local authorities, and thus prevent the killing or maiming of his

follower.

Such were his thoughts when he returned to the coffee-room, and

intimated his intention of accepting the doctor's challenge.

'Will you refer me to a friend, to arrange the time and place of

meeting?' said the officer.

Quite unnecessary,' replied Mr Winkle; 'name them to me, and I can

procure the attendance of a friend afterwards.'

'Shall we say - sunset this evening?' inquired the officer, in a careless

tone.

Very good,' replied Mr Winkle, thinking in his heart it was very bad.

You know Fort Pitt?'

Yes; I saw it yesterday.'

If you will take the trouble to turn into the field which borders the

trench, take the foot-path to the left when you arrive at an angle of the

fortification, and keep straight on, till you see me, I will precede you to

a secluded place, where the affair can be conducted without fear of

interruption.'

Fear of interruption!' thought Mr Winkle.

Nothing more to arrange, I think,' said the officer.

I am not aware of anything more,' replied Mr Winkle. 'Good-morning.'

Good-morning;' and the officer whistled a lively air as he strode away.

That morning's breakfast passed heavily off. Mr Tupman was not in a

condition to rise, after the unwonted dissipation of the previous night;

Mr Snodgrass appeared to labour under a poetical depression of

spirits; and even Mr Pickwick evinced an unusual attachment to

silence and soda-water. Mr Winkle eagerly watched his opportunity: it

was not long wanting. Mr Snodgrass proposed a visit to the castle,

and as Mr Winkle was the only other member of the party disposed to

walk, they went out together. 'Snodgrass,' said Mr Winkle, when they

had turned out of the public street. 'Snodgrass, my dear fellow, can I

rely upon your secrecy?' As he said this, he most devoutly and

earnestly hoped he could not.

You can,' replied Mr Snodgrass. 'Hear me swear - '

The Pickwick Papers