“Why, truly, sir,” Mr. Wegg admitted, with modesty; “I believe you couldn’t show me the piece of English print, that I wouldn’t be equal to collaring and throwing.”

“On the spot?” said Mr. Boffin.

“On the spot.”

“I know’d it! Then consider this. Here am I, a man without a wooden leg, and yet all print is shut to me.”

“Indeed, sir?” Mr. Wegg returned with increasing self-complacency. “Education neglected?”

“Neg⁠—lected!” repeated Boffin, with emphasis. “That ain’t no word for it. I don’t mean to say but what if you showed me a B, I could so far give you change for it, as to answer Boffin.”