“Jingle suspected my design, and set that fellow on you, with this story, I suppose?” said Mr. Pickwick, half choking.

“Just that, sir,” replied Mr. Weller.

“It was all false, of course?”

“All, sir,” replied Mr. Weller. “Reg’lar do, sir; artful dodge.”

“I don’t think he’ll escape us quite so easily the next time, Sam!” said Mr. Pickwick.

“I don’t think he will, Sir.”