extremely popular, was all but suffocated, by the crowd of female

devotees that hung about his neck, and heaped caresses upon him.

The greater part of the lights were quickly put out, and nothing but

noise and confusion resounded on all sides.

'Now, Sammy,' said Mr Weller, taking off his greatcoat with much

deliberation, 'just you step out, and fetch in a watchman.'

And wot are you a-goin' to do, the while?' inquired Sam.

Never you mind me, Sammy,' replied the old gentleman; 'I shall

ockipy myself in havin' a small settlement with that 'ere Stiggins.'

Before Sam could interfere to prevent it, his heroic parent had

penetrated into a remote corner of the room, and attacked the

Reverend Mr Stiggins with manual dexterity.

'Come off!' said Sam.

Come on!' cried Mr Weller; and without further invitation he gave the

Reverend Mr Stiggins a preliminary tap on the head, and began

dancing round him in a buoyant and cork-like manner, which in a

gentleman at his time of life was a perfect marvel to behold.

Finding all remonstrances unavailing, Sam pulled his hat firmly on,

threw his father's coat over his arm, and taking the old man round the

waist, forcibly dragged him down the ladder, and into the street; never

releasing his hold, or permitting him to stop, until they reached the

corner. As they gained it, they could hear the shouts of the populace,

who were witnessing the removal of the Reverend Mr Stiggins to

strong lodgings for the night, and could hear the noise occasioned by

the dispersion in various directions of the members of the Brick Lane

Branch of the United Grand Junction Ebenezer Temperance

Association.

The Pickwick Papers