"Now, then, sir," said Sam in an encouraging tone; "off
with you, and show 'em how to do it." 15
"Stop, Sam, stop," said Mr. Winkle, trembling violently
and clutching hold of Sam's arm with the grasp of a drowning
man. "How slippery it is, Sam."
"Not an uncommon thing upon ice, sir," replied Mr.
Weller. "Hold up, sir." 20
This last observation of Mr. Weller's bore reference to a
demonstration Mr. Winkle made at the instant, of a frantic
desire to throw his feet in the air and dash the back of his
head on the ice.
"These—these—are very awkward skates, ain't they, 25
Sam?" inquired Mr. Winkle, staggering.
"I'm afraid there's an awkward gentleman in 'em, sir,"
replied Sam.
"Now, Winkle," cried Mr. Pickwick, quite unconscious
that there was anything the matter. "Come, the ladies 30
are all anxiety."
"Yes, yes!" replied Mr. Winkle with a ghastly smile.
"Just a goin' to begin," said Sam, endeavoring to disengage
himself. "Now, sir, start off."
"Stop an instant, Sam," gasped Mr. Winkle, clinging
most affectionately to Mr. Weller. "I find I've got a
couple of coats at home that I don't want, Sam. You may 5
have them, Sam."