256
POSTHUMOUS PAPERS OF
the hearts of culprits, and to impress them with an adequate idea of the stern majesty of the law. In front of a big- book-case, in a big- chair, behind a big table, and before a big- volume, sat Mr. Nupkins, looking a full size larger than any one of them, big as they were. The table was adorned with piles of papers : and above the further end of it, ap- peared the head and shoulders of Mr. Jinks, who was busily eng-aged in looking as busy as possible. The party having all entered, Muzzle carefully closed the door, and placed himself behind his master's chair to await his orders ; Mr. Nupkins threw himself back, with thrilling solemnity, and scrutinised the faces of his unwilling visiters.
" Now, Grummer, who is that person?" said Mr. Nupkins, pointing to Mr. Pickwick, who, as the spokesman of his friends, stood hat in hand, bowing with the utmost politeness and respect.
" This here's Pickvick, your wash-up," said Grummer.
" Come, none o' that 'ere, old Strike-a-light," interposed Mr. Weller, elbowing himself into the front rank — " Beg your pardon, Sir, but this here officer o' yourn in the gambooge tops, 'uU never earn a decent livin* as a master o' the ceremonies any vere. This here, Sir," continued Mr. Weller, thrusting Grummer aside, and addressing the Magistrate with pleasant familiarity — " This here is S. Pickvick, Esquire ; this here's Mr. Tupman ; that 'ere's Mr. Snodgrass ; and furder on, next him on the t'other side, Mr. Winkle — ^all wery nice genl'm'n. Sir, as you'll be wery happy to have the acquaintance on ; so the sooner you commits these here officers o* yourn to the tread-mill for a month or two, the sooner we shall begin to be on a pleasant understanding. Business first, pleasure arterwards, as King Richard the Third said ven he stabbed the t'other king in the Tower, afore he smothered the babbies."
At the conclusion of this address, Mr. Weller brushed his hat with his right elbow, and nodded benignly to Jinks, who had heard him throughout, with unspeakable awe.
- ' Who is this man, Grummer ? " said the magistrate.
" Wery desp'rate ch'racter, your wash-up," replied Grummer. " He attempted to rescue the prisoners, and assaulted the officers — so we took him into custody, and brought him here."
- ' You did quite right," replied the magistrate. " He is evidently a
desperate ruffian."
- ' He is my servant. Sir," said Mr. Pickwick, angrily.
- Oh I he is your servant, is he ? " said Mr. Nupkins. '* A conspi-
racy to defeat the ends of justice, and murder its officers. Pickwick's servant. Put that down, Mr. Jinks."
Mr. Jinks did so.
- ' What's your name, fellow ? " thundered Mr. Nupkins.
" Veller," replied Sam. . " A very good name for the Newgate Calendar," said Mr. Nupkins.
This was a joke ; so Jinks, Grummer, Dubbley, all the specials, and Muzzle, went into fits of laughter of five minutes' duration.
" Put down his name, Mr. Jinks," said the magistrate.
- Two L's, old feller," said Sam.
Here an unfortunate special laughed again, whereupon the magistrate
