“You had better come up a step or two higher, if you can’t,” added Mr. Fogg. “Go on, Sir; do go on. You had better call us thieves, Sir; or perhaps You would like to assault one of us . Pray do it, Sir, if you would; we will not make the smallest resistance. Pray do it, Sir.”

As Fogg put himself very temptingly within the reach of Mr. Pickwick’s clenched fist, there is little doubt that that gentleman would have complied with his earnest entreaty, but for the interposition of Sam, who, hearing the dispute, emerged from the office, mounted the stairs, and seized his master by the arm.