 in the undisturbed possession
of his apartment, on the condition that he had permission to lock the door on
the outside, and carry off the key; provided always, that in the event of an
alarm of fire, or other dangerous contingency, the door should be instantly
unlocked. That a letter should be written to Mr. Pickwick early next morning,
and forwarded per Dowler, requesting his consent to Sam and Mr. Winkle's
remaining at Bristol, for the purpose, and with the object, already assigned,
and begging an answer by the next coach; if favourable, the aforesaid parties to
remain accordingly, and if not, to return to Bath immediately on the receipt
thereof. And, lastly, that Mr. Winkle should be understood as distinctly
pledging himself not to resort to the window, fireplace, or other surreptitious
mode of escape, in the meanwhile. These stipulations having been concluded, Sam
locked the door and departed.
    He had nearly got down stairs, when he stopped, and drew the key from his
pocket.
    »I quite forgot about the knockin' down,« said Sam, half turning back. »The
governor distinctly said it was to be done. Amazin' stupid o' me, that 'ere!
Never mind,« said Sam, brightening up, »it's easily done to-morrow, anyvays.«
    Apparently much consoled by this reflection, Mr. Weller once more deposited
the key in his pocket, and descending the remainder of the stairs without any
fresh visitations of conscience, was soon, in common with the other inmates of
the house, buried in profound repose.
 

                                 Chapter XXXIX

 Mr. Samuel Weller, Being Entrusted with a Mission of Love, Proceeds To Execute
                 It; with What Success Will Hereinafter Appear.

During the whole of next day, Sam kept Mr. Winkle steadily in sight, fully
determined not to take his eye off him for one instant, until he should receive
express instructions from the fountain-head. However disagreeable Sam's very
close watch and great vigilance were to Mr. Winkle, he thought it better to bear
with them, than, by any act of violent opposition, to hazard being carried away
by force, which Mr. Weller more than once strongly hinted was the line of
conduct that a strict sense of duty prompted him to pursue. There is little
reason to doubt that Sam would very speedily have quieted his scruples, by
bearing Mr. Winkle back to Bath, bound hand and foot, had not Mr. Pickwick's
prompt attention to the note, which Dowler had undertaken to deliver,
