pockets a long and narrow strip of parchment, on which the presiding

functionary impressed an illegible black stamp. He then drew forth

four scraps of paper, of similar dimensions, each containing a printed

copy of the strip of parchment with blanks for a name; and having

filled up the blanks, put all the five documents in his pocket, and

hurried away.

The man in the brown coat, with the cabalistic documents in his

pocket, was no other than our old acquaintance Mr Jackson, of the

house of Dodson & Fogg, Freeman's Court, Cornhill. Instead of

returning to the office whence he came, however, he bent his steps

direct to Sun Court, and walking straight into the George and Vulture,

demanded to know whether one Mr Pickwick was within.

'Call Mr Pickwick's servant, Tom,' said the barmaid of the George and

Vulture.

Don't trouble yourself,' said Mr Jackson. 'I've come on business. If

you'll show me Mr Pickwick's room I'll step up myself.'

What name, Sir?' said the waiter.

Jackson,' replied the clerk.

The waiter stepped upstairs to announce Mr Jackson; but Mr Jackson

saved him the trouble by following close at his heels, and walking into

the apartment before he could articulate a syllable.

Mr Pickwick had, that day, invited his three friends to dinner; they

were all seated round the fire, drinking their wine, when Mr Jackson

presented himself, as above described.

How de do, sir?' said Mr Jackson, nodding to Mr Pickwick.

That gentleman bowed, and looked somewhat surprised, for the

physiognomy of Mr Jackson dwelt not in his recollection.

I have called from Dodson and Fogg's,' said Mr Jackson, in an

explanatory tone.

Mr Pickwick roused at the name. 'I refer you to my attorney, Sir; Mr

Perker, of Gray's Inn,' said he. 'Waiter, show this gentleman out.'

Beg your pardon, Mr Pickwick,' said Jackson, deliberately depositing

his hat on the floor, and drawing from his pocket the strip of

parchment. 'But personal service, by clerk or agent, in these cases,

you know, Mr Pickwick - nothing like caution, sir, in all legal forms -

eh?'

The Pickwick Papers