"'Not the man!' said Mr. Snodgrass.
"'Not the man!' said the gentleman with the camp-stool in his hand.
"'Certainly not,' replied the little doctor. 'That's not the person who insulted me last night.'
"'Very extraordinary!' exclaimed the officer.
"'Very,' said the gentleman with the camp-stool."
Mutual explanations follow, and, notwithstanding the temporary dissatisfaction of Dr. Payne, Mr. Winkle comes out like a trump—defends the honour of the Pickwick Club and its uniform, and wins the admiration of Dr. Slammer.
"'My dear sir,' said the good-humoured little doctor, advancing with extended hand, 'I honour your gallantry. Permit me to say, Sir, that I highly admire your conduct, and extremely regret having caused you the inconvenience of this meeting, to no purpose.'
"'I beg you won't mention it, Sir,' said Mr. Winkle.
"'I shall feel proud of your acquaintance, Sir,' said the little doctor.
"'It will afford me the greatest pleasure to know you, Sir,' replied Mr. Winkle.