“I’ve only got to say this here,” said Sam, stopping short, “that if I was the properiator o’ the Markis o’ Granby, and that ’ere Stiggins came and made toast in my bar, I’d⁠—”

“What?” interposed Mr. Weller, with great anxiety. “What?”

“Pison his rum-and-water,” said Sam.

“No!” said Mr. Weller, shaking his son eagerly by the hand, “would you raly, Sammy-would you, though?”

“I would,” said Sam. “I wouldn’t be too hard upon him at first. I’d drop him in the water-butt, and put the lid on; and if I found he was insensible to kindness, I’d try the other persvasion.”