a show of taking down his answer. 'You were in the passage, and yet

saw nothing of what was going forward. Have you a pair of eyes, Mr

Weller?'

Yes, I have a pair of eyes,' replied Sam, 'and that's just it. If they wos

a pair o' patent double million magnifyin' gas microscopes of hextra

power, p'raps I might be able to see through a flight o' stairs and a

deal door; but bein' only eyes, you see, my wision 's limited.'

At this answer, which was delivered without the slightest appearance

of irritation, and with the most complete simplicity and equanimity of

manner, the spectators tittered, the little judge smiled, and Serjeant

Buzfuz looked particularly foolish. After a short consultation with

Dodson & Fogg, the learned Serjeant again turned towards Sam, and

said, with a painful effort to conceal his vexation, 'Now, Mr Weller, I'll

ask you a question on another point, if you please.'

'If you please, Sir,' rejoined Sam, with the utmost good-humour.

Do you remember going up to Mrs. Bardell's house, one night in

November last?' 'Oh, yes, wery well.'

'Oh, you do remember that, Mr Weller,' said Serjeant Buzfuz,

recovering his spirits; 'I thought we should get at something at last.'

I rayther thought that, too, sir,' replied Sam; and at this the

spectators tittered again.

Well; I suppose you went up to have a little talk about this trial - eh,

Mr Weller?' said Serjeant Buzfuz, looking knowingly at the jury.

I went up to pay the rent; but we did get a-talkin' about the trial,'

replied Sam.

Oh, you did get a-talking about the trial,' said Serjeant Buzfuz,

brightening up with the anticipation of some important discovery.

Now, what passed about the trial; will you have the goodness to tell

us, Mr Weller'?'

Vith all the pleasure in life, sir,' replied Sam. 'Arter a few unimportant

obserwations from the two wirtuous females as has been examined

here to-day, the ladies gets into a very great state o' admiration at the

honourable conduct of Mr Dodson and Fogg - them two gen'l'men as is

settin' near you now.' This, of course, drew general attention to

Dodson & Fogg, who looked as virtuous as possible.

The Pickwick Papers