'Please be quiet, Payne,' said the doctor's second. 'Why did you not tell this to me this morning, Sir?'

'Yes, indeed why did you not say it then?' asked the man with the camp-stool angrily.

'I must ask you again to be quiet, Payne,' said the other. 'May I repeat my question, Sir?'

By this time Mr Winkle, had been able to think of a good answer for this. 'Because, Sir, you described an intoxicated and rude person who was wearing the same coat which I have the honour to wear. And I do not just wear it Sir, I invented it. It is going to be the uniform of the Pickwick Club in London. I think it is my duty to guard the honour of that uniform, and I therefore, without asking anything else, accepted the challenge when you made it to me.'

'My dear Sir,' said the little doctor coming forward with his hand held out. His mood had changed and he now seemed in a very good mood. 'I am astonished by how brave you are. Please may I say,Sir, that I really admire what you have done, and I am very sorry about causing you the trouble of meeting me here for no reason.

'Please don't mention it, Sir,' said Mr Winkle.