Mr Pickwick said that he had felt rather proud when he presented his Tittlebatian Theory to the world. He was going to admit this, and his enemies could use the fact against him if they wanted to. His theory might be famous or it might not. (A shout of "It is famous," and much cheering.) Mr Pickwick was happy to believe that man who had just spoken - maybe his theory was famous. But even if it became famous all over the world, the pride which he felt because he had written that theory was nothing compared with the pride which he felt as he looked around him now. This was the proudest moment of his life.

He was a humble person. (Shouts of "No, no.") Still he really felt that they had selected him to do something very honourable, and something which was quite dangerous. Travelling was not easy, and the people who drove coaches were worried and unhappy. Members of the club should look at the world around them and think about what was happening there. Stage-coaches were falling over everywhere, horses were running away, on the seas and rivers boats were overturning, and their engines were exploding. (Cheers - a voice saying "No.") No! (Cheers.) Now, could that man who shouted "No" so loudly come and say that this is not true? (Cheers.) Who was it that shouted "No"? (More shouts and cheers.)