Sir?'

Here. I want you.'

Let go, Sir,' said Sam. 'Don't you hear the governor a-callin'? Let go,

sir.'

With a violent effort, Mr Weller disengaged himself from the grasp of

the agonised Pickwickian, and, in so doing, administered a

considerable impetus to the unhappy Mr Winkle. With an accuracy

which no degree of dexterity or practice could have insured, that

unfortunate gentleman bore swiftly down into the centre of the reel, at

the very moment when Mr Bob Sawyer was performing a flourish of

unparalleled beauty. Mr Winkle struck wildly against him, and with a

loud crash they both fell heavily down. Mr Pickwick ran to the spot.

Bob Sawyer had risen to his feet, but Mr Winkle was far too wise to do

anything of the kind, in skates. He was seated on the ice, making

spasmodic efforts to smile; but anguish was depicted on every

lineament of his countenance.

Are you hurt?' inquired Mr Benjamin Allen, with great anxiety.

Not much,' said Mr Winkle, rubbing his back very hard. 'I wish you'd

let me bleed you,' said Mr Benjamin, with great eagerness.

No, thank you,' replied Mr Winkle hurriedly.

I really think you had better,' said Allen.

Thank you,' replied Mr Winkle; 'I'd rather not.'

What do YOU think, Mr Pickwick?' inquired Bob Sawyer.

Mr Pickwick was excited and indignant. He beckoned to Mr Weller,

and said in a stern voice, 'Take his skates off.'

No; but really I had scarcely begun,' remonstrated Mr Winkle.

Take his skates off,' repeated Mr Pickwick firmly.

The command was not to be resisted. Mr Winkle allowed Sam to obey

it, in silence.

'Lift him up,' said Mr Pickwick. Sam assisted him to rise.

Mr Pickwick retired a few paces apart from the bystanders; and,

beckoning his friend to approach, fixed a searching look upon him,

The Pickwick Papers