The cobbler paused to ascertain what effect his story had produced on

Sam; but finding that he had dropped asleep, knocked the ashes out

of his pipe, sighed, put it down, drew the bed- clothes over his head,

and went to sleep, too.

Mr Pickwick was sitting at breakfast, alone, next morning (Sam being

busily engaged in the cobbler's room, polishing his master's shoes and

brushing the black gaiters) when there came a knock at the door,

which, before Mr Pickwick could cry 'Come in!' was followed by the

appearance of a head of hair and a cotton-velvet cap, both of which

articles of dress he had no difficulty in recognising as the personal

property of Mr Smangle.

How are you?' said that worthy, accompanying the inquiry with a

score or two of nods; 'I say - do you expect anybody this morning?

Three men - devilish gentlemanly fellows - have been asking after you

downstairs, and knocking at every door on the hall flight; for which

they've been most infernally blown up by the collegians that had the

trouble of opening 'em.'

Dear me! How very foolish of them,' said Mr Pickwick, rising. 'Yes; I

have no doubt they are some friends whom I rather expected to see,

yesterday.'

Friends of yours!' exclaimed Smangle, seizing Mr Pickwick by the

hand. 'Say no more. Curse me, they're friends of mine from this

minute, and friends of Mivins's, too. Infernal pleasant, gentlemanly

dog, Mivins, isn't he?' said Smangle, with great feeling.

I know so little of the gentleman,' said Mr Pickwick, hesitating, 'that I

I know you do,' interrupted Smangle, clasping Mr Pickwick by the

shoulder. 'You shall know him better. You'll be delighted with him.

That man, Sir,' said Smangle, with a solemn countenance, 'has comic

powers that would do honour to Drury Lane Theatre.'

Has he indeed?' said Mr Pickwick.

Ah, by Jove he has!' replied Smangle. 'Hear him come the four cats in

the wheel-barrow - four distinct cats, sir, I pledge you my honour.

Now you know that's infernal clever! Damme, you can't help liking a

man, when you see these traits about him. He's only one fault - that

little failing I mentioned to you, you know.'

As Mr Smangle shook his head in a confidential and sympathising

manner at this juncture, Mr Pickwick felt that he was expected to say

something, so he said, 'Ah!' and looked restlessly at the door.

The Pickwick Papers