“Stop him, Sam!” exclaimed Mr. Pickwick earnestly. “Overtake him; bring him back instantly! Mr. Weller⁠—here⁠—come back!”

Sam saw that his master’s injunctions were not to be disobeyed; and, catching his father by the arm as he was descending the stairs, dragged him back by main force.

“My good friend,” said Mr. Pickwick, taking the old man by the hand, “your honest confidence overpowers me.”

“I don’t see no occasion for nothin’ o’ the kind, Sir,” replied Mr. Weller obstinately.