Page:The Posthumous Papers of the Pickwick Club.djvu/223

165 llili I'UKNVICK CLL15. iT.S

'' All tliem old catsi will nu their heaiis agin mile-stoiifsj," olacrvcMl Mr. Weller in u ))arciith(>si<;.

'* But this taking- him in the very act of elopement, would he a very difficult thing to accomplish, I fear," said Mr. Pickwick.

" I don't know, Sir," said Mr. Trotter, alter a few moments* reflection. " I think it might be very easily done."

" Mow?" was Mr. Pickwick's inquiry.

" Why," rephed Mr. Trotter, ^' my master and I, being in the con- fidence of the two servants, will be secreted in the kitchen at ten o'clock. When the family have retire<l to rest, we shall come out of the kitchen, iiud the young lady out of her bed-room. A post-chaise will be waiting, and away we go,"

« Well," said Mr. Pickwick.

" Well, Sir, I have been thinking that if you were wailing in the j:arden behind, alone — "

" Alone," said Mr. Pickwick. *' Why alone ? "

" 1 thought it very natural," replied Job, " that the old lady wouldn't like such an unpleasant discovery to be made before more persons than can possibly be helped. The young lady too. Sir — consider her feelings."

" You are very right," said Mr, Pickwick. " The consideration evinces great delicacy of feeling. Go on ; you are very right."

" Well Sir, I was thinking that if you were waiting in the ])ack garden alone, and I was to let you in, at the door which opens into it, from the end of the passage, at exactly half-past eleven o'clock, you would be just in the very moment of time, to assist me in frustrating the designs of this bad man, by whom I have been unfortunately ensnared." Here Mr. Trotter sighed deeply.

" Don't distress yourself on that account," said Mr. Pickv.'ick, " it" he had one grain of the delicacy of feeling which distinguishes you, humble as your station is, I should have some hopes of him."

Job Trotter bowed low ; and in spite of Mr. Vv'eller's previous remon- strance, the tears again rose to his eyes.

" I never see such a feller," said Sam. '" Blessed if I don't tliink he's got a main in his head as is always tinned on."

" Sanii" said Mr. Pickwick, wjth gieat severity. '^ Hold your tongue."

u w^ny well, Sir," replied Mr. Welh-r.

" I don't like this plan," said Mr. Pickwick, after deep meditation. " Why cannot I communicate with the young lady's friends ? "

" Because they live one hundred miles from here, Sir," responded Job Trotter.


 * ' That's a clincher, said Mr. Weller, aside.

into it ? " '
 * ' Then this garden," resumed Mr. Pickwick. " How am I to get

" The wall is very low. Sir, and your servant will give you a leg up.'*

" My servant will give me a leg up," repeated Mr. Pickwick, mecha* uicaliy. '< You will be sure to be near this door, that you speak of? " -^ " You cannot mistake it, Sir; it's the only one that opens into the V 2