“So I’ve heerd from the old lady downstairs, Sir,” replied Sam.

“And I’m sorry to say, Sam,” continued Mr. Pickwick, with a most perplexed countenance, “that in dread of this violence, Mr. Winkle has gone away.”

“Gone avay!” said Sam.

“Left the house early this morning, without the slightest previous communication with me,” replied Mr. Pickwick. “And is gone, I know not where.”

“He should ha’ stopped and fought it out, Sir,” replied Sam contemptuously. “It wouldn’t take much to settle that ’ere Dowler, Sir.”