“This plan, you see, Sir, has been gradually introduced into all the prisons for debt,” said Mr. Trotter.

“And it has this wery great advantage,” said Sam, “that the turnkeys takes wery good care to seize hold o’ ev’rybody but them as pays ’em, that attempts the willainy, and wen it gets in the papers they’re applauded for their wigilance; so it cuts two ways⁠—frightens other people from the trade, and elewates their own characters.”

“Exactly so, Mr. Weller,” observed Job.

“Well, but are these rooms never searched to ascertain whether any spirits are concealed in them?” said Mr. Pickwick.