“It would be particularly comfortable, I think,” replied Mr. Pickwick. “ Mr. Pott, what do you say?”

Mr. Pott yielded a ready assent; and all four travellers, each with his glass in his hand, at once betook themselves to the kitchen, with Sam Weller heading the procession to show them the way.

The stranger was still reading; he looked up and started. Mr. Pott started.

“What’s the matter?” whispered Mr. Pickwick.

“That reptile!” replied Pott.