a question of the kind twice over; and so, with another preparatory

cough, he proceeded, amidst the reverential and admiring silence of

the constables, to pronounce his decision. He should fine Weller two

pounds for the first assault, and three pounds for the second. He

should fine Winkle two pounds, and Snodgrass one pound, besides

requiring them to enter into their own recognisances to keep the peace

towards all his Majesty's subjects, and especially towards his liege

servant, Daniel Grummer. Pickwick and Tupman he had already held

to bail.

Immediately on the magistrate ceasing to speak, Mr Pickwick, with a

smile mantling on his again good-humoured countenance, stepped

forward, and said -

'I beg the magistrate's pardon, but may I request a few minutes'

private conversation with him, on a matter of deep importance to

himself?'

What?' said the magistrate. Mr Pickwick repeated his request.

This is a most extraordinary request,' said the magistrate. 'A private

interview?'

A private interview,' replied Mr Pickwick firmly; 'only, as a part of the

information which I wish to communicate is derived from my servant,

I should wish him to be present.'

The magistrate looked at Mr Jinks; Mr Jinks looked at the magistrate;

the officers looked at each other in amazement. Mr Nupkins turned

suddenly pale. Could the man Weller, in a moment of remorse, have

divulged some secret conspiracy for his assassination? It was a

dreadful thought. He was a public man; and he turned paler, as he

thought of Julius Caesar and Mr Perceval.

The magistrate looked at Mr Pickwick again, and beckoned Mr Jinks.

'What do you think of this request, Mr Jinks?' murmured Mr Nupkins.

Mr Jinks, who didn't exactly know what to think of it, and was afraid

he might offend, smiled feebly, after a dubious fashion, and, screwing

up the corners of his mouth, shook his head slowly from side to side.

Mr Jinks,' said the magistrate gravely, 'you are an ass.'

At this little expression of opinion, Mr Jinks smiled again - rather

more feebly than before - and edged himself, by degrees, back into his

own corner.

The Pickwick Papers