Doctor Slammer, yesterday evening, whether he is really that

individual or not;' and having delivered this suggestion, with a very

sage and mysterious air, the man with the camp-stool took a large

pinch of snuff, and looked profoundly round, with the air of an

authority in such matters.

Now Mr Winkle had opened his eyes, and his ears too, when he heard

his adversary call out for a cessation of hostilities; and perceiving by

what he had afterwards said that there was, beyond all question,

some mistake in the matter, he at once foresaw the increase of

reputation he should inevitably acquire by concealing the real motive

of his coming out; he therefore stepped boldly forward, and said -

'I am not the person. I know it.'

Then, that,' said the man with the camp-stool, 'is an affront to Doctor

Slammer, and a sufficient reason for proceeding immediately.'

Pray be quiet, Payne,' said the doctor's second. 'Why did you not

communicate this fact to me this morning, Sir?'

To be sure - to be sure,' said the man with the camp-stool

indignantly.

I entreat you to be quiet, Payne,' said the other. 'May I repeat my

question, Sir?'

Because, Sir,' replied Mr Winkle, who had had time to deliberate upon

his answer, 'because, Sir, you described an intoxicated and

ungentlemanly person as wearing a coat which I have the honour, not

only to wear but to have invented - the proposed uniform, Sir, of the

Pickwick Club in London. The honour of that uniform I feel bound to

maintain, and I therefore, without inquiry, accepted the challenge

which you offered me.'

My dear Sir,' said the good-humoured little doctor advancing with

extended hand, 'I honour your gallantry. Permit me to say, Sir, that I

highly admire your conduct, and extremely regret having caused you

the inconvenience of this meeting, to no purpose.'

I beg you won't mention it, Sir,' said Mr Winkle.

I shall feel proud of your acquaintance, Sir,' said the little doctor.

It will afford me the greatest pleasure to know you, sir,' replied Mr

Winkle. Thereupon the doctor and Mr Winkle shook hands, and then

Mr Winkle and Lieutenant Tappleton (the doctor's second), and then

Mr Winkle and the man with the camp-stool, and, finally, Mr Winkle

The Pickwick Papers