124 POSTHUMOUS PAPERS OF
- Not the least doubt of that/* said the little man.
" The press is a mighty engine, Sir," said Pott.
Mr. Pickwick yielded his fullest assent to the proposition.
" But I trust. Sir," said Pott, " that I have never abused the enor- mous power I wield. I trust, Sir, that I have never pointed the noble instrument which is placed in my hands, against the sacred bosOTn of private life, or the tender breast of individual reputation ; — I trust, Sir, that I have devoted my energies to — to endeavours — humble they may
be, humble I know they are — to instil those principles of — which —
»> are —
Here the editor of the Eatanswill Gazette, appearing to ramble, Mr. Pickwick came to his relief, and said —
" Certainly."
" And what, Sir " — said Pott—" what, Sir, let me ask you as an impartial man, is the state of the public mind in London, with reference to my contest with the Independent ? "
" Greatly excited, no doubt," interposed Mr. Perker, with a look of slyness which was very likely accidental.
" That contest," said Pott, *' shall be prolonged so long as I have health and strength, and that portion of talent with which I am gifted. From that contest. Sir, although it may unsettle men's minds and excite their feelings, and render them incapable for the discharge of the every- day duties of ordinary life ; from that contest. Sir, I will never shrink, till I have set my heel upon the Eatanswill Independent. I wish the people of London, and the people of this country to know, Sir, that they may rely upon me ; — that I will not desert them, that I am resolved to stand by them. Sir, to the last."
- ' Your conduct is most noble, Sir," said Mr. Pickwick ; and he
grasped the hand of the magnanimous Pott.
" You are, Sir, I perceive, a man of sense and talent," said Mr. Pott, almost breathless with the vehemence of his patriotic declaration. " I am most happy, Sir, to make the acquaintance of such a man."
" And I," said Mr, Pickwick, ^' feel deeply honoured by this expres- sion of your opinion. Allow me, Sir, to introduce you to my fellow- travellers, the other corresponding members of the club I am proud to have founded."
" I shall be delighted," said Mr. Pott.
Mr. Pickwick withdrew, and returning with his three friends, pre- sented them in due form to the editor of the Eatanswill Gazette.
" Now my dear Pott," said little Mr. Perker, " the question is, what are we to do with our friends here ? "
" We can stop in this house, I suppose," said Mr. Pickwick.
" Not a spare bed in the house, my dear Sir — not a single bed."
" Extremely awkward," said Mr. Pickwick.
" Very ; " said his fellow- voyagers.
" I have an idea upon this subject," said Mr. Pott, " which I think may be very successfully adopted. They have two beds at the Peacock, and I can boldly say, on behalf of Mrs. Pott, that she will be delighted to accommodate Mr. Pickwick and any one of his friends, if the other
