the stern majesty of the law. In front of a big book-case, in a big chair,

behind a big table, and before a big volume, sat Mr Nupkins, looking a

full size larger than any one of them, big as they were. The table was

adorned with piles of papers; and above the farther end of it, appeared

the head and shoulders of Mr Jinks, who was busily engaged in

looking as busy as possible. The party having all entered, Muzzle

carefully closed the door, and placed himself behind his master's chair

to await his orders. Mr Nupkins threw himself back with thrilling

solemnity, and scrutinised the faces of his unwilling visitors.

Now, Grummer, who is that person?' said Mr Nupkins, pointing to Mr

Pickwick, who, as the spokesman of his friends, stood hat in hand,

bowing with the utmost politeness and respect.

'This here's Pickvick, your Wash-up,' said Grummer.

'Come, none o' that 'ere, old Strike-a-light,' interposed Mr Weller,

elbowing himself into the front rank. 'Beg your pardon, sir, but this

here officer o' yourn in the gambooge tops, 'ull never earn a decent

livin' as a master o' the ceremonies any vere. This here, sir' continued

Mr Weller, thrusting Grummer aside, and addressing the magistrate

with pleasant familiarity, 'this here is S. Pickvick, Esquire; this here's

Mr Tupman; that 'ere's Mr Snodgrass; and farder on, next him on the

t'other side, Mr Winkle - all wery nice gen'l'm'n, Sir, as you'll be wery

happy to have the acquaintance on; so the sooner you commits these

here officers o' yourn to the tread - mill for a month or two, the sooner

we shall begin to be on a pleasant understanding. Business first,

pleasure arterwards, as King Richard the Third said when he stabbed

the t'other king in the Tower, afore he smothered the babbies.'

At the conclusion of this address, Mr Weller brushed his hat with his

right elbow, and nodded benignly to Jinks, who had heard him

throughout with unspeakable awe.

Who is this man, Grummer?' said the magistrate,.

Wery desp'rate ch'racter, your Wash-up,' replied Grummer. 'He

attempted to rescue the prisoners, and assaulted the officers; so we

took him into custody, and brought him here.'

You did quite right,' replied the magistrate. 'He is evidently a

desperate ruffian.'

'He is my servant, Sir,' said Mr Pickwick angrily.

Oh! he is your servant, is he?' said Mr Nupkins. 'A conspiracy to

defeat the ends of justice, and murder its officers. Pickwick's servant.

Put that down, Mr Jinks.'

The Pickwick Papers