scratched, and pulled, and pushed from the room by all the females

congregated therein. He had no sooner released his hold, than the

man entered to announce that the gig was ready.

Don't let him go alone!' screamed the females. 'He'll kill somebody!'

I'll go with him,' said Mr Pickwick.

You're a good fellow, Pickwick,' said the host, grasping his hand.

Emma, give Mr Pickwick a shawl to tie round his neck - make haste.

Look after your grandmother, girls; she has fainted away. Now then,

are you ready?'

Mr Pickwick's mouth and chin having been hastily enveloped in a

large shawl, his hat having been put on his head, and his greatcoat

thrown over his arm, he replied in the affirmative.

They jumped into the gig. 'Give her her head, Tom,' cried the host; and

away they went, down the narrow lanes; jolting in and out of the cart-

ruts, and bumping up against the hedges on either side, as if they

would go to pieces every moment.

How much are they ahead?' shouted Wardle, as they drove up to the

door of the Blue Lion, round which a little crowd had collected, late as

it was.

Not above three-quarters of an hour,' was everybody's reply. 'Chaise-

and-four directly! - out with 'em! Put up the gig afterwards.'

Now, boys!' cried the landlord - 'chaise-and-four out - make haste -

look alive there!'

Away ran the hostlers and the boys. The lanterns glimmered, as the

men ran to and fro; the horses' hoofs clattered on the uneven paving

of the yard; the chaise rumbled as it was drawn out of the coach-

house; and all was noise and bustle.

Now then! - is that chaise coming out to-night?' cried Wardle.

Coming down the yard now, Sir,' replied the hostler.

Out came the chaise - in went the horses - on sprang the boys - in

got the travellers.

'Mind - the seven-mile stage in less than half an hour!' shouted

Wardle.

Off with you!'

The Pickwick Papers