THE PICKWICK CLUB. 553
that they paid not the slifjjhtcst attention to Mr. Pickwick, but defying each other with great spirit, plied the carpet bag and the fire-shovel most fearlessly. INIr. Pickwick would unquestionably have suffered severely from his humane interference, if Mr. Weller, attracted by his master's cries, had not rushed in at the moment and, snatching up a meal-sack, effectually stopped the conflict by drawing it over the head and shoulders of the mighty Pott, and clasping him tight round the elbows.
•' Take avay that 'ere bag from the t'other madman," said Sam to Ben Allen and Bob Sawyer, who had done nothing but dodge round the group, each with a tortoise-shell lancet in his hand, ready to bleed the tirst man stunned. " Give it up, you wretched little creetur, or I'll smother you in it."
Awed by these threats, and quite out of breath, the Independent suffered himself to be disarmed ; and Mr. Weller, removing the extinguisher from Pott, set him free with a caution.
- ' You take yourselves off to bed quietly," said Sam, or I'll put
you both in it, and let you light it out vith the mouth tied, as I vould a dozen sich, if they played these games. And you have the goodness to come this here vay. Sir, if you please."
Thus addressing his master, Sam took him by the arm and led him off, while the rival editors were severally removed to their beds by the landlord, under the inspection of Mr. Bob Sawyer and Mr. Benjamin Allen ; breathing, as they went away, many sanguinary threats, and making vague appointments for mortal combat next day. When they came to think it over, however, it occurred to them that they could do it much better in print, so they recommenced deadly hostilities without delay ; and all Eatanswill rung with their boldness — on paper.
They had taken themselves off in separate coaches, early next morning, before the other travellers were stirring ; and the weather having now cleared up, the chaise companions once more turned their faces to London.
CHAPTER LI.
INVOLVING A SERIOUS CHANGE IN THE WELLER FAMILY, AND THE UNTIMELY DOWNFALL OF THE RED-NOSED MR. STIGGINS.
CoNsiDDRiNG it a matter of delicacy to abstain from introducing either Bob Sawyer or Ben Allen to the young couple, until they were fully prepared to expect them ; and wishing to spare Arabella's feelings as much as possible, INIr. Pickwick proposed that he and Sara should alight in the neighbourhood of the George and Vulture, and that the two young men should for the present take up their quarters else- where; to this they very readily agreed, and the proposition was accordingly acted upon : Mr. Ben Allen and ^Ir. Bob Sawyer betaking themselves to a sequestered pot-shop on the remotest confines of the
