of his delicate respect for the young PROTEGEE of his friend, and took

his hand with a feeling of regard, akin to veneration.

You SHALL go,' said Mr Winkle.

'I will,' said Mr Pickwick. 'Sam, have my greatcoat and shawl ready,

and order a conveyance to be at the door to-morrow evening, rather

earlier than is absolutely necessary, in order that we may be in good

time.'

Mr Weller touched his hat, as an earnest of his obedience, and

withdrew to make all needful preparations for the expedition.

The coach was punctual to the time appointed; and Mr Weller, after

duly installing Mr Pickwick and Mr Winkle inside, took his seat on the

box by the driver. They alighted, as had been agreed on, about a

quarter of a mile from the place of rendezvous, and desiring the

coachman to await their return, proceeded the remaining distance on

foot.

It was at this stage of the undertaking that Mr Pickwick, with many

smiles and various other indications of great self-satisfaction,

produced from one of his coat pockets a dark lantern, with which he

had specially provided himself for the occasion, and the great

mechanical beauty of which he proceeded to explain to Mr Winkle, as

they walked along, to the no small surprise of the few stragglers they

met.

I should have been the better for something of this kind, in my last

garden expedition, at night; eh, Sam?' said Mr Pickwick, looking good-

humouredly round at his follower, who was trudging behind.

Wery nice things, if they're managed properly, Sir,' replied Mr Weller;

but wen you don't want to be seen, I think they're more useful arter

the candle's gone out, than wen it's alight.'

Mr Pickwick appeared struck by Sam's remarks, for he put the lantern

into his pocket again, and they walked on in silence.

'Down here, Sir,' said Sam. 'Let me lead the way. This is the lane, Sir.'

Down the lane they went, and dark enough it was. Mr Pickwick

brought out the lantern, once or twice, as they groped their way along,

and threw a very brilliant little tunnel of light before them, about a

foot in diameter. It was very pretty to look at, but seemed to have the

effect of rendering surrounding objects rather darker than before.

The Pickwick Papers