that they paid not the slightest attention to Mr Pickwick, but defying

each other with great spirit, plied the carpet-bag and the fire-shovel

most fearlessly. Mr Pickwick would unquestionably have suffered

severely for his humane interference, if Mr Weller, attracted by his

master's cries, had not rushed in at the moment, and, snatching up a

meal - sack, effectually stopped the conflict by drawing it over the

head and shoulders of the mighty Pott, and clasping him tight round

the shoulders.

Take away that 'ere bag from the t'other madman,' said Sam to Ben

Allen and Bob Sawyer, who had done nothing but dodge round the

group, each with a tortoise-shell lancet in his hand, ready to bleed the

first man stunned. 'Give it up, you wretched little creetur, or I'll

smother you in it.'

Awed by these threats, and quite out of breath, the INDEPENDENT

suffered himself to be disarmed; and Mr Weller, removing the

extinguisher from Pott, set him free with a caution.

You take yourselves off to bed quietly,' said Sam, 'or I'll put you both

in it, and let you fight it out vith the mouth tied, as I vould a dozen

sich, if they played these games. And you have the goodness to come

this here way, sir, if you please.'

Thus addressing his master, Sam took him by the arm, and led him

off, while the rival editors were severally removed to their beds by the

landlord, under the inspection of Mr Bob Sawyer and Mr Benjamin

Allen; breathing, as they went away, many sanguinary threats, and

making vague appointments for mortal combat next day. When they

came to think it over, however, it occurred to them that they could do

it much better in print, so they recommenced deadly hostilities

without delay; and all Eatanswill rung with their boldness - on paper.

They had taken themselves off in separate coaches, early next

morning, before the other travellers were stirring; and the weather

having now cleared up, the chaise companions once more turned their

faces to London.

The Pickwick Papers