The room they turned into was even more odd-looking than the porch.

Such a number of men standing about! And they stared so!

What place is this?' inquired Mrs. Bardell, pausing.

Only one of our public offices,' replied Jackson, hurrying her through

a door, and looking round to see that the other women were following.

'Look sharp, Isaac!'

Safe and sound,' replied the man with the ash stick. The door swung

heavily after them, and they descended a small flight of steps.

Here we are at last. All right and tight, Mrs. Bardell!' said Jackson,

looking exultingly round.

What do you mean?' said Mrs. Bardell, with a palpitating heart.

Just this,' replied Jackson, drawing her a little on one side; 'don't be

frightened, Mrs. Bardell. There never was a more delicate man than

Dodson, ma'am, or a more humane man than Fogg. It was their duty

in the way of business, to take you in execution for them costs; but

they were anxious to spare your feelings as much as they could. What

a comfort it must be, to you, to think how it's been done! This is the

Fleet, ma'am. Wish you good-night, Mrs. Bardell. Good-night, Tommy!'

As Jackson hurried away in company with the man with the ash stick

another man, with a key in his hand, who had been looking on, led

the bewildered female to a second short flight of steps leading to a

doorway. Mrs. Bardell screamed violently; Tommy roared; Mrs.

Cluppins shrunk within herself; and Mrs. Sanders made off, without

more ado. For there stood the injured Mr Pickwick, taking his nightly

allowance of air; and beside him leant Samuel Weller, who, seeing

Mrs. Bardell, took his hat off with mock reverence, while his master

turned indignantly on his heel.

Don't bother the woman,' said the turnkey to Weller; 'she's just come

in.'

A prisoner!' said Sam, quickly replacing his hat. 'Who's the plaintives?

What for? Speak up, old feller.'

Dodson and Fogg,' replied the man; 'execution on COGNOVIT for

costs.'

Here, Job, Job!' shouted Sam, dashing into the passage. 'Run to Mr

Perker's, Job. I want him directly. I see some good in this. Here's a

game. Hooray! vere's the gov'nor?'

The Pickwick Papers