172 POSTHUMOUS PAPERS OF
" Tiundle and I came down here, for some good shooting on the first," rephed Wardle. '^ We arrived to-night and were astonished to hear from your servant that you were here too. But I am glad you are," said the jolly old fellow, slapping him on the back. " I am glad you are. We shall have a jolly party on the first, and we'll give Winkle another chance — eh, old boy ? "
Mr. Pickwick made no reply ; he did not even ask after his friends at Dingley Dell, and shortly aftierwards retired for the night, desiring Sam to fetch his candle when he rung.
The bell did ring in due course, and Mr. Weller presented himself.
" Sam," said Mr, Pickwick, looking out from under the bed- clothes.
" Sir," said Mr. Weller.
Mr. Pickwick paused, and Mr. Weller snuffed the candle.
" Sam," said Mr. Pickwick again, as if with a desperate effort.
- ' Sir," said Mr. Weller, once more.
" Where is that Trotter?"
Job, Sir?"
" Yes."
" Gone, Sir."
" With his master, I suppose ?"
" Friend or master, or whatever he is, he*s gone with him," replied Mr. Weller. " There's a pair on 'em. Sir."
" Jingle suspected my design, and set that fellow on you, with this story, I suppose ? " said Mr. Pickwick, half choking.
Just that. Sir," replied Mr. Weller.
" It was all false, of course ?"
« All, Sir," replied Mr. Weller. « Reg'lar do, Sir ; artful dodge."
I don't think he'll escape us quite so easily the next time, Sam?" said Mr. Pickwick.
" I don't think he will. Sir."
- ' Whenever I meet that Jingle again, wherever it is," said Mr.
Pickwick, raising himself in bed, and indenting his pillow with a tre- mendous blow, " I'll inflict personal chastisement on him, in addition to the exposure he so richly merits. I will, or my name is not Pick- wick."
" And venever I catches hold o' that there melan-choUy chap with the black hair," said Sara, " if I don't bring some real water into his eyes, for once in a way, my name a'nt Weller. Good night, Sir."
CHAPTER XVII.
SHOWING THAT AN ATTACK OF RHEUMATISM, IN SOME CASES, ACTS AS A QUICKENER TO INVENTIVE GENIUS.
The constitution of Mr. Pickwick, though able to sustain a very considerable amount of exertion and fatigue, was not proof against such a combination of attacks as he had undergone on the memorable night, recorded in the last chapter. The process of being washed in the ni^ht
