Very much perplexed by this summary disposition of this person, Mr

Pickwick walked back into the prison, revolving in his mind what he

had better do. Convinced, however, that before he took any other

steps it would be advisable to see, and hold personal converse with,

the three gentlemen with whom it was proposed to quarter him, he

made the best of his way to the third flight.

After groping about in the gallery for some time, attempting in the dim

light to decipher the numbers on the different doors, he at length

appealed to a pot-boy, who happened to be pursuing his morning

occupation of gleaning for pewter.

Which is twenty-seven, my good fellow?' said Mr Pickwick.

Five doors farther on,' replied the pot-boy. 'There's the likeness of a

man being hung, and smoking the while, chalked outside the door.'

Guided by this direction, Mr Pickwick proceeded slowly along the

gallery until he encountered the 'portrait of a gentleman,' above

described, upon whose countenance he tapped, with the knuckle of

his forefinger - gently at first, and then audibly. After repeating this

process several times without effect, he ventured to open the door and

peep in.

There was only one man in the room, and he was leaning out of

window as far as he could without overbalancing himself,

endeavouring, with great perseverance, to spit upon the crown of the

hat of a personal friend on the parade below. As neither speaking,

coughing, sneezing, knocking, nor any other ordinary mode of

attracting attention, made this person aware of the presence of a

visitor, Mr Pickwick, after some delay, stepped up to the window, and

pulled him gently by the coat tail. The individual brought in his head

and shoulders with great swiftness, and surveying Mr Pickwick from

head to foot, demanded in a surly tone what the - something

beginning with a capital H - he wanted.

I believe,' said Mr Pickwick, consulting his ticket - 'I believe this is

twenty-seven in the third?'

Well?' replied the gentleman.

I have come here in consequence of receiving this bit of paper,'

rejoined Mr Pickwick.

Hand it over,' said the gentleman.

Mr Pickwick complied.

The Pickwick Papers