'Is anything the matter?' said Mr Pickwick at last, when his arm was

quite sore with shaking. 'Nothing,' said Mr Winkle.

Well then, good-night,' said Mr Pickwick, attempting to disengage his

hand.

'My friend, my benefactor, my honoured companion,' murmured Mr

Winkle, catching at his wrist. 'Do not judge me harshly; do not, when

you hear that, driven to extremity by hopeless obstacles, I - '

Now then,' said Mr Tupman, reappearing at the door. 'Are you

coming, or are we to be locked in?'

'Yes, yes, I am ready,' replied Mr Winkle. And with a violent effort he

tore himself away.

As Mr Pickwick was gazing down the passage after them in silent

astonishment, Sam Weller appeared at the stair-head, and whispered

for one moment in Mr Winkle's ear.

'Oh, certainly, depend upon me,' said that gentleman aloud.

Thank'ee, sir. You won't forget, sir?' said Sam. 'Of course not,' replied

Mr Winkle.

Wish you luck, Sir,' said Sam, touching his hat. 'I should very much

liked to ha' joined you, Sir; but the gov'nor, o' course, is paramount.'

It is very much to your credit that you remain here,' said Mr Winkle.

With these words they disappeared down the stairs.

,Very extraordinary,' said Mr Pickwick, going back into his room, and

seating himself at the table in a musing attitude. 'What can that

young man be going to do?'

He had sat ruminating about the matter for some time, when the voice

of Roker, the turnkey, demanded whether he might come in.

By all means,' said Mr Pickwick.

I've brought you a softer pillow, Sir,' said Mr Roker, 'instead of the

temporary one you had last night.'

'Thank you,' said Mr Pickwick. 'Will you take a glass of wine?'

You're wery good, Sir,' replied Mr Roker, accepting the proffered glass.

Yours, sir.'

The Pickwick Papers