But it's always the way,' said Mr John Smauker; 'if your destiny leads

you into public life, and public station, you must expect to be

subjected to temptations which other people is free from, Mr Weller.'

'Precisely what my uncle said, ven he vent into the public line,'

remarked Sam, 'and wery right the old gen'l'm'n wos, for he drank

hisself to death in somethin' less than a quarter.' Mr John Smauker

looked deeply indignant at any parallel being drawn between himself

and the deceased gentleman in question; but, as Sam's face was in

the most immovable state of calmness, he thought better of it, and

looked affable again. 'Perhaps we had better be walking,' said Mr

Smauker, consulting a copper timepiece which dwelt at the bottom of

a deep watch-pocket, and was raised to the surface by means of a

black string, with a copper key at the other end.

P'raps we had,' replied Sam, 'or they'll overdo the swarry, and that'll

spile it.'

'Have you drank the waters, Mr Weller?' inquired his companion, as

they walked towards High Street.

Once,' replied Sam.

What did you think of 'em, Sir?'

I thought they was particklery unpleasant,' replied Sam.

Ah,' said Mr John Smauker, 'you disliked the killibeate taste,

perhaps?'

I don't know much about that 'ere,' said Sam. 'I thought they'd a wery

strong flavour o' warm flat irons.'

That IS the killibeate, Mr Weller,' observed Mr John Smauker

contemptuously.

Well, if it is, it's a wery inexpressive word, that's all,' said Sam. 'It may

be, but I ain't much in the chimical line myself, so I can't say.' And

here, to the great horror of Mr John Smauker, Sam Weller began to

whistle.

I beg your pardon, Mr Weller,' said Mr John Smauker, agonised at the

exceeding ungenteel sound, 'will you take my arm?'

Thank'ee, you're wery good, but I won't deprive you of it,' replied Sam.

I've rayther a way o' putting my hands in my pockets, if it's all the

same to you.' As Sam said this, he suited the action to the word, and

whistled far louder than before.

The Pickwick Papers