of it, on Mr Pickwick with his left, 'I had better serve you with a copy

of this writ, sir. Here is the original, sir.'

Very well, gentlemen, very well,' said Mr Pickwick, rising in person

and wrath at the same time; 'you shall hear from my solicitor,

gentlemen.'

We shall be very happy to do so,' said Fogg, rubbing his hands.

Very,' said Dodson, opening the door.

And before I go, gentlemen,' said the excited Mr Pickwick, turning

round on the landing, 'permit me to say, that of all the disgraceful and

rascally proceedings - '

'Stay, sir, stay,' interposed Dodson, with great politeness. 'Mr

Jackson! Mr Wicks!'

Sir,' said the two clerks, appearing at the bottom of the stairs.

I merely want you to hear what this gentleman says,' replied Dodson.

Pray, go on, sir - disgraceful and rascally proceedings, I think you

said?'

'I did,' said Mr Pickwick, thoroughly roused. 'I said, Sir, that of all the

disgraceful and rascally proceedings that ever were attempted, this is

the most so. I repeat it, sir.'

You hear that, Mr Wicks,' said Dodson.

You won't forget these expressions, Mr Jackson?' said Fogg.

Perhaps you would like to call us swindlers, sir,' said Dodson. 'Pray

do, Sir, if you feel disposed; now pray do, Sir.'

I do,' said Mr Pickwick. 'You ARE swindlers.'

Very good,' said Dodson. 'You can hear down there, I hope, Mr

Wicks?'

'Oh, yes, Sir,' said Wicks.

'You had better come up a step or two higher, if you can't,' added Mr

Fogg. 'Go on, Sir; do go on. You had better call us thieves, Sir; or

perhaps You would like to assault one Of US. Pray do it, Sir, if you

would; we will not make the smallest resistance. Pray do it, Sir.'

The Pickwick Papers