due grandeur and ferocity; for Captain Boldwig's wife's sister had

married a marquis, and the captain's house was a villa, and his land

'grounds,' and it was all very high, and mighty, and great.

Mr Pickwick had not been asleep half an hour when little Captain

Boldwig, followed by the two gardeners, came striding along as fast as

his size and importance would let him; and when he came near the

oak tree, Captain Boldwig paused and drew a long breath, and looked

at the prospect as if he thought the prospect ought to be highly

gratified at having him to take notice of it; and then he struck the

ground emphatically with his stick, and summoned the head-

gardener.

Hunt,' said Captain Boldwig.

Yes, Sir,' said the gardener.

Roll this place to-morrow morning - do you hear, Hunt?'

Yes, Sir.'

And take care that you keep this place in good order - do you hear,

Hunt?'

Yes, Sir.'

'And remind me to have a board done about trespassers, and spring

guns, and all that sort of thing, to keep the common people out. Do

you hear, Hunt; do you hear?'

'I'll not forget it, Sir.'

'I beg your pardon, Sir,' said the other man, advancing, with his hand

to his hat.

Well, Wilkins, what's the matter with you?' said Captain Boldwig.

I beg your pardon, sir - but I think there have been trespassers here

to-day.'

Ha!' said the captain, scowling around him.

Yes, sir - they have been dining here, I think, sir.'

Why, damn their audacity, so they have,' said Captain Boldwig, as the

crumbs and fragments that were strewn upon the grass met his eye.

They have actually been devouring their food here. I wish I had the

vagabonds here!' said the captain, clenching the thick stick.

The Pickwick Papers