"Who's to do it, sir?" inquired Sam with a smile.
"You," replied Mr. Pickwick.
"Wery good, sir."
With these words Mr. Weller left the room, and immediately afterwards was heard to shut the street door. In two hours' time he returned with as much coolness as if he had been despatched on the most ordinary message possible, and brought the information that an individual, in every respect answering Mr. Winkle's description, had gone over to Bristol that morning, by the branch coach from the Royal Hotel.
"Sam," said Mr. Pickwick, grasping his hand, "you're a capital fellow; an invaluable fellow. You must follow him, Sam."
"Cert'nly, sir," replied Mr. Weller.
"The instant you discover him, write to me immediately, Sam," said Mr. Pickwick. "If he attempts to run away from you, knock him down, or lock him up. You have my full authority, Sam."
"I'll be wery careful, sir," rejoined Sam.
"You'll tell him," said Mr. Pickwick, "that I am highly excited, highly displeased, and naturally indignant, at the very extraordinary course he has thought proper to pursue."
"I will, sir," replied Sam.
"You'll tell him," said Mr. Pickwick, "that if he does not come back to this very house, with you, he will come back with me, for I will come and fetch him."
"I'll mention that 'ere, sir," rejoined Sam.
"You think you can find him, Sam?" said Mr. Pickwick, looking earnestly in his face.
"Oh, I'll find him if he's any vere," rejoined Sam, with great confidence.
"Very well," said Mr. Pickwick. "Then the sooner you go the better."
With these instructions, Mr. Pickwick placed a sum of money in the hands of his faithful servitor, and ordered him to start for Bristol immediately, in pursuit of the fugitive.
Sam put a few necessaries in a carpet bag, and was ready for starting. He stopped when he had got to the end of the passage, and walking quietly back, thrust his head in at the parlour door.
"Sir," whispered Sam.
"Well, Sam," said Mr. Pickwick.
"I fully understands my instructions, do I, sir?" inquired Sam.
"I hope so," said Mr. Pickwick.
"It's reg'larly understood about the knockin' down, is it, sir?" inquired Sam.
"Perfectly," replied Mr. Pickwick. "Thoroughly. Do what you think necessary. You have my orders."