and Mr Snodgrass - the last-named gentleman in an excess of

admiration at the noble conduct of his heroic friend.

I think we may adjourn,' said Lieutenant Tappleton.

Certainly,' added the doctor.

Unless,' interposed the man with the camp-stool, 'unless Mr Winkle

feels himself aggrieved by the challenge; in which case, I submit, he

has a right to satisfaction.'

Mr Winkle, with great self-denial, expressed himself quite satisfied

already. 'Or possibly,' said the man with the camp-stool, 'the

gentleman's second may feel himself affronted with some observations

which fell from me at an early period of this meeting; if so, I shall be

happy to give him satisfaction immediately.'

Mr Snodgrass hastily professed himself very much obliged with the

handsome offer of the gentleman who had spoken last, which he was

only induced to decline by his entire contentment with the whole

proceedings. The two seconds adjusted the cases, and the whole party

left the ground in a much more lively manner than they had

proceeded to it.

Do you remain long here?' inquired Doctor Slammer of Mr Winkle, as

they walked on most amicably together.

I think we shall leave here the day after to-morrow,' was the reply.

I trust I shall have the pleasure of seeing you and your friend at my

rooms, and of spending a pleasant evening with you, after this

awkward mistake,' said the little doctor; 'are you disengaged this

evening?'

'We have some friends here,' replied Mr Winkle, 'and I should not like

to leave them to-night. Perhaps you and your friend will join us at the

Bull.'

With great pleasure,' said the little doctor; 'will ten o'clock be too late

to look in for half an hour?'

Oh dear, no,' said Mr Winkle. 'I shall be most happy to introduce you

to my friends, Mr Pickwick and Mr Tupman.'

'It will give me great pleasure, I am sure,' replied Doctor Slammer,

little suspecting who Mr Tupman was.

'You will be sure to come?' said Mr Snodgrass.

The Pickwick Papers