'God bless me, what's the matter ?' This last was an ejaculation of irrepressible astonishment, occasioned by seeing Mr.Pickwick, in his enthusiasm for discovery, fall on his knees before the little stone, and commence wiping the dust off it with his pocket-handkerchief.
'There is an inscription here,' said Mr.Pickwick.
'Is it possible ?' said Mr.Tupman.
'I can discern,'continued Mr.Pickwick, rubbing away with all his might, and gazing intently through his spectacles--'I can discern a cross, and a 13, and then a T.This is important,' continued Mr.Pickwick, starting up.

'This is some very old inscription, existing perhaps long before the ancient alms-houses in this place.

It must not be lost.' He tapped at the cottage door.

A labouring man opened it.
'Do you know how this stone came here, my friend ?' inquired the benevolent Mr.Pickwick.
'No, I doan't, Sir,' replied the man civilly.

'It was here long afore I was born, or any on us.' Mr.Pickwick glanced triumphantly at his companion.
'You--you--are not particularly attached to it, I dare say,' said Mr.
Pickwick, trembling with anxiety.