Fogg, who thrust his hands farther in his pockets, and nodding his

head sagely, said, in a tone of the fullest concurrence, 'Most certainly.'

'Well, Sir,' said Mr Pickwick, with considerable pain depicted in his

countenance, 'you will permit me to assure you that I am a most

unfortunate man, so far as this case is concerned.'

I hope you are, Sir,' replied Dodson; 'I trust you may be, Sir. If you

are really innocent of what is laid to your charge, you are more

unfortunate than I had believed any man could possibly be. What do

you say, Mr Fogg?'

I say precisely what you say,' replied Fogg, with a smile of incredulity.

The writ, Sir, which commences the action,' continued Dodson, 'was

issued regularly. Mr Fogg, where is the PRAECIPE book?'

Here it is,' said Fogg, handing over a square book, with a parchment

cover.

Here is the entry,' resumed Dodson. '‘Middlesex, Capias MARTHA

BARDELL, WIDOW, v. SAMUEL PICKWICK. Damages #1500. Dodson

Fogg for the plaintiff, Aug. 28, 1827.’ All regular, Sir; perfectly.'

Dodson coughed and looked at Fogg, who said 'Perfectly,' also. And

then they both looked at Mr Pickwick.

I am to understand, then,' said Mr Pickwick, 'that it really is your

intention to proceed with this action?'

Understand, sir! - that you certainly may,' replied Dodson, with

something as near a smile as his importance would allow.

'And that the damages are actually laid at fifteen hundred pounds?'

said Mr Pickwick.

To which understanding you may add my assurance, that if we could

have prevailed upon our client, they would have been laid at treble the

amount, sir,' replied Dodson. 'I believe Mrs. Bardell specially said,

however,' observed Fogg, glancing at Dodson, 'that she would not

compromise for a farthing less.'

Unquestionably,' replied Dodson sternly. For the action was only just

begun; and it wouldn't have done to let Mr Pickwick compromise it

then, even if he had been so disposed.

'As you offer no terms, sir,' said Dodson, displaying a slip of

parchment in his right hand, and affectionately pressing a paper copy

The Pickwick Papers