'Remorse and misery,' replied the stranger. 'His sudden disappearance was the talk of the whole city - search made everywhere without success - the public fountain in the great square suddenly stopped working - weeks later - the fountain still blocked - workmen employed to clean it - water removed - father-in-law discovered with his head sticking in the main pipe, with a full confession in his right boot - they took him out, and the fountain started again, as good as ever.'

'Will you allow me to note that little romance down, Sir?' said Mr Snodgrass, deeply affected.

'Certainly, Sir, certainly - I can tell you fifty more if you like - I've had a strange life - rather curious history.'

The stranger carried on like this until they reached Rochester bridge, with an occasional glass of ale in between when the coach changed horses at a pub. Soon the note-books, both of Mr Pickwick and Mr Snodgrass, were completely filled with selections from his adventures.

'What a magnificent ruin!' said Mr Augustus Snodgrass, with all the fervour of a poet, when they came in sight of Rochester's fine old castle.