Dr. Slammer is already there with his friend Dr. Payne,--Dr. Payne of the 43rd, "the man with the camp-stool." The arrangements proceed, when suddenly a check is experienced. "'What's all this?' said Dr. Slammer, as his friend and Mr. Snodgrass came running up.--'That's not the man.' "'Not the man!' said Dr. Slammer's second. "'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. "Thereupon the doctor and Mr. Winkle shook hands, and then Mr. Winkle and Lieutenant Tappleton (the doctor's second), and then Mr. Winkle and the man with the camp-stool, and finally Mr. Winkle and Mr. Snodgrass: the last-named gentleman in an excess of admiration at the noble conduct of his heroic friend. "'I think we may adjourn,' said Lieutenant Tappleton. "'Certainly,' added the doctor." We ourselves also adjourn, taking with us many pleasant memories of Chatham and Fort Pitt, and of the period relating to "the childhood and youth of Charles Dickens." [Illustration: BIRTHPLACE OF CHARLES DICKENS, 387 Mile End Terrace, Commercial Road, Landport.] * * * * *