Mr. Pickwick was excited and indignant. He beckoned
to Mr. Weller and said in a stern voice, "Take his skates
off." 10
"No; but really I had scarcely begun," remonstrated
Mr. Winkle.
"Take his skates off," repeated Mr. Pickwick firmly.
The command was not to be resisted. Mr. Winkle
allowed Sam to obey it in silence. 15
"Lift him up," said Mr. Pickwick. Sam assisted him
to rise.
Mr. Pickwick retired a few paces apart from the bystanders,
and beckoning his friend to approach, fixed a
searching look upon him and uttered in a low but distinct20
and emphatic tone these remarkable words:
"You're a humbug, sir."
"A what?" said Mr. Winkle, starting.
"A humbug, sir. I will speak plainer if you wish it.
An impostor, sir." 25
With these words, Mr. Pickwick turned slowly on his
heel and rejoined his friends.