“You ha’n’t hurt yourself, I hope, Sir?” said Sam, in a loud whisper, as soon as he had recovered from the surprise consequent upon the mysterious disappearance of his master.

“I have not hurt myself , Sam, certainly,” replied Mr. Pickwick, from the other side of the wall, “but I rather think that you have hurt me.”

“I hope not, Sir,” said Sam.

“Never mind,” said Mr. Pickwick, rising, “it’s nothing but a few scratches. Go away, or we shall be overheard.”

“Goodbye, Sir.”

“Goodbye.”