450 POSTHUMOUS PAPERS OF
" — And a bender," sug-g-ested the clerical gentleman.
" Well, I don't mind that ; it's only twopence a-piece more," said Mr. Martin. " What do you say now? We'll pay you out for three- and-sixpence a week. Come."
" And stand a gallon of beer down," chimed in Mr. Simpson. « There."
" And drink it on the spot," said the chaplain. '* Now."
- ' I really am so wholly ignorant of the rules of this place," returned
Mr. Pickwick, " that I do not yet comprehend you. Can I live any- where else? I thought I could not."
At this inquiry Mr. Martin looked with a countenance of excessive surprise at his two friends, and then each gentleman pointed with his right thumb over his left shoulder. This action, imperfectly described in words by the very feeble term of " over the left," when performed by any number of ladies or gentlemen who are accustomed to act in unison, has a very graceful and airy effect ; its expression is one of light and playful sarcasm.
" Can you I " repeated Mr. Martin, with a smile of pity.
" Well, if I knew as little of life as that, I'd eat my hat and swallow the buckle," said the clerical g-entleman.
" So would I," added the sporting one, solemnly.
After this introductory preface, the three chums informed Mr. Pick- wick in a breath, that money was, in the Fleet, just what money was out of it ; that it would instantly procure him almost anything* he de- sired ; and that, supposing he had got it, and had no objection to spend it, if he only signified his wish to have a room to himself, he might take possession of one, furnished and fitted to boot, in half an hour's time.
With this, the parties separated, very much to their mutual satisfac- tion ; Mr. Pickwick once more retracing his steps to the lodge, and the three companions adjourning to the coffee-room, there to expend the fiive shillings which the clerical gentleman had, with admirable prudence and foresight, borrowed of him for the purpose.
" I knowed it I " said Mr. Roker, with a chuckle, when Mr. Pick- wick stated the object with which he had returned. " Didn't I say so, Neddy?"
The philosophical owner of the universal penknife growled an affirma- tive.
" I knowed you'd want a room for yourself, bless you ! " said Mr. E-oker. " Let me see. You'll want some furniture. You'll hire that of me, I suppose ? That's the reg'Iar thing."
- ' With great pleasure," replied Mr. Pickwick.
" There's a capital room up in the coffee-room flight, that belongs to a Chancery prisoner," said Mr. Roker. " It'll stand you in a pound a-week. I suppose you don't mind that ? "
" Not at all," said Mr. Pickwick.
" Just step there with me," said Roker, taking up his hat with great alacrity ; " the matter's settled in five minutes. Lord I why didn't you say at first that you was willing to come down handsome ? "
