Page 21 - PBCMarch2023

Pickwick Bicycle Club Magazine Volume 20 No.1 March 2023 21

The Front Cover Story
A scene at Dingley Dell Cricket match from Ch V11…..

Several dozen of “How-are-you’s?” hailed the old gentleman’s arrival; and a general raising
of the straw hats, and bending forward of the Slannel jackets, followed his introduction of his
guests as gentlemen from London, who were extremely anxious to witness the proceedings
of the day, with which he had no doubt, they would be greatly delighted!

“You had better step into the marquee, I think, sir,” said one very stout gentleman, whose
body and legs looked like half a gigantic roll of Slannel, elevated on a couple of inSlated
pillows-cases.

“You’ll Sind it much pleasanter, sir” urged another stout gentleman, who strongly resembled
the other half of the roll of Slannel aforesaid.

“You’re very good,” said Mr. Pickwick.

“This way,” said the Sirst speaker; “they notch in here – it’s the best place in the whole Sield;”
and the cricketer, panting on before, preceded them to the tent.

“Capital, game-smart, sport-Sine, exercise-very,” were the words which fell upon Mr.
Pickwick’s ear as he entered the tent; and the Sirst object that met his eyes was his green-
coated friend of the Rochester coach, holding forth, to the no small delight and ediSication of
a select circle of the chosen of All-Muggleton. His dress was slightly improved, and he wore
boots; but there was no mistaking him.

The stranger recognised his friends immediately: and, darting forward and seizing Mr.
Pickwick by the hand, dragged him to a seat with his usual impetuosity, talking all the while
as if the whole of the arrangements were under his especial patronage and direction.

“This way - this way – capital fun – lots of beer – hogsheads; rounds of beef – bullocks;
mustard – cart-loads; glorious day - down with you – make yourself at home – glad to see
you – very.”
Mr. Pickwick sat down as he was bid, and Mr. Winkle and Mr. Snodgrass also complied with
the directions of their mysterious friend. Mr. Wardle looked on, in silent wonder.

“Mr. Wardle – a friend of mine,” said Mr. Pickwick.
“Friend of yours! – My dear sir, how are you? – Friend of my friend’s – give me your hand,
sir;” and the stranger grasped Mr. Wardle’s hand with all the fervour of a close intimacy of
many years, and then stepped back a pace or two as if to take a full survey of his face and
Sigure, and then shook hands with him again, if possible, more warmly than before.