Tupman resumed his former position; and Mr Wardle, accompanied

by a surgeon, entered the room.

The arm was examined, the wound dressed, and pronounced to be a

very slight one; and the minds of the company having been thus

satisfied, they proceeded to satisfy their appetites with countenances

to which an expression of cheerfulness was again restored. Mr

Pickwick alone was silent and reserved. Doubt and distrust were

exhibited in his countenance. His confidence in Mr Winkle had been

shaken - greatly shaken - by the proceedings of the morning. 'Are you

a cricketer?' inquired Mr Wardle of the marksman.

At any other time, Mr Winkle would have replied in the affirmative. He

felt the delicacy of his situation, and modestly replied, 'No.'

'Are you, sir?' inquired Mr Snodgrass.

I was once upon a time,' replied the host; 'but I have given it up now.

I subscribe to the club here, but I don't play.'

The grand match is played to-day, I believe,' said Mr Pickwick.

It is,' replied the host. 'Of course you would like to see it.'

I, sir,' replied Mr Pickwick, 'am delighted to view any sports which

may be safely indulged in, and in which the impotent effects of

unskilful people do not endanger human life.' Mr Pickwick paused,

and looked steadily on Mr Winkle, who quailed beneath his leader's

searching glance. The great man withdrew his eyes after a few

minutes, and added: 'Shall we be justified in leaving our wounded

friend to the care of the ladies?'

You cannot leave me in better hands,' said Mr Tupman.

Quite impossible,' said Mr Snodgrass.

It was therefore settled that Mr Tupman should be left at home in

charge of the females; and that the remainder of the guests, under the

guidance of Mr Wardle, should proceed to the spot where was to be

held that trial of skill, which had roused all Muggleton from its torpor,

and inoculated Dingley Dell with a fever of excitement.

As their walk, which was not above two miles long, lay through shady

lanes and sequestered footpaths, and as their conversation turned

upon the delightful scenery by which they were on every side

surrounded, Mr Pickwick was almost inclined to regret the expedition

they had used, when he found himself in the main street of the town

of Muggleton. Everybody whose genius has a topographical bent

The Pickwick Papers