Page:The Posthumous Papers of the Pickwick Club.djvu/560

466 466 POSTHUMOUS PAPERS OF

" Certainly," said Mr. Pickwick; "but why not now?"


 * ' I'd rayther not now, Sir," rejoined Sam.

"Why?" inquired Mr. Pickwick.

"'Cause," said Sam, hesitating-.

" Because of what?" inquired Mr. Pickwick, alarmed at his follower's manner. " Speak out, Sam."

" 'Cause," rejoined Sam ; " 'cause I've got a little bisness as I want to do."

" What business ? " inquired Mr. Pickwick, surprised at Sam's con- fused manner.

" Nothin' partickler, Sir," replied Sam.

" Oh, if it's nothing particular," said Mr. Pickwick, with a smile,
 * •' you can speak with me first."

" I think I'd better see arter it at once," said Sara, still hesitating.

Mr. Pickwick looked amazed, but said nothing.

" The fact is " said Sam, stopping short.

" Well ! " said Mr. Pickwick. " Speak out, Sam."

" Why, the fact is," said Sam, with a desperate effort, " P'raps I'd better see arter my bed afore I do anythin' else."

" Your bed I " exclaimed Mr. Pickwick, in astonishment.

" Yes, my bed. Sir," replied Sara. " I'm a prisoner. I was arrested this here wery arternoon for debt."

" You arrested for debt ! " exclaimed Mr. Pickwick, sinking into a chair.

" Yes, for debt. Sir," replied Sam ; " and the man as put me in 'uli never let me out, till you go yourself."

" Bless my heart and soul ! " ejaculated Mr. Pickwick. " W^hat do you mean ? "

" Wot I say, Sir," rejoined Sam. " If it's forty year to come, I shall be a pris'ner, and I'm very glad on it ; and if it had been New- gate, it vould ha' been just the same. Now the murder's out, and, damme, there's an end on it."

With these words, which he repeated with great emphasis and vio- lence, Sam V/eller dashed his hat upon the ground, in a most unusual state of excitement; and then, folding his arms, looked firmly and fixedly in his master's face.

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