Several dozen of 'How-are-you's?' hailed the old gentleman's arrival;

and a general raising of the straw hats, and bending forward of the

flannel jackets, followed his introduction of his guests as gentlemen

from London, who were extremely anxious to witness the proceedings

of the day, with which, he had no doubt, they would be greatly

delighted.

'You had better step into the marquee, I think, Sir,' said one very stout

gentleman, whose body and legs looked like half a gigantic roll of

flannel, elevated on a couple of inflated pillow-cases.

'You'll find it much pleasanter, Sir,' urged another stout gentleman,

who strongly resembled the other half of the roll of flannel aforesaid.

'You're very good,' said Mr Pickwick.

'This way,' said the first speaker; 'they notch in here - it's the best

place in the whole field;' and the cricketer, panting on before,

preceded them to the tent.

'Capital game - smart sport - fine exercise - very,' were the words

which fell upon Mr Pickwick's ear as he entered the tent; and the first

object that met his eyes was his green-coated friend of the Rochester

coach, holding forth, to the no small delight and edification of a select

circle of the chosen of All-Muggleton. His dress was slightly improved,

and he wore boots; but there was no mistaking him.

The stranger recognised his friends immediately; and, darting forward

and seizing Mr Pickwick by the hand, dragged him to a seat with his

usual impetuosity, talking all the while as if the whole of the

arrangements were under his especial patronage and direction.

This way - this way - capital fun - lots of beer - hogsheads; rounds of

beef - bullocks; mustard - cart-loads; glorious day - down with you -

make yourself at home - glad to see you - very.'

Mr Pickwick sat down as he was bid, and Mr Winkle and Mr

Snodgrass also complied with the directions of their mysterious friend.

Mr Wardle looked on in silent wonder.

'Mr Wardle - a friend of mine,' said Mr Pickwick.

Friend of yours! - My dear sir, how are you? - Friend of my friend's -

give me your hand, sir' - and the stranger grasped Mr Wardle's hand

with all the fervour of a close intimacy of many years, and then

stepped back a pace or two as if to take a full survey of his face and

figure, and then shook hands with him again, if possible, more

warmly than before.

The Pickwick Papers