And I have only to add, sir,' said Mr Pickwick, now thoroughly angry,

that I consider you a rascal, and a - a - ruffian - and - and worse

than any man I ever saw, or heard of, except that pious and sanctified

vagabond in the mulberry livery.'

Ha! ha!' said Jingle, 'good fellow, Pickwick - fine heart - stout old boy

but must NOT be passionate - bad thing, very - bye, bye - see you

again some day - keep up your spirits - now, Job - trot!'

With these words, Mr Jingle stuck on his hat in his old fashion, and

strode out of the room. Job Trotter paused, looked round, smiled and

then with a bow of mock solemnity to Mr Pickwick, and a wink to Mr

Weller, the audacious slyness of which baffles all description, followed

the footsteps of his hopeful master.

Sam,' said Mr Pickwick, as Mr Weller was following.

Sir.' 'Stay here.'

Mr Weller seemed uncertain.

'Stay here,' repeated Mr Pickwick.

Mayn't I polish that 'ere Job off, in the front garden?' said Mr Weller.

Certainly not,' replied Mr Pickwick.

Mayn't I kick him out o' the gate, Sir?' said Mr Weller.

Not on any account,' replied his master.

For the first time since his engagement, Mr Weller looked, for a

moment, discontented and unhappy. But his countenance

immediately cleared up; for the wily Mr Muzzle, by concealing himself

behind the street door, and rushing violently out, at the right instant,

contrived with great dexterity to overturn both Mr Jingle and his

attendant, down the flight of steps, into the American aloe tubs that

stood beneath.

'Having discharged my duty, Sir,' said Mr Pickwick to Mr Nupkins, 'I

will, with my friends, bid you farewell. While we thank you for such

hospitality as we have received, permit me to assure you, in our joint

names, that we should not have accepted it, or have consented to

extricate ourselves in this way, from our previous dilemma, had we

not been impelled by a strong sense of duty. We return to London to-

morrow. Your secret is safe with us.'

The Pickwick Papers