Page 61

The Pickwick Papers

Everyone shakes hands

'I shall feel proud to know you, Sir,' said the little doctor.

'It will give me the greatest pleasureSir,' replied Mr Winkle. Then the doctor and Mr Winkle shook hands, and then Mr Winkle and the doctor's second shook hands. Then Mr Winkle and the man with the camp-stool shook hands, and, finally, Mr Winkle and Mr Snodgrass. Mr Snodgrass wanted to shake Mr Winkle's hand because he was so impressed by the bravery of his friend.

'I think we may finish for the day,' said the doctor's second.

The man with the camp-stool interrupted, 'But maybe Mr Winkle was upset by being challenged; so I think he has a right to satisfaction.'

Mr Winkle, however did not want the satisfaction of fighting another duel, and said that he was quite satisfied already. 'Or possibly,' said the man with the camp-stool, 'the Mr Winkle's second may feels that he was insulted by some of my comments earlier this evening; if so, I shall be happy to give him satisfaction immediately.'

Mr Snodgrass hastily thanked the gentleman with the camp-stool for his very generous offer. However, he had to refuse because he was so completely pleased with the way everything had turned out. The two seconds picked up the pistol cases, and everyone left the field much more cheerfully than they had entered it.

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