performed a dance on the ice. All this time, Mr Winkle blue with cold, was trying to put on his skates. After thi< had been done, Mr Winkle was raised to his feet by San Weller.
‘“'Now, sir,'”’ said Sam. ““Show them how to do it!”
“Stop, Sam, stop,” said Mr Winkle, trembling and catching hold of Sam’s arm with the grasp of a drowning man.
“How slippery it is, Sam!”
“Not an uncommon thing with ice, sir,” answered Mr Weller. “Hold up, sir.”5
“These — these are very bad skates, aren’t they, Sam?” asked Mr Winkle.
“Now, Winkle,” cried Mr Pickwick, who did not know what was the matter. “Come, the ladies are waiting for you.”
“Yes, yes,” replied Mr Winkle, “I’m coming.”
“Well, sir, start off!” said Sam, trying to free himsell from Mr Winkle.
“Wait a minute, Sam,” said Mr Winkle. “I remember I’ve got two coats at home that I don’t want, Sam. You can have them, Sam.”
“Thank you, sir", replied Mr Weller, touching his hat.
“Never mind touching your hat, Sam,”6 said Mr Winkle hurriedly. “You needn’t take your hand away to do that. I intended to give you five shillings this morning, Sam. I’ll give it to you this afternoon, Sam.”
"You’re very good, sir,” replied Mr Weller.
“Please hold me at first, Sam, will you?” said Mr Winkle “I shall soon learn how to do it. Not too fast, Sam, nol too fast.”
But at that moment Mr Pickwick suddenly shouted from the opposite bank, “Sam!"
“Sir?” said Mr Weller.
“Here. I want you.”
“Let me go, sir”, said Sam. “Can’t you hear Mr Pick wick calling me?” and taking no notice of the unha'ppy Mr Winkle, Mr Weller tried to free himself,7 and in doing so pushed him. The latter fell on the ice and sat there, trying to smile. Mr Pickwick ran up to Mr Winkle, very angry.
“Take Mr Winkle’s skates off”, he said to Sam Wel ler.
“But I’ve only begun..." said Mr. Winkle weakly.
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