationofhiswaking。Iftheirmostintensegratificationhadbeenexcitedbyseeinghimwheeledin，howmanyhundredfoldwastheirjoyincreasedwhen，afterafewindistinctcriesofSam！hesatupinthebarrow，andgazedwithindescribableastonishmentonthefacesbeforehim。
　　Ageneralshoutwasofcoursethesignalofhishavingwokeup。andhisinvoluntaryinquiryofWhat’sthematter？occasionedanother，louderthanthefirst，ifpossible。
　　Here’sagame！roaredthepopulace。
　　WhereamI？exclaimedMr。Pickwick。
　　InthePound，repliedthemob。
　　HowcameIhere？WhatwasIdoing？WherewasIbroughtfrom？
　　Boldwig！CaptainBoldwig！wastheonlyreply。
　　Letmeout，criedMr。Pickwick。Where’smyservant？Wherearemyfriends？
　　Youan’tgotnofriends。Hurrah！Thentherecameaturnip，thenapoato，andthenanegg：withafewotherlittletokensoftheplayfuldispositionofthemany-headed。
　　Howlongthisscenemighthavelasted，orhowmuchMr。Pickwickmighthavesuffered，noonecantell，hadnotacarriage，whichwasdrivingswiftlyby，suddenlypulledup，fromwhencetheredescendedoldWardleandSamWeller，theformerofwhom，infarlesstimethanittakestowriteit，ifnottoreadit，hadmadehiswaytoMr。Pickwick’sside，andplacedhiminthevehicle，justasthelatterhadconcludedthethirdandlastroundofasinglecombatwiththetown-beadle。
　　RuntotheJustice’s！criedadozenvoices。
　　Ah，runavay，saidMr。Weller，jumpinguponthebox。Givemycompliments——Mr。
　　Veller’scompliments——totheJustice，andtellhimI’vespiledhisbeadle，andthat，ifhe’llsvearinanew’un，I’llcomebackaginto-morrowandspilehim。Driveon，oldfeller。
　　I’llgivedirectionsforthecommencementofanactionforfalseimprisonmentagainstthisCaptainBoldwig，directlyIgettoLondon，saidMr。Pickwick，assoonasthecarriageturnedoutofthetown。
　　Weweretrespassing，itseems，saidWardle。
　　Idon’tcare，saidMr。Pickwick，I’llbringtheaction。
　　No，youwon’t，saidWardle。
　　Iwill，by——butastherewasahumorousexpressioninWardle’sface，Mr。Pickwickcheckedhimself，andsaid：Whynot？
　　Because，saidoldWardle，half-burstingwithlaughter，becausetheymightturnroundonsomeofus，andsaywehadtakentoomuchcoldpunch。
　　Dowhathewould，asmilewouldcomeintoMr。Pickwick’sface。thesmileextendedintoalaugh。thelaughintoaroar。theroarbecamegeneral。
　　So，tokeepuptheirgoodhumour，theystoppedatthefirstroadsidetaverntheycameto，andorderedaglassofbrandyandwaterallround，withamagnumofextrastrengthforMr。SamuelWeller。
　　[NextChapter][TableofContents]ThePickwickPapers：Chapter20[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]CHAPTERXXSHOWINGHOWDODSONANDFOGGWEREMENOFBUSINESS，ANDTHEIRCLERKSMENOFPLEASURE。ANDHOWANAFFECTINGINTERVIEWTOOKPLACE
　　BETWEENMR。WELLERANDHISLONG-LOSTPARENT。SHOWINGALSOWHATCHOICESPIRITS
　　ASSEMBLEDATTHEMAGPIEANDSTUMP，ANDWHATACAPITALCHAPTERTHENEXT
　　ONEWILLBE
　　INtheground-floorfrontofadingyhouse，attheveryfurthestendofFreeman’sCourt，Cornhill，satthefourclerksofMessrs。DodsonandFogg，twoofhisMajesty’sAttorneysoftheCourtsofKing’sBenchandCommonPleasatWest-minster，andsolicitorsoftheHighCourtofChancery：theaforesaidclerkscatchingasfavourableglimpsesofHeaven’slightandHeaven’ssun，inthecourseoftheirdailylabours，asamanmighthopetodo，wereheplacedatthebottomofareasonablydeepwell。andwithouttheopportunityofperceivingthestarsintheday-time，whichthelattersecludedsituationaffords。
　　Theclerks’officeofMessrs。DodsonandFoggwasadark，mouldy，earthy-smellingroom，withahighwainscottedpartitiontoscreentheclerksfromthevulgargaze：acoupleofoldwoodenchairs：averyloud-tickingclock：analmanack，anumbrella-stand，arowofhat-pegs，andafewshelves，onwhichweredepositedseveralticketedbundlesofdirtypapers，someolddealboxeswithpaperlabels，andsundrydecayedstoneinkbottlesofvariousshapesandsizes。Therewasaglassdoorleadingintothepassagewhichformedtheentrancetothecourt，andontheoutersideofthisglassdoor，Mr。
　　Pickwick，closelyfollowedbySamWeller，presentedhimselfontheFridaymorningsucceedingtheoccurrence，ofwhichafaithfulnarrationisgiveninthelastchapter。
　　Comein，can’tyou！criedavoicefrombehindthepartition，inreplytoMr。Pickwick’sgentletapatthedoor。AndMr。PickwickandSamenteredaccordingly。
　　Mr。DodsonorMr。Foggathome，sir？inquiredMr。Pickwick，gently，advancing，hatinhand，towardsthepartition。
　　Mr。Dodsonain’tathome，andMr。Fogg’sparticularlyengaged，repliedthevoice。andatthesametimetheheadtowhichthevoicebelonged，withapenbehinditsear，lookedoverthepartition，andatMr。Pickwick。
　　Itwasaraggedhead，thesandyhairofwhich，scrupulouslypartedononeside，andflatteneddownwithpomatum，wastwistedintolittlesemi-circulartailsroundaflatfaceornamentedwithapairofsmalleyes，andgarnishedwithaverydirtyshirtcollar，andarustyblackstock。
　　Mr。Dodsonain’tathome，andMr。Fogg’sparticularlyengaged，saidthemantowhomtheheadbelonged。
　　WhenwillMr。Dodsonbeback，sir？inquiredMr。Pickwick。
　　Can’tsay。
　　WillitbelongbeforeMr。Foggisdisengaged，sir？
　　Don’tknow。
　　Herethemanproceededtomendhispenwithgreatdeliberation，whileanotherclerk，whowasmixingaSeidlitzpowder，undercoverofthelidofhisdesk，laughedapprovingly。
　　IthinkI’llwait，saidMr。Pickwick。Therewasnoreply。soMr。Pickwicksatdownunbidden，andlistenedtotheloudtickingoftheclockandthemurmuredconversationoftheclerks。
　　Thatwasagame，wasn’tit？saidoneofthegentlemen，inabrowncoatandbrassbuttons，inkydrabs，andbluchers，attheconclusionofsomeinaudiblerelationofhispreviousevening’sadventures。
　　Devilishgood——devilishgood，saidtheSeidlitz-powderman。
　　TomCumminswasinthechair，saidthemanwiththebrowncoat。Itwashalf-pastfourwhenIgottoSomersTown，andthenIwassouncommonlushey，thatIcouldn’tfindtheplacewherethelatch-keywentin，andwasobligedtoknockuptheold’ooman。Isay，IwonderwhatoldFogg’udsay，ifheknewit。Ishouldgetthesack，Is’pose——eh？
　　Atthishumorousnotion，alltheclerkslaughedinconcert。
　　TherewassuchagamewithFogghere，thismornin’，saidthemaninthebrowncoat，whileJackwasup-stairssortingthepapers，andyoutwoweregonetothestamp-office。Foggwasdownhere，openingtheletters，whenthatchapasweissuedthewritagainstatCamberwell，youknow，camein——what’shisnameagain？
　　Ramsey，saidtheclerkwhohadspokentoMr。Pickwick。
　　Ah，Ramsey——apreciousseedy-lookingcustomer。`Well，sir，’saysoldFogg，lookingathimveryfierce——youknowhisway——`well，sir，haveyoucometosettle？’`Yes，Ihave，sir，’saidRamsey，puttinghishandinhispocket，andbringingoutthemoney，`thedebt’stwopoundten，andthecoststhreepoundfive，andhereitis，sir。andhesighedlikebricks，asheluggedoutthemoney，doneupinabitofblotting-paper。OldFogglookedfirstatthemoney，andthenathim，andthenhecoughedinhisrumway，sothatIknewsomethingwascoming。Youdon’tknowthere’sadeclarationfiled，whichincreasesthecostsmaterially，Isuppose？’saidFogg。`Youdon’tsaythat，sir，’saidRamsey，startingback。`thetimewasonlyoutlastnight，sir。’`Idosayit，though，’saidFogg，`myclerk’sjustgonetofileit。Hasn’tMr。JacksongonetofilethatdeclarationinBullmanandRamsey，Mr。Wicks？’OfcourseIsaidyes，andthenFoggcoughedagain，andlookedatRamsey。`MyGod！’saidRamsey。`andherehaveInearlydrivenmyselfmad，scrapingthismoneytogether，andalltonopurpose。’`Noneatall，’saidFogg，coolly。`soyouhadbettergobackandscrapesomemoretogether，andbringithereintime。’`Ican’tgetit，byGod！’saidRamsey，strikingthedeskwithhisfist。`Don’tbullyme，sir，’saidFogg，gettingintoapassiononpurpose。`Iamnotbullyingyou，sir，’saidRamsey。`Youare，’saidFogg。`getout，sir。getoutofthisoffice，sir，andcomeback，sir，whenyouknowhowtobehaveyourself。’
　　Well，Ramseytriedtospeak，butFoggwouldn’tlethim，soheputthemoneyinhispocket，andsneakedout。Thedoorwasscarcelyshut，whenoldFoggturnedroundtome，withasweetsmileonhisface，anddrewthedeclarationoutofhiscoatpocket。`Here，Wicks，’saysFogg，`takeacab，andgodowntotheTempleasquickasyoucan，andfilethat。Thecostsarequitesafe，forhe’sasteadymanwithalargefamily，atasalaryoffive-and-twentyshillingsaweek，andifhegivesusawarrantofattorney，ashemustintheend，Iknowhisemployerswillseeitpaid。sowemayaswellgetallwecanoutofhim，Mr。Wicks。it’saChristianacttodoit，Mr。Wicks，forwithhislargefamilyandsmallincome，he’llbeallthebetterforagoodlessonagainstgettingintodebt，——won’the，Mr。Wicks，won’the？’——andhesmiledsogood-naturedlyashewentaway，thatitwasdelightfultoseehim。Heisacapitalmanofbusiness，saidWicks，inatoneofthedeepestadmiration，capital，isn’the？
　　Theotherthreecordiallysubscribedtothisopinion，andtheanecdoteaffordedthemostunlimitedsatisfaction。
　　Nicementhesehere，sir，whisperedMr。Wellertohismaster。werynicenotionoffuntheyhas，sir。
　　Mr。Pickwicknoddedassent，andcoughedtoattracttheattentionoftheyounggentlemenbehindthepartition，who，havingnowrelaxedtheirmindsbyalittleconversationamongthemselves，condescendedtotakesomenoticeofthestranger。
　　IwonderwhetherFogg’sdisengagednow？saidJackson。
　　I’llsee，saidWicks，dismountingleisurelyfromhisstool。WhatnameshallItellMr。Fogg？
　　Pickwick，repliedtheillustrioussubjectofthesememoirs。
　　Mr。Jacksondepartedup-stairsonhiserrand，andimmediatelyreturnedwithamessagethatMr。FoggwouldseeMr。Pickwickinfiveminutes。andhavingdeliveredit，returnedagaintohisdesk。
　　Whatdidhesayhisnamewas？whisperedWicks。
　　Pickwick，repliedJackson。it’sthedefendantinBardellandPickwick。
　　Asuddenscrapingoffeet，mingledwiththesoundofsuppressedlaughter，washeardfrombehindthepartition。
　　They’reatwiggin’ofyou，sir，whisperedMr。Weller。
　　Twiggingofme，Sam！repliedMr。Pickwick。whatdoyoumeanbytwiggingme？
　　Mr。Wellerrepliedbypointingwithhisthumboverhisshoulder，andMr。Pickwick，onlookingup，becamesensibleofthepleasingfact，thatallthefourclerks，withcountenancesexpressiveoftheutmostamusement，andwiththeirheadsthrustoverthewoodenscreen，wereminutelyinspectingthefigureandgeneralappearanceofthesupposedtriflerwithfemalehearts，anddisturberoffemalehappiness。Onhislookingup，therowofheadssuddenlydisappeared，andthesoundofpenstravellingatafuriousrateoverpaper，immediatelysucceeded。
　　Asuddenringatthebellwhichhungintheoffice，summonedMr。JacksontotheapartmentofFogg，fromwhencehecamebacktosaythatheFogg
　　wasreadytoseeMr。Pickwickifhewouldstepup-stairs。
　　Up-stairsMr。Pickwickdidstepaccordingly，leavingSamWellerbelow。
　　Theroomdooroftheone-pairback，boreinscribedinlegiblecharacterstheimposingwordsMr。Fogg。and，havingtappedthereat，andbeendesiredtocomein，JacksonusheredMr。Pickwickintothepresence。
　　IsMr。Dodsonin？inquiredMr。Fogg。
　　Justcomein，sir，repliedJackson。
　　Askhimtostephere。
　　Yes，sir。ExitJackson。
　　Takeaseat，sir，saidFogg。thereisthepaper，sir。mypartnerwillbeheredirectly，andwecanconverseaboutthismatter，sir。
　　Mr。Pickwicktookaseatandthepaper，butinsteadofreadingthelatter，peepedoverthetopofit，andtookasurveyofthemanofbusiness，whowasanelderly，pimply-faced，vegetable-dietsortofman，inablackcoat，darkmixturetrousers，andsmallblackgaiters。akindofbeingwhoseemedtobeanessentialpartofthedeskatwhichhewaswriting，andtohaveasmuchthoughtorsentiment。
　　Afterafewminutes’silence，Mr。Dodson，aplump，portly，stern-lookingman，withaloudvoice，appeared。andtheconversationcommenced。
　　ThisisMr。Pickwick，saidFogg。
　　Ah！Youarethedefendant，sir，inBardellandPickwick？saidDodson。
　　Iam，sir，repliedMr。Pickwick。
　　Well，sir，saidDodson，andwhatdoyoupropose？
　　Ah！saidFogg，thrustinghishandsintohistrousers’pockets，andthrowinghimselfbackinhischair，whatdoyoupropose，Mr。Pickwick？
　　Hush，Fogg，saidDodson，letmehearwhatMr。Pickwickhastosay。
　　Icame，gentlemen，saidMr。Pickwick，gazingplacidlyonthetwopartners，Icamehere，gentlemen，toexpressthesurprisewithwhichIreceivedyourletteroftheotherday，andtoinquirewhatgroundsofactionyoucanhaveagainstme。
　　Groundsof——Fogghadejaculatedthismuch，whenhewasstoppedbyDodson。
　　Mr。Fogg，saidDodson，Iamgoingtospeak。
　　Ibegyourpardon，Mr。Dodson，saidFoggForthegroundsofaction，sir，continuedDodson，withmoralelevationinhisair，youwillconsultyourownconscienceandyourownfeelings。
　　We，sir，we，areguidedentirelybythestatementofourclient。Thatstatement，sir，maybetrue，oritmaybefalse。itmaybecredible，oritmaybeincredible。but，ifitbetrue，andifitbecredible，Idonothesitatetosay，sir，thatourgroundsofaction，sir，arestrong，andnottobeshaken。Youmaybeanunfortunateman，sir，oryoumaybeadesigningone。
　　butifIwerecalledupon，asajurymanuponmyoath，sir，toexpressanopinionofyourconduct，sir，IdonothesitatetoassertthatIshouldhavebutoneopinionaboutit。HereDodsondrewhimselfup，withanairofoffendedvirtue，andlookedatFogg，whothrusthishandsfurtherinhispockets，and，noddinghisheadsagely，said，inatoneofthefullestconcurrence，Mostcertainly。
　　Well，sir，saidMr。Pickwick，withconsiderablepaindepictedinhiscountenance，youwillpermitmetoassureyou，thatIamamostunfortunateman，sofarasthiscaseisconcerned。
　　Ihopeyouare，sir，repliedDodson。Itrustyoumaybe，sir。Ifyouarereallyinnocentofwhatislaidtoyourcharge，youaremoreunfortunatethanIhadbelievedanymancouldpossiblybe。Whatdoyousay，Mr。Fogg？
　　Isaypreciselywhatyousay，repliedFogg，withasmileofincredulity。
　　Thewrit，sir，whichcommencestheaction，continuedDodson，wasissuedregularly。Mr。Fogg，whereisthepraecipebook？
　　Hereitis，saidFogg，handingoverasquarebook，withaparchmentcover。
　　Hereistheentry，resumedDodson。`Middlesex，CapiasMarthaBardell，widow，v。SamuelPickwick。Damages，1500。DodsonandFoggfortheplaintiff，Aug。28，1830。’Allregular，sir。perfectly。DodsoncoughedandlookedatFogg，whosaidPerfectly，also。AndthentheybothlookedatMr。Pickwick。
　　Iamtounderstand，then，saidMr。Pickwick，thatitreallyisyourintentiontoproceedwiththisaction？
　　Understand，sir？Thatyoucertainlymay，repliedDodson，withsomethingasnearasmileashisimportancewouldallow。
　　Andthatthedamagesareactuallylaidatfifteenhundredpounds？
　　saidMr。Pickwick。
　　Towhichunderstandingyoumayaddmyassurance，thatifwecouldhaveprevaileduponourclient，theywouldhavebeenlaidattrebletheamount，sir：repliedDodson。
　　IbelieveMrs。Bardellspeciallysaid，however，observedFogg，glancingatDodson，thatshewouldnotcompromiseforafarthingless。
　　Unquestionably，repliedDodson，sternly。Fortheactionwasonlyjustbegun。anditwouldn’thavedonetoletMr。Pickwickcompromiseitthen，evenifhehadbeensodisposed。
　　Asyouoffernoterms，sir，saidDodson，displayingaslipofparchmentinhisrighthand，andaffectionatelypressingapapercopyofit，onMr。
　　Pickwickwithhisleft，Ihadbetterserveyouwithacopyofthiswrit，sirHereistheoriginal，sir。
　　Verywell，gentlemen，verywell，saidMr。Pickwick，risinginpersonandwrathatthesametime。youshallhearfrommysolicitor，gentlemen。
　　Weshallbeveryhappytodoso，saidFogg，rubbinghishands。
　　Very，saidDodson，openingthedoor。
　　AndbeforeIgo，gentlemen，saidtheexcitedMr。Pickwick，turningroundonthelanding，permitmetosay，thatofallthedisgracefulandrascallyproceedings——
　　Stay，sir，stay，interposedDodson，withgreatpoliteness。Mr。Jackson！
　　Mr。Wicks。
　　Sir，saidthetwoclerks，appearingatthebottomofthestairs。
　　Imerelywantyoutohearwhatthisgentlemansays，repliedDodson。
　　Pray，goon，sir——disgracefulandrascallyproceedings，Ithinkyousaid？
　　Idid，saidMr。Pickwick，thoroughlyroused。Isaid，sir，thatofallthedisgracefulandrascallyproceedingsthateverwereattempted，thisisthemostso。Irepeatit，sir。
　　Youhearthat，Mr。Wicks？saidDodson。
　　Youwon’tforgettheseexpressions，Mr。Jackson？saidFogg。
　　Perhapsyouwouldliketocallusswindlers，sir，saidDodson。Praydo，sir，ifyoufeeldisposed。nowpraydo，sir。
　　Ido，saidMr。Pickwick。Youareswindlers。
　　Verygood，saidDodson。Youcanheardownthere，Ihope，Mr。Wicks？
　　Ohyes，sir，saidWicks。
　　Youhadbettercomeupasteportwohigher，ifyoucan’t，addedMr。
　　Fogg。Goon，sir。dogoon。Youhadbettercallusthieves，sir。orperhapsyouwouldliketoassaultoneofus。Praydoit，sir，ifyouwould。wewillnotmakethesmallestresistance。Praydoit，sir。
　　AsFoggputhimselfverytemptinglywithinthereachofMr。Pickwick’sclenchedfist，thereislittledoubtthatthatgentlemanwouldhavecompliedwithhisearnestentreaty，butfortheinterpositionofSam，who，hearingthedispute，emergedfromtheoffice，mountedthestairs，andseizedhismasterbythearm。
　　Youjustcomeavay，saidMr。Weller。Battledoreandshuttlecock’sawerygoodgame，vhenyouan’ttheshuttlecockandtwolawyersthebattledores，inwhichcaseitgetstooexcitin’tobepleasant。Comeavay，sir。Ifyouwanttoeaseyourmindbyblowingupsomebody，comeoutintothecourtandblowupme。butit’sraythertooexpensiveworktobecarriedonhere。
　　Andwithouttheslightestceremony，Mr。Wellerhauledhismasterdownthestairs，anddownthecourt，andhavingsafelydepositedhiminCornhill，fellbehind，preparedtofollowwhithersoeverheshouldlead。
　　Mr。Pickwickwalkedonabstractedly，crossedoppositetheMansionHouse，andbenthisstepsupCheapside。Sambegantowonderwheretheyweregoing，whenhismasterturnedroundandsaid：
　　Sam，IwillgoimmediatelytoMr。Perker’s。
　　That’sjustexactlytheweryplacevereyououghttohavegonelastnight，sir，repliedMr。Weller。
　　Ithinkitis，Sam，saidMr。Pickwick。
　　Iknowitis，saidMr。Weller。
　　Well，well，Sam，repliedMr。Pickwick，wewillgothereatonce，butfirst，asIhavebeenratherruffled，Ishouldlikeaglassofbrandyandwarmwater，Sam。WherecanIhaveit，Sam？
　　Mr。Weller’sknowledgeofLondonwasextensiveandpeculiar。Herepliedwithouttheslightestconsideration：
　　Secondcourtontherighthandside——lasthousebutvunonthesamesidethevay——taketheboxasstandsinthefirstfire-place，’costherean’tnoleginthemiddleo’thetable，wichalltheothershas，andit’sweryinconvenient。
　　Mr。Pickwickobservedhisvalet’sdirectionsimplicitly，andbiddingSamfollowhim，enteredthetavernhehadpointedout，wherethehotwaterandbrandywasspeedilyplacedbeforehim。whileMr。Weller，seatedatarespectfuldistance，thoughatthesametablewithhismaster，wasaccommodatedwithapintofporter。
　　Theroomwasoneofaveryhomelydescription，andwasapparentlyundertheespecialpatronageofstagecoachmen：forseveralgentlemen，whohadalltheappearanceofbelongingtothatlearnedprofession，weredrinkingandsmokinginthedifferentboxes。Amongthenumberwasonestout，redfaced，elderlymaninparticular，seatedinanoppositebox，whoattractedMr。
　　Pickwick’sattention。Thestoutmanwassmokingwithgreatvehemence，butbetweeneveryhalf-dozenpuffs，hetookhispipefromhismouth，andlookedfirstatMr。WellerandthenatMr。Pickwick。Then，hewouldburyinaquartpot，asmuchofhiscountenanceasthedimensionsofthequartpotadmittedofitsreceiving，andtakeanotherlookatSamandMr。Pickwick。
　　Thenhewouldtakeanotherhalf-dozenpuffswithanairofprofoundmeditationandlookatthemagain。Atlastthestoutman，puttinguphislegsontheseat，andleaninghisbackagainstthewall，begantopuffathispipewithoutleavingoffatall，andtostarethroughthesmokeatthenew-comers，asifhehadmadeuphismindtoseethemosthecouldofthem。