“There is no ‘of course’ in the case, Sam,” said Mr. Pickwick, gradually breaking into a smile, in spite of the uneasiness which Sam’s obstinacy had given him. “The fame of the gentleman in question, never reached my ears.”

“No, sir!” exclaimed Mr. Weller. “You astonish me, Sir; he wos a clerk in a gov’ment office, sir.”

“Was he?” said Mr. Pickwick.