Dear Mr. Dickens I have sought the answer to my question in various places; in the library, in the classroom, and on the net - and none can supply the answer. Chapter 28 - I think - of Martin Chuzzlewit. Jonas is being entertained by Wolf, Pip and Montague; Mr Pip Exclaims "Tom Gag, upon my soul." Pray, Mr. Dickens, who or what was Tom Gag? One of your fondest devotees. Bob