434 POSTHUMOUS PAPERS OF
when Mr. Weller, who stationed himself at the back of the chair, whis- pered that the sitting was merely another term for undergoing- an inspection by the different turnkeys, in order that they might know prisoners from visitors.
- ' Well, Sam, said Mr. Pickwick, " then I wish the artists would
come. This is rather a public place."
" They vont be long, Sir_, 1 des-say," replied Sam. " There's a Dutch clock, Sir."
" So I see," observed Mr. Pickwick.
- ' And a bird-cage. Sir," said Sam. *' Veels vithin veels, a prison in
a prison. Ain't it, Sir."
As Mr. Weller made this philosophical remark, Mr. Pickwick was aware that his sitting had commenced. The stout turnkey having been relieved from the lock, sat down, and looked at him carelessly from time to time, while a long thin man who had relieved him thrust his hands beneath his coat tails, and planting himself opposite, took a good long view of him. A third rather surly-looking gentleman, who had apparently been disturbed at his tea, for he was disposing of the last remnant of a crust and butter when he came in, stationed himself close to Mr. Pickwick; and, resting his hands on his hips, inspected him narrowly, while two others mixed with the group, and studied his features with most intent and thoughtful faces. Mr. Pickwick winced a good deal under the operation, and appeared to sit very uneasily in his chair : but he made no remark to anybody while it was being per- formed — not even to Sam, who reclined upon the back of the chair, reflecting, partly on the situation of his master, and partly on the great satisfaction it would have afforded him to make a fierce assault upon all the turnkeys there assembled, one after the other, if it were lawful and peaceable so to do.
At length the likeness was completed, and Mr. Pickwick was informed, that he might now proceed into the prison.
" Where am I to sleep to-night ?" enquired Mr. Pickwick.
" Why I don't rightly know about to-night," replied the stout turn- key. " You'll be chummed on somebody to-morrow, and then you'll be all snug and comfortable. The first night's generally rather unsettled, but you'll be set all squares to-morrow."
After some discussion, it was discovered that one of the turnkeys had a bed to let, which Mr. Pickwick could have for that night, and he gladly agreed to hire it.
" If you'll come with me, I'll show it you, at once," said the man.
- ^ It ain't a large 'un ; but it's an out and outer to sleep in. This way,
Sir."
They passed through the inner gate, and descended a short flight of steps. The key was turned after them, and Mr. Pickwick found him- self, for the first time in his life, within the walls of a Debtor's Prison.
