That Sam should retire, and leave Mr Winkle in the undisturbed

possession of his apartment, on the condition that he had permission

to lock the door on the outside, and carry off the key; provided always,

that in the event of an alarm of fire, or other dangerous contingency,

the door should be instantly unlocked. That a letter should be written

to Mr Pickwick early next morning, and forwarded per Dowler,

requesting his consent to Sam and Mr Winkle's remaining at Bristol,

for the purpose and with the object already assigned, and begging an

answer by the next coach - , if favourable, the aforesaid parties to

remain accordingly, and if not, to return to Bath immediately on the

receipt thereof. And, lastly, that Mr Winkle should be understood as

distinctly pledging himself not to resort to the window, fireplace, or

other surreptitious mode of escape in the meanwhile. These

stipulations having been concluded, Sam locked the door and

departed.

He had nearly got downstairs, when he stopped, and drew the key

from his pocket.

I quite forgot about the knockin' down,' said Sam, half turning back.

The governor distinctly said it was to be done. Amazin' stupid o' me,

that 'ere! Never mind,' said Sam, brightening up, 'it's easily done to-

morrow, anyvays.'

Apparently much consoled by this reflection, Mr Weller once more

deposited the key in his pocket, and descending the remainder of the

stairs without any fresh visitations of conscience, was soon, in

common with the other inmates of the house, buried in profound

repose.

The Pickwick Papers