ed for in the costs unless necessary to the case, so that
Fogg's statement that it had been filed was very near the truth. Perker
himself was playing the same game of hide and seek with another
unfortunate--one Watty--who was trying to see him, and learn something
about his case, but was always put off with the excuse or falsehood, that
Perker was out, though he was within. But then, "Perker was an
honourable man."

Boz lets us know, through Sam, how the case reached Dodson and Fogg. He
speaks of "the kind generous people o' the perfession 'as sets their
clerks to work to find out little disputes among their neighbours and
acquaintances as wants settlin' by means of law suits." This system,
however, cannot be checked, and "the speculative attorney" even in our
time still flourishes.

It was really not a question whether Mr. Pickwick would "indict them for
a conspiracy," because they acted as solicitors against him, but whether
they would bring an action against _him_ on their own account. All
through, Mr. Pickwick's behaviour to them had been outrageous. He chose
to assume, quite gratuitously that it was they--not Mrs. Bardell--who got
up the case; that they had worked on her for their own nefarious ends.
Nothing could be more absurd. The landlady was eager enough to protect
her own interests--her female friends worked on her, and the loss of so
valuable a lodger, which the incident must have entailed, inflamed her
more. We can see from Sam's interview with her that she was at last,
though at first reluctant, determined to have her rights. But Mr.
Pickwick acting on this assumption addressed the firm, from the first to
the last in the most scurrilous language. He called them "robbers,
swindlers,--a brace of pettifogging scoundrels!" Shocking and
ungentlemanly terms, and what is worse, actionable. Yet the pair
received this abuse with infinite good temper and restraint, merely
securing a witness who should listen, and threatening the speaker with
legal penalties.

And why did they not take this course? Well, they had to suspend
proceedings until Mrs. Bardell's action was settled, when on receiving
their costs they were desirous to part in good humour. But Mr. Pickwick
was so furious at being invited to shake hands with them, that he again
broke out with coarse abuse, "Robbers!" "Robbers!" calling it after them
down the stairs. Why did they not take action on this? Perhaps they
were afraid; as Mr. Pickw