“We have some friends here,” replied Mr. Winkle, “and I should not like to leave them to-night. Perhaps you and your friend will join us at the Bull?”
“With great pleasure,” said the little Doctor; “will ten o’clock be too late to look in for half an hour?”
“Oh dear no,” said Mr. Winkle. “I shall be most happy to introduce you to my friends, Mr. Pickwick and Mr. Tupman.”
“It will give me great pleasure, I am sure,” replied Dr. Slammer, little suspecting who Mr. Tupman was.
“You will be sure to come?” said Mr. Snodgrass.
“Oh, certainly.”
By this time they had reached the road. Cordial farewells were exchanged, and the party separated. Doctor Slammer and his friends repaired to the barracks, and Mr. Winkle, accompanied by Mr. Snodgrass, returned to their inn.