down the fact forthwith. 'And how long do you keep him out at a

time?'inquired Mr Pickwick, searching for further information.

Two or three veeks,' replied the man.

Weeks!' said Mr Pickwick in astonishment, and out came the note-

book again.

He lives at Pentonwil when he's at home,' observed the driver coolly,

but we seldom takes him home, on account of his weakness.'

On account of his weakness!' reiterated the perplexed Mr Pickwick.

He always falls down when he's took out o' the cab,' continued the

driver, 'but when he's in it, we bears him up werry tight, and takes

him in werry short, so as he can't werry well fall down; and we've got a

pair o' precious large wheels on, so ven he does move, they run after

him, and he must go on - he can't help it.'

Mr Pickwick entered every word of this statement in his note- book,

with the view of communicating it to the club, as a singular instance

of the tenacity of life in horses under trying circumstances. The entry

was scarcely completed when they reached the Golden Cross. Down

jumped the driver, and out got Mr Pickwick. Mr Tupman, Mr

Snodgrass, and Mr Winkle, who had been anxiously waiting the

arrival of their illustrious leader, crowded to welcome him.

Here's your fare,' said Mr Pickwick, holding out the shilling to the

driver.

What was the learned man's astonishment, when that unaccountable

person flung the money on the pavement, and requested in figurative

terms to be allowed the pleasure of fighting him (Mr Pickwick) for the

amount!

You are mad,' said Mr Snodgrass.

Or drunk,' said Mr Winkle.

Or both,' said Mr Tupman.

Come on!' said the cab-driver, sparring away like clockwork. 'Come on

all four on you.'

Here's a lark!' shouted half a dozen hackney coachmen. 'Go to vork,

Sam! - and they crowded with great glee round the party.

'What's the row, Sam?' inquired one gentleman in black calico sleeves.

The Pickwick Papers