Mr Pickwick did as he was desired, and Sam, seeing a man's head

peeping out very cautiously within half a yard of his own, gave it a

gentle tap with his clenched fist, which knocked it, with a hollow

sound, against the gate. Having performed this feat with great

suddenness and dexterity, Mr Weller caught Mr Pickwick up on his

back, and followed Mr Winkle down the lane at a pace which,

considering the burden he carried, was perfectly astonishing.

'Have you got your vind back agin, Sir,' inquired Sam, when they had

reached the end.

Quite. Quite, now,' replied Mr Pickwick.

Then come along, Sir,' said Sam, setting his master on his feet again.

Come betveen us, sir. Not half a mile to run. Think you're vinnin' a

cup, sir. Now for it.'

Thus encouraged, Mr Pickwick made the very best use of his legs. It

may be confidently stated that a pair of black gaiters never got over

the ground in better style than did those of Mr Pickwick on this

memorable occasion.

The coach was waiting, the horses were fresh, the roads were good,

and the driver was willing. The whole party arrived in safety at the

Bush before Mr Pickwick had recovered his breath.

'in with you at once, sir,' said Sam, as he helped his master out. 'Don't

stop a second in the street, arter that 'ere exercise. Beg your pardon,

sir,'continued Sam, touching his hat as Mr Winkle descended, 'hope

there warn't a priory 'tachment, sir?'

Mr Winkle grasped his humble friend by the hand, and whispered in

his ear, 'It's all right, Sam; quite right.' Upon which Mr Weller struck

three distinct blows upon his nose in token of intelligence, smiled,

winked, and proceeded to put the steps up, with a countenance

expressive of lively satisfaction.

As to the scientific gentleman, he demonstrated, in a masterly

treatise, that these wonderful lights were the effect of electricity; and

clearly proved the same by detailing how a flash of fire danced before

his eyes when he put his head out of the gate, and how he received a

shock which stunned him for a quarter of an hour afterwards; which

demonstration delighted all the scientific associations beyond

measure, and caused him to be considered a light of science ever

afterwards.

The Pickwick Papers