Doctor Slammer looked unutterable ferocity, as he fixed his hat on his

head with an indignant knock; and the stranger and Mr Tupman

ascended to the bedroom of the latter to restore the borrowed plumage

to the unconscious Winkle.

That gentleman was fast asleep; the restoration was soon made. The

stranger was extremely jocose; and Mr Tracy Tupman, being quite

bewildered with wine, negus, lights, and ladies, thought the whole

affair was an exquisite joke. His new friend departed; and, after

experiencing some slight difficulty in finding the orifice in his

nightcap, originally intended for the reception of his head, and finally

overturning his candlestick in his struggles to put it on, Mr Tracy

Tupman managed to get into bed by a series of complicated

evolutions, and shortly afterwards sank into repose.

Seven o'clock had hardly ceased striking on the following morning,

when Mr Pickwick's comprehensive mind was aroused from the state

of unconsciousness, in which slumber had plunged it, by a loud

knocking at his chamber door. 'Who's there?' said Mr Pickwick,

starting up in bed.

Boots, sir.'

What do you want?'

Please, sir, can you tell me which gentleman of your party wears a

bright blue dress-coat, with a gilt button with ‘P. C.’ on it?'

'It's been given out to brush,' thought Mr Pickwick, 'and the man has

forgotten whom it belongs to.' 'Mr Winkle,'he called out, 'next room

but two, on the right hand.' 'Thank'ee, sir,' said the Boots, and away

he went.

'What's the matter?' cried Mr Tupman, as a loud knocking at his door

roused hint from his oblivious repose.

'Can I speak to Mr Winkle, sir?' replied Boots from the outside.

Winkle - Winkle!' shouted Mr Tupman, calling into the inner room.

Hollo!' replied a faint voice from within the bed-clothes.

You're wanted - some one at the door;' and, having exerted himself to

articulate thus much, Mr Tracy Tupman turned round and fell fast

asleep again.

Wanted!' said Mr Winkle, hastily jumping out of bed, and putting on a

few articles of clothing; 'wanted! at this distance from town - who on

earth can want me?'

The Pickwick Papers