candle--shook his head again--and finally proceeded slowly to his
chamber, apparently buried in the profoundest meditation.

It will be seen that Sam went near to being disrespectful in his
sceptical view of his master's story.

When Mrs. Sanders was examined, "the Court" put a few questions to her,
as to the customs of love-making among persons of her position. She had
"received love letters, like other ladies. In the course of their
correspondence Mr. Sanders had often called her a 'duck' but never
'chops' or 'tomato sauce.' He was particularly fond of ducks. Perhaps
if he had been as fond of chops and tomato sauce, he might have called
her that, as a term of affection."

Mrs. Sanders was clearly one of the same class as Mrs. Cluppins, and
chiefly deposed to the general impression in the neighbourhood that Mr.
Pickwick had "offered" for Mrs. Bardell. Tupman, Snodgrass and Sam were
also examined. Being friends of the defendant, they were from the outset
assumed to be "hostile" and treated accordingly. It may be doubted,
however, whether it is permissible to treat "your own witnesses" in this
rough fashion, until at least they have shown some overt signs of their
hostility, either by reserve, or an obvious determination to let as
little as possible be extracted from them. In such case, it is usual to
apply to the court for its sanction to deal with them by the severity of
cross examination.

When Sam entered the witness box, the Serjeant addressed him: "I believe
you are in the service of Mr. Pickwick, the Defendant in this case.
_Speak up_, _if you please_, _Mr. Weller_." Sam had not had time to say
anything, so the admonition might seem superfluous. But this is a
well-known device. Sam had been "briefed" to the Serjeant as a rather
dangerous witness--somewhat too wide awake. It was necessary therefore
to be short and summary with him. He thus conveyed to the jury that this
Sam was one whom he could address in this curt way, and who by his low,
uncertain accents might try to hide the truth. Sam, however,
disconcerted the plan by his prompt, ready answer, "I _mean_ to speak up,
sir." Sam, as we know, clearly brought out the Dodson and Fogg's
damaging assurance to Mrs. Bardell, that no costs should be charged to
her personally.

When the Plaintiff's case was closed, things did not look particularly
bright for Mr. Pickwick. It had been shown on the evidence of his own
friends that he had been surp