Pickwick Abroad: A Companion to the Pickwick Papers — page 143: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

; . é- e 4 $ 2 ae : %* < ,, - 4 ¥ e . “he 7 « how +’ " 4 . PIC: a oe a i * a: . “Sam,” said Mr. Pickwick, when his mirth had somewhat sulpided “ T have con- ceived an idea, which Iam determined to put into force.” | TPs ) _ “J vait your pleasure, Sir, as the young kittin said to the man: vich vos debating in his own mind vether he should tie a stone ». round her neck’ and chuck her into the river, Or not,” was Mr. Weller’s observation. “ Where do thcse misguided men, whom you call prize-fighters, meet ?” demanded »“ At a English chop-house close by the Italien Opera, Sir,” replied Mr. Weller. “ At what time are they visible ?” asked M.. Pickwick. _ “Venever you claps eyes. on ’em, Sir,” returned Sam. “T — when do they meet at the tavern ch —— * r. a ‘““At eight this evenin’, Sir,’ said Mr. Weller, who began to comprehend the drift of all these questions. ” “Very well, Sam,” added Mr. Pickwick, seriously, “I shall accompany you thither at that hour ; and mind you do not interfere in anything that may take place when we are there.” | “ But, Sir —” began Mr. Well “ No observations, Sam,” said Mr, Pick- wick: “I am determined to act and be obeyed asit shall seem good to me;’—and with these words, this extraordinary phi- lanthropist proceeded to the break fast-room, ‘ where he imparted his design to his three friends. te | ) . + “I have got an appointment, unfortu- nately,’ observed Mr. Tupman, who did not ' at all relish the scheme. | _“ And I am too unwell again to stir out,” cried ‘Mr, Snodrass. “My cold has re- turned ; or else I caught a fresh one last night ;’ and in order to adduce something in the shape of proof to support his asser- tion, Mr. Snodgrass was suddenly seized with a desperate fit of coughing, which only ceased upon the recommendation of Mr. Weller, who had followed his master into the pon not to choke himself. « Well, f would rather take’ Winkle with me, as. it happens,” said Mr. Pickwick ; “because he has mixed, more or less, in early life with all kinds of sporting charac- WICK)ABROAD, 7 “J29 of accompanying his great leeder, that, as Mr. Weller observed, it was quite a bless- ing to see him, . , True to his word, at eight o’clock pre- cisely did the immortal Mr. Pickwick, ac- companied by Mr. Winkle and Mr. Samuél Weller, turn from the Boulevards des Italiens into the little, square upon which the Italian Opera then looked. we The facade of this edifice consisted of six” columns of the Tonic order, whieh were de- void of all ornament. The building, how- ever, had an imposing appearance, and borrowed much of the excellence of its effect upon the beholder from the regularity of the structures around it. a “ Here ve air gen'‘lemen,” said Mr. Weller ; and in a few moments he conducted Mr, Pickwick and Mr. Winkle to a small tavern cluse by. “eee ok. “Let us have some brandy-and-water, Sam,” whispered Mr. Pickwick, as he seated himself at a table, an example that was im- mediately followed by Mr. Winkle; “ for we must not appear to have come hither for the motive Wich really brings us.” The two gentlemen were speedily accom- modated with the beverage they required ; and Mr. Weller, having procured a bottle of stout for himself, took a seat at a respect- ful distance from his master. s _* Here’s’ von on ’em, Sir,” suddenly ob- served Sam, in a low) voice, as a ruffianly- looking fellow entered. the apom “ How air you to-day ?” ! This last sentence was addressed to the ~ prize-fighter, who immediately bestowed a patronising nod upon Mr. Weller, and then very unceremoniously seated himself at the same table which was decupied by him and his masters. Mr. Weller was about to re- monstrate against this excess of familiarity ; but a sign from Mr. Pickwick prevented him. ‘ ' | “ Well, and how are you by this time ?”’ © said the prize-fighter, “Eye damaged, I see. Here, Villam, give us a glass of cold without—strong,. mind. Tom Knackers wills be here in the course of a few min- utes.” : : “Ts he any the vorse for the mill, Mr Porrett ?” inquired Sam, ‘eA “ Here he is to answer for himself,” re ters. and knows how to deal with that class of individuals.” ae “Oh! yes— I — Til go—with. you,” stammered Mr. le, bolting half a roll, and looking so very happy at the prospect turned Mr, Porrett; and the moment Mr. . Knackers and Mr. Porrett met each ot r’s © < view, they both burst into a tremendous ,°. shout of laughter; although nelle ib. ably knew what there was to laugh a yee ' bd ’ » * eve ‘ s x» . ; 4 iY ad COMIC QOOKSsCOn