sweet young lady to say she knew nothing of him, and bribing the school-mistress to do the same, deserted her for a better speculation! Oh! Mr. Weller, it makes me shudder."
"Oh, that was the vay, was it?" said Mr. Weller.
"To be sure it was," replied Job.
"Vell," said Sam, as they had now arrived near the Hotel, "I vant to have a little bit o' talk with you, Job; so if you're not partickler engaged, I should like to see you at the Great White Horse to-night, somewheres about eight o'clock."
"I shall be sure to come," said Job.
"Yes, you'd better," replied Sam, with a very meaning look, "or else I shall perhaps be asking arter you, at the other side of the green gate, and then I might cut you out. you know."
"I shall be sure to be with you, sir," said Mr. Trotter; and wringing Sam's hand with the utmost fervour, he walked away.
"Take care, Job Trotter, take care," said Sam, looking after him, "or I shall be one too many for you this time. I shall, indeed." Having uttered this soliloquy, and looked after Job till he was to be seen no more, Mr. Weller made the best of his way to his master's bed-room.
"It's all in training, sir," said Sam.
"What's in training, Sam?" inquired Mr. Pickwick.
"I have found 'em out, sir," said Sam.
"Found out who?"
"That 'ere queer customer, and the melan-cholly chap with the black hair."
"Impossible, Sam!" said Mr. Pickwick, with the greatest energy. "Where are they, Sam; where are they?"
"Hush, hush!" replied Mr. Weller; and as he assisted Mr. Pickwick to dress, he detailed the plan of action on which he proposed to enter.
"But when is this to be done, Sam?" inquired Mr. Pickwick.
"All in good time, sir," replied Sam.
Whether it was done in good time, or not, will be seen hereafter.
