“Capital!” echoed both Mr. Snodgrass and Mr. Winkle.

“What are they doing now?” inquired Mr. Pickwick, adjusting his spectacles.

“I⁠—I⁠—rather think,” said Mr. Winkle, changing colour⁠—“I rather think they’re going to fire.”

“Nonsense,” said Mr. Pickwick hastily.

“I⁠—I⁠—really think they are,” urged Mr. Snodgrass, somewhat alarmed.