servants ran upstairs with the news tlha.

The two women

Mr upstairs.
robber: and the tinker busied hime.te light, walked sottly
Giles had captured a in bell was rung again, with some
costi The
tryingto restore Oliver
in case he should die before he
be remained in darkness. After
impatience, while the card
heard swweet party
a
short
hanged. In the middle of all
this noise there was a pause, the
reappeared and whispered something to
Fagin. Dodger
female voice. What' cried the old Jew. 'Alone?"
from the head of the stairs
Giles!' whispered the voice The Dodger nodded and let in Toby Crackit.
T'm here. miss, replied Mr Giles. Don't be frightened mi Fagin?' said
miss, How are you, Toby and then.
dpulling chair
a chair
I'm not badly injured. He didnt struggle very hard, miss. he sat down. 'Don't look at me in that close
to the tire,
way, man. All in
good time. Lcan't talk about business till lve eaten
Ouietlv!' replied the young lady. "You are frightening my aunt
and drunk, for
as much as the thieves did. Is the poor creature seriously hurt2 T haven't had a good meal for the past three days
Hes badly wounded, miss, replied Giles. Fagin motioned to the Dodger to place what food thereswas
He looks as if he is dying, miss, called out Brittles, loudly the table and, seating himselt oppoSite the
Wouldn't you like to come and look at him, miss, in case he
an
to what he had to sav
housebreaker.
waited to listen
dies? Toby was in no hurry to open the Conversation. He ate in
Quietly! said the lady again. 'Wait a minute or two, whilee I complete silence until he
could eat no more;
then, ordering
speak to Aunt. Charley Bates and the Dodger out, he closed the door, mixed a
The speaker walked softly away and soon returned and glass of spirits and water and said:
ordered that the wounded person was to be carried carefully 'First of all, Fagin, how's Bill?
upstairs to Mr Giles's room, and that Britles was to go at once to What!' screamed Fagin, jumping up from his seat.
Chertsey and fetch a policeman and a doctor. You don't mean to say-? began Toby, turning pale.
But won't you take one look at him first, miss? asked Mr What?' cried Fagin, stamping on the ground in his anger.
Giles, with as much pride as if Oliver were some rare bird he had Where are they? Sikes and the boy! Where are they? Where have
shot down. they been? Where are they hiding? Why have they not been
Not now, Giles, replied the young lady. 'Poor fellow! Oh, treat here?
him kindly, Giles, for my sake!" "The attempt failed, said Toby faintly.
The old servant looked up at the young lady as she turned I know it, replied the old man, taking a newspaper out of his
if she his own pocket and pointing to it. What else?"
away, with a glance as proud and admiring as were
hild. Then, bending over Oliver, he helped to carry him upstairs They fired and hit the boy. We cut across the fields at the back.
With him between us. They gave chase. The whole countryside
with the care and gentleness of a woman.
was awake, and the dogs after us
The boy!'
take him
Bates and the cards when Dl ran with him his back. We stopped to
Fagin, Charley Dodger were playing on
were
cold. They
the Dodger cried: 'Listen! I heard the bell!' and, seizing up the WCen us; his head hung down, and he was
56 57
 close on our heels; every nnan tor himselt, to save his own neck said the man, 'but I'm expecting him. If
We parted company and left the boy ly1ng on the ground, alive
No
he'll be here
you'll wait ten
minutes,

or dead l don't know No, no,

said Fagin. Tell
him I came here to
see him and that
Fagin stopped to hear no more; loudly and pullino
screanming must
c o m e to
m e tonight.'
he
at his hair with his hands, he rushed from the room and out of
So saying, the old Jew left the place and turned his face in the
the house. of Ihome. It
direction of was only an hour betore
midnight; the
weather was npleasantly cold, and sharp wind was blowing, He
a

ached the corner ot his own

when a dark fio street
Chapter 15 A Mysterious Character Appears figure
emerged from the darkness and crossing the road, came up to
on the Scene him unnoticed.

Fagin!' whispered a his ear.

voice close to
Fagin had arrived at the street corner betore he began to recover Ahl' said the old man, turning quickly round. 's that -2
from the effect of Toby Crackit's information. Avoiding, as much Yes!' interrupted the stranger. "T have been waiting here for
as possible, all the main streets, he eventually came to a public bar over two hours. Where the devil have you been?
which was the favourite meeting place of thieves and criminals. Looking for you. On your business all night
He walked straight upstairs, arnd, opening the door of a room,
Oh, of course!' said the stranger, with a twisted smile. Wel1.
looked anxiously about, shading his eyes with his hand, as if in and what's come ofit?
search of some particular person. The room was lit by two gas Nothing good, said Fagin.
lamps, but the place was so full of tobacco smoke that at first it They went inside together, and talked for some time in
was hardly possible to see anything. Gradually, however, as the eye
whispers. Then Monks, for this was the stranger's name, said, raising
grew more used to the scene, the observer became aware of the his voice a litte:'I tell you again, it was badly planned. Why did
presence of a large group of people, male and female, crowded you not keep him here with the others and make a pickpocket of
round a long table, drinking and singing noisily. him from the start? Haven't you done it with other boys dozens
Fagin looked eagerly from face to face, but apparently without of times? If you had had a little more patience, couldn't you have
finding the one that he was searching for. At last, catching the eye got him arrested and sent safely out of the country, perhaps for
of the landlord, he made a slight signal to him and left the room.
life?
What can I do for you, Mr Fagin?' inquired the man, as he Who would that have served, my dear? inquired Fagin.
followed him out into the hall. "Won't you join us?" 'Me replied Monks.
The old man shook his head impatiently, and said in a whisper, But not me, replied Fagin. 'He might have become of use to
Is he here?" me. When there are two parties to an agreement, it is oly
'Monks, do you mean?' inquired the landlord, pausing for a reasonable that the interests of both should be consulted. I saw it
moment.
like other
Ssh!' said Fagin. 'Yes.
was not easy to train him to the business; he was not

boys in the same situation.

59
 have he
1f he had been, the man complained, "he would have ould forward when I saw it first, and when I spoke, it ran
bending forward
been a
thief long ago.
away
I had no hold over him to make him worse, continued E. at
ked contemptuously the other man's pale face, and
Fagin
I had nothing to frighten him with. What could I do? Send him he could accompany him upstairs if he wished.
hey
told him
out with the Dodger and Charley? We had enough of that inta the rooms, which were cold and empty. They went
in the looked

beginning, my dear: I trembled for us al into the passage, and from there into the cellars below: all
down
That was not my fault, remarked Monks. and still as death.
was empty
No, no,my dear, replied Fagin. And I am not quarrelling with
it now; because if it had never happened, you might never have
seen the boy you were looking for. Well! I got him back for The Kind-Hearted Dr Losberne
Vou Chapter 16
by means of the girl; and then she begins to favour him.
at the breakfast table in a comfortable,
Kill the girl, said Monks, impatiently. ladies were sitting
Two
room. Mr Giles, dressed in a black suit,
Now, we can't afford to do that just now, my dear, replied attractive dining neatly
Fagin, smiling. 'And besides, that sort of thing is no problem to Of the two ladies, one was advanced in years
was serving them.
us; or, one of these days, I might be glad to have done it. I know sat in her chair with her hands folded on the table in
but upright
her
young companion.
what these girls are, Monks. As soon as the boy begins to harden, front of her. Her eyes were tixed on
she'll care no more for him than for a block of wood. You want The young lady was not more than seventeen; she had such a
him made a thief. If he is alive, I can make him one, but if the slightand delicate form, she was so pure and beautiful, that earth
-' not to be her element, nor its creatures her fit
worst comes to the worst and he is dead seemed rough
It's no fault of mine if he is!' interrupted the other man, with Companions.
And Brittles has been gone more than an hour, has he? asked
a look of terror, and seizing the old man's arm with trembling
hands. Remember that, Fagin! I had no hand in it. Anything but the old lady, after a pause.
his death, I told you from the start. I won't take blood; it's always An hour and twelve minutes, madam, replied Mr Giles,
At
found out, and a man has to live with it too. If they shot him consulting a silver watch which he pulled from a top pocket.
this moment a carriage drove up to the garden gate, out
of which
dead, I was not the cause, do you hear me? Oh! What's that?
to the door
nere Jumped a fat
gentleman who ran straight up
What? cried Fagin, jumping to his feet. 'Wherc? Mr Giles
both
wall. "The and, bursting into the room, nearly knocked over
There!' replied the man, staring at the opposite and the breakfast table.
shadow! I saw
the shadow of a woman pass along the wall
the never heard cried the fat gentleman. "My
of such a thing!'
They both rushed out of the room. There was nothing but ear - in the silence ot the night,
a
Mrs Maylie ny goodness me -
empty staircase. They listened for a while, but heard only deep too I never
heard of such a thing"
silence throughout the house. hands with both
With these remarks, the fat gentdeman shook
It's your imagination, said Fagin, turning to his companion. about their health.
Ies
'lt was and, pulling up a chair, inquired
Tl swear I saw a shadow, replied Monks trembling.
61
60
 Why didn't vou send for me? My assist.ant would have come Rose wished to see the man, said Mrs
minute: and would 1. Dear. dear! So
Maylie, 'but I wouldn't
in a so
unexpected! 1n the hear ofit.
silence of night, too! There is nothing very alarming in his appearance,
replied the
doctor. 'Have you any objection
The doctor seemed cspecially troubled by the fact that the to
seeing him in my
robbery had been unexpected. and attempted in the
night-time: fit is necessary, replied the old lady, 'certainly presence?
not.
I think it is necessary, said the
if it were the custom of robbers do their business iu the
as

middle of the
to
doctor. Anyway, I am quite sure
dav, and to make an appointment, by post, a
day or rhat you would deeply regret it if you did not.
He :is
perfectly
two in advance.
u
and comfortable now. I would like
you both to come
And vou. Miss Rose, said the doctor.'I hope and
see him.
Oh! very much so. indeed. said Rose, interrupting.'But there He led the way upstairs to Giles s room where,
instead of the
1S a poor creature
upstairs, whom Aunt wishes you to see evil-faced criminal they expected to see, there lay a child upon
Ah to be sure. replied the doctor, 'so there is. Then, turning the bed; a mere child, worn with pain and sunk into a
to Giles, he asked him to show him the
deep sleen
way. His injured arm lay across his chest, and his head leaned
on the
Talking all the way. he followed Mr Giles upstairs, and while other arm.
he is going upstairsthe reader may be informed that the doctor
The doctor watched the patient while the
was called Mr Losberne. and that he was as kind and cheerful as younger lady seated
herself in a chair by the bedside. As she bent over the child, her
any doctor living.
tears fell upon his forehead. The boy smiled in his
The doctor remained a long time sleep, as if these
upstairs. A large box was marks of pity had allowed him to dream ot the love and attection
fetched out of the carriage, and a bedroom bell was
rung often. he had never known.
Finally he returned to the ladies, looking very mysterious. What can this mean?' cried the older
This is a very extraordinary thing, Mrs lady. This poor child can
Maylie, said the never have been the pupil of robbers!
doctor.
My dear lady, said the doctor, sadly shaking his head. 'erime.
He is not in danger, I hope?' said
the old lady. like death, is not restricted to the old and ugy alone. The
I don't think he is, replied the doctor. 'Have you seen the
youngest and fairest are too often its chosen victims.
thief But you really believe that this delicate boy
can has been the
'No, replied the old lady.
'Nor heard
voluntary partner of criminals?" asked Rose.
anything about him?" The doctor shook his head, as if to say that he teared it was
No very possible; and, observing that they might wake the patient, led
T beg
your pardon, madam, interrupted Mr Giles; 'but I was the way into another
room.
going tell you about him when Dr Losberne
to
canme in But even
The fact was that Mr Giles had received such if he has behaved badly, continued Rose, 'th1nk how
praise for his yong he is, think that he
ay never have known a mothers
love
courage that he could not help delaying the
happy moments.
explanation for a few e confort ofa home; that ill-treatment may have driven him
t o the company of men who have torced him to lead a lite ot

62
63
 dear Aunt, think
of tlhis betore you
let them drag him
them drs
ended anger
that Giles and Brittles stared at each other in
crime. Aunt,
might have been hl pre
to a prison. Oh! As you
love me, who

and atfection.
helpless
has.
confusion.

house broken into, said the doctor,'and a

but tor your goodness a
and unprotected
too late!"
Heres*
Here's
one moment's
sight of a boy, in the couple of
him before it is
catch
upon
men

and in all the confusion of alarm

middle of
love, said the older lady.
My dear
do you think I would hao
harm powder moke and darkness.
surely. My days are drawing to thecir cloc v who comes to tnat same
nouse, the next
hair of his head? No, morning
and may pity be shown to me as I show 1t to thers! What
others! Whar can I
and, because
and, because
he happens to have an injured arm, these men lav

violent hands upon him- by doing which they put his life in
do to save him, sir?"
at danger and swear he is the thiet. Now, the question
Let me think, madam, said the doctor. Let me think great

Losberne pushed his hands into his pockets and walked up and whether these men are justifi in so doing. I ask you again, Giles

down the room several times, often stopping and balancing and Britles, do you swear that you are able to identify that boy?"

himself on his toes or crying 'lve got it now or 'No, I haven't' Brittles looked doubtfuly at Mr Giles Mr Giles looked

In the end he came to a stop without finding any resolution to doubtfully at Brittles; the two women and the tinker leaned
for to listen. At that moment a ring was heard at the gate
the problem.
the same moment the sound of wheels. It was the police
Hour after hour passed, and still Oliver slept heavily. It was and at
sent for.
betore the kind-hearted doctor them officers who had been
evening. indeed, brought
the news that the boy was sufficiently recovered to be spoken to. Dr Losberne led them upstairs to Olivers bedroom. Oliver
stll feverish. With the assistance of
Oliver told them all his simple history, and was often forced by had been sleeping, but he was
the doctor, he managed to sit up in bed tor a minute or so and
pain or weakness to pause before continuing. After the sick child
had told of the many evils and misfortunes which cruel men had looked at the strangers without at all understanding what was
brought him, though, beauty and virtue watched him as he slept. going on.

This, said Dr Losberne, 'is the lad who. after being

Dr Losberne went down to the kitchen to talk to Mr Giles.
the house tor assistance
How is the patient tonight, sir?' asked Giles. accidentally wounded by a gun, comes to

Reasonably well, replied the doctor. I am afraid you have got this morning and is arrested and ill-treated by that gentleman

yourself into trouble there, Mr (Giles with the candle in his hand.
T Mr Giles in a state of considerable fear and amazement.
hope you don't say, sir, said Mr Giles, trembling
mean to was

him. All he could say at first was

that he's going to die. If I thought it, I should never be happy The pohce officers questioned
again.
that he thought the boy was the housebreakers'boy; then,on being
further questioned, he said he didn't know what to think;
in the
Thats not the
point, said the doctor mysteriously. The point
this: end he said that he was almost certain it wasn't the same boy.
1s are you ready to swear, you and Brittles here, that that boy
deal more
upstairs is the boy that was put through the little window last S o r t , arter some more questions, and a great
night? Out with it!" COnversation, the police officers convinced that Giles had
were

The doctor made this demand in such a strong tone of to do with the
nade a
stupid mistake and that Oliver had nothing

64 65
housebreakers. Both policemen returned to town, and Oliver uns e n t to
went
old gentleman who lived near the little village
was church.
left to the loving care of Mrs Maylie, Rose and the kind-hearted who ught him to read better and write.
Then he would walk
wn Mrs Maylie and Rose,
and hear them
talk about
Dr Losberne.
aear
perhaps sit near them in some shady place, and
books; or
listen while the
young lady read. Then he had his own lesson to prepare for the
Chapter 17 Oliver's Life with the Maylies day In the evening there were more walks,and at night the
next
ady would sit down at the plano and play some pleasant
Oliver's sufferings were neither slight nor few. In addition to the r sing in a low gentle voice some old
song which it pleased
hear.
pain from his wounded arm, his exposure to the wet and cold had her aunt to
So three months passed; three months of perfect happiness,
brought on tever which hung around him for many weeks and
With the purest and kindest generosity on the one side, and the
made him extremely weak. But in the end he began to get slowly
warmest appreciation on the other, it 1s no wonder that, by the
better and was able to say, in a few tearful words, how deeply he
end of that short time, Oliver Twist had become a strongly
felt the goodness of the two sweet ladies, and how sincerely he
loved member of the small family
hoped that when he grew strong and well again he could do attached and dearly
something to show them how he was.
grateful
Poor fellow!' said Rose, when Oliver had been trying one day Chapter 18 The Mysterious Character Reappears
to thank her. "You shall have many opportunities of serving us, if
you would like to. We are going into the country, and my aunt is
Mr Bumble, who was now a married man and master of the
planning to take you with us. The quiet place, the pure air, and all workhouse, feeling unhappy one day after a little family quarrel
the pleasures and beauties of spring will restore your health in a
few days. We will employ you in a hundred ways, when you are with Mrs Bumble, left the workhouse and walked around the
streets. Desiring a drink, he paused before a public house whose
strong enough.
sitting room, as he gathered from a quick glance througlh the
Oh!' cried Oliver. I would be so happy to work for you window, was deserted except for one single customer. It began to
You shall, said Rose.
rain heavily at that moment. This determined him; he stepped in
A fortnight later, when the fine warm weather had really
and, ordering something to drink as he passed the bar, entered the
begun and every tree and flower was putting out its young leaves
room into which he had looked from the street.
and rich flowers, they made preparations for leaving the house at
The man who was seated there was tall and dark, and wore a
Chertsey for some months. Leaving Giles and another servant
in
heavy coat. He had the air of a stranger, and seemed by the
charge of the house, they moved to a cottage in the country, and dustiness of his clothes to have travelled some distance. He eyed
took Oliver with them.
Oliver, whose past had been full of noise and quarrelling. Bumble sideways as he entered, but hardly answered his greeting
Mr Bumble drank in silence, and read the paper with an ar o
seemed to start a new life in this lovely spot. The days were
peaceful and calm; the nights brought no fear. Every morning he importance.
66 67
 that Mr Bumble felt, every nou nd 'I c a m e down to this place today
happened, however,
window to find you. I want
It stranger. Wheneve r he
desire to steal a look at the information fro u. I don't ask you to
then, a strong
Some
it is
give it for
the stranger
Was at the same momen slight as
did so, he found that nothing,
look at him.
he spoke, he pushed a
couple of
gold pounds across the
a
stealing
met several
times in this way, the strano table to his companion. When Mr Bumble had careful
When their eyes had
looking for me when you lookod examined the coins to see that they were real gold, and put them
said in a deep voice: 'Were you
pocket, the stranger went
on: Carry your
in at the window? .his memory back
Mr years last winter.
of, unless you re Mr -°Here Bunmble me see
twelve
-
Not that I am aware let
he wanted to know the stranger's name, and It's a long time, said Mr Bumble. 'Very good. I've done it
stopped short, for an
it. The scene, the workhouse
thought that he might supply
I see you were not, said the stranger, "or you would have Good!
known my name. But I know you pretty well. What are you And the time, night.
now: Yes
Master of the workhouse, answered Mr Bumble, slowly and And the place, the room where poor women gave birth to
children for the parish to bring them up before they hid their
impressively.
You have the same sense of self-interest that you always had, I shame in the grave! A boy was born there.
doubt nor? continued the stranger, looking keenly into Mr Many boys, agreed Mr Bumble.
Bumble's eyes, as the latter looked at him in surprise at the I speak of one in particular; a gentle-looking boy, who was
question. apprenticed down here to a coffin-maker I wish he had made
his coffin, and was then buried in it - and who afterwards ran
Tsuppose a married man, replied Mr Bumble,'has no more
objection to earning an honest penny than a single man. away to London
Workhouse masters are not so well paid that they can afford to Why, you mean Cliver! Young Twist! said Mr Bumble. I
refuse any little extra money when it comes to them in the remember him, of course. There wasn't a more strong-willed
proper manner. young villain - '
The stranger smiled and nodded his It's not of him I want to hear, said the stranger, 'it's ot a
head, as if to say he was
not wrong about Mr
Bumble; then he rang the bell. Woman, the old woman who nursed his mother. Where is she:
Fill this glass
again, he said, handing Mr Bumble's empty glass She died last winter, answered Mr Bumble.
to the landlord. 'Let it be
strong. You like it so, I supposee The man stared at him when he had given this intormation.
Not too strong,
replied Mr Bumble, with a delicate cough. ror some time, he appeared doubtful whether he ought to be
The landlord
smiled, disappeared, and shortly happy the information; but in the end
ne
returned with afterwards or
disappointed at
steaming glass, of which the first mouthful
a
earked that it did not matter much, and rose to leave
brought tears into Mr Bumble's
eyes. But Mr Bumble saw at once that an opportuniry was openea
Now listen to me, said the stranger, after ft O
closing the door and make some monev. He remembered that his wite, who
68
69
 J

i J i
 woman,
alone here and
unprotected. leather bag which Monks opened with trembling hands. It
just a
unprotected either,
said Mr Bun1slhi
le contained a gold chain, two locks of hair, and a plain gold
Not alone, nmy
dear, nor

with fear. 'I a m here, my

dear
in a voice trembling wedding ring.
in reply, 'and had better hola
You are a said Mrs Bumble
fool, 'And is this all? said Monks, ater carefully examining the
contents of the little packet.
your tongue.
into a side-pocket and counted ut All, replied the woman.'Is that what you expected to get from
Mr Monks put his hand
on the table. He pushed them over to
twenty-five gold pounds me?
the woman. 'It is,' replied Monks.
and let's hear your story
Now he said. 'gather them up, What do you propose to do with it? Can it be used against
When this woman, the woman we called Old Sally, died, Mrs
me?
Bumble began, 'she and I were alone. She spoke of a young Never, replied Monks. 'Nor against me either. See here! But
woman who had brought a child into the world some years don't move a step forward, or your life will be worth nothing
before. The child was the one you named to him last night, said With these words he suddenly pushed the table aside, and,
the woman, nodding carelessly towards her husband. "The mother pulling an iron ring in the boards of the floor, threw back a large
was robbed by the nurse door which opened at Mr Bumble's feet, and caused that
In life? asked Monks.
gentleman to take several rapid steps backward.
In death replied Mrs Bumble. "She stole from the dead body Look down, said Monks, lowering the lamp through the
something which the dead woman had begged her, with her last opening. Dont fear me. I could have let you fall down there
breath. to keep for the child'" when you were seated over it, if that had been
my intention
She sold it? cried Monks desperately. 'Did she sell it? Where2 Thus encouraged, Mr and Mrs Bumble drew near to the edge
When? To whom? How long
As she told me, with
ago? of the opening; the muddy water, swollen by the heavy rain, was
great difficulty, that she had done this, rushing past below.
said the woman, 'she fell back and
died Monks took the little packet from his pocket and, tying it to a
Without saying
more?' cried Monks angrily. 'It's a lie! I'll not piece of lead, dropped it into the stream. It fell straight into the
be played with. She said more. I'll
kill you both, but I'll know water and was
what it was. gone.
The three looking into each other's faces seemed to breathe
She didn't say another
word, said the woman, unmoved by the more freely.
strange man's violence, 'but she pulled
my dress violently with There!' said Monks, closing the door.
one hand, which
was
partly closed; and Light your lamp. and get
when I saw that she was away from here as fast as you
dead and removed the
hand by force, I found that it held a bit ot
can.
Mr Bumble lit his lamp and climbed the ladder in silence,
jewellery
Where is it now?' asked followed by his wife, with Monks behind her.
Monks
There, replied the woman, and quickly. hey crossed the lower room slowly and carefully, for Monks
she threw the table
on a
smal Jumped at every shadow; and Mr Bumble, holding his lamp a foot

72
73
 around him for hid.
ground, looked nervously dden At that moment Fagin appeared
at the
door, followed by the
above the had entered was
through
which they softly Dodger and Charley Bates.
openings. The gate
Artful
Monks, and the couple emerged ins
into w/h what evil wind has blown you here?' said Mr Sikes
unlocked and opened by to
outside.
the wet and darkness Fagin.
Ah' said Fagin, rubbing his hands with
great satisfaction.
You're better, Bill, I can see
Bill Sikes Is Ill
Chapter 20 Better!' exclaimed Mr Sikes. "I might have been dead twentv
times over before youd have done anything to help me. What do

On the next evening

Bill Sikes, waking from a short sleep,angril rOl mean by leaving a man in this state three weeks and more,

asked what time of night it

was. you false-hearted villain? If it hadn't been for the girl I might

Not after seven, said Nancy. How do you feel tonight.

long have died
There now, Bill, said Fagin, eagerly catching at the word. "If it
Bill?
As weak as water, replied Mr Sikes. 'Here, lend me a hand and hadn't been for the girl! Who but poor old Fagin was the means
me to get off this bed: of your having such a useful girl around you?
help
Illness had not improved Mr Sikes's temper; as the girl raised That's true enough!' said Nancy.
him up and led him to a chair, he swore at her awkwardness and Oh, well, said Mr Sikes to Fagin, 'but I must have some
hit her. money from you tonight.
The room in which they were was not the one they had lived I haven't a single coin on me, replied the old man.
in before the attempted robbery at Chertsey, although it was in But you've got lots at home, said Sikes, 'and I must have some
the same part of the town. It was a small room with little from there
furniture, off a narrow, dirty lane. It was evident that they now Lots!' cried
Fagin, holding up his hands. I haven't enough to-
lived in a state of extreme poverty. I don't know how much you've got, interrupted Sikes. 'But I
Don't be too hard on me tonight, Bill, said the girl, putting must have some tonight.
her hand upon his shoulder. Well, well, said Fagin. 'T'll send the Arttul soon.
Why not? cried Sikes. You won't do anything of the kind, replied Mr Sikes. Nancy
So many nights, said the touch of womanly
girl, with a will go and
get it; and I'll have a short sleep while she's gone.
affection, 'I have been nursing and caring for you, as if you werc ragin then left Sikes and returned home accompanied by
a child. And this is the
first night that I've seen you better and ike Nancy and the
yourself. You wouldn't have treated me as you did just now "
boys.
When they arrived at his house, Fagin sent the boys away from
you'd thought of that, would you? Come, come; say you he room and then said to Nancy: 1'll go and get you that money
wouldn't is only the kev of a little cupboard where I keep
a

Well, then, replied d

Nancy. This
Mr Sikes, 'I wouldn't. But dont my
crying there. You won't affect me with your woman's nonsensse'
stan Odd things the boys collect, my dear. I never lock uptrade,
ey, tor I've got none to lock up, my dear. It's a poor

74
75
 thanks froni anyone. But l'n fo Chapter 21 Nancy Pays a Secret Visit
no
there are
Nancy; and around nie,
andl bear it all, I bear it
people
seeing the young under his coat. 'Who's th t The next day Sikes was too occupicd, cating and drinking with
said suddenly, hiding the key
Ssh!" he he money the girl had brougnt, KO notice anything unusual in

Listen!
into the roOm, was close to the oil
behaviour. ßut as that day ended, the girl's excitement
her
The visitor, hurrying increased, and when night came and she sat waiting for him to
her.
before he noticed drink hinself to sleep, there was an unusual paleness in her cheeck
It was Monks.
said Fagin, observing that and a fire in
her eye that even Sikes observed with surprise
Only of my young people,
one
Why!' said the man, raising himself on his hands as he stared
a stranger. T hen pointing upstairs, he
Monks drew back on seeing dead
the the girl in the face. "You look like a
body come to life.
took Monks out of
r o o m .

had ceased to ring out What's the matter?'

Before the sound of their footsteps
off her shoes; then she Matter? replied the girl. Nothing. What are you staring at me
through the house, the girl had slipped
the stairs and was lost in the darkness above. for?
softly climbed What is it?' demanded Sikes, seizing her arm and shaking her
of an hour or more;
The roonm remained deserted for a quarter
thinking about?'
then the girl hurried back down, and immediately afterwards the roughly. What are you
Monks went at once into the About many things, Bill, replied the girl, trembling.
two men were heard returning.
for the money. When he You've caught the fever, said Sikes. "Come and sit beside me
street, and Fagin went upstairs again
came back, the girl was preparing to go.
and put your own face on again or l l alter it so that you won't

Why, Nance, remarked Fagin, staring at her as he put down recognize it.
the candle, 'how pale you are!" The girl obeyed. Sikes, holding her hand in his, fell back on the
With a feeling of regret for every piece of money lost to him, bed, turning his eyes towards her face. They closed, opened again,
he counted the anmount into her hand and they parted without then closed once more. He fell at last into a deep sleep.
more conversation. When the girl got into the open street, she sat The drug has finally taken effect, whispered the girl as she
down on a doorstep and seemed, for a few moments, unable to rose from the bedside. I may be too late even now
continue her journey. Suddenly she stood up and, hurrying on, She quickly put on her hat and coat, looking fearfully round
soon reached homc. from time to time as if she expected at any minute to feel the
Sikes did not notice her state of anxiety. He merely inquired if pressure of Sikes's heavy hand upon her shoulder. Then, bending
she had brought the money and, receiving a satisfactory repiy» softly over the bed, she kissed his lips, and noiselessly left the
returned to the
sleep which her arrival had interrupted. house.
Many of the shops were already closing in the back lanes
the West End ot
through which she walked on her way to
London. The clock struck ten, increasing her impatience. She ran

who stood in her

lOng the narrow streets, pushing past people
76
77
 of the to
more wealthy part the
reached the
The kind tone, the sweet voice, the gentle manner, took the
When she
way. reached a
last she family hotel in: girl completely by surprise, and she burst into tears.
streets w e r e
much emptier. At
Oh, lady, lady!' cried the girl. "If there were more like you.
street near Hyde Park.After standing for a few
quiet but attractive mind, she entered the hall like me.
up her there would be tewer
seconds as though making dressed maid. 'Who Sit down, said Rose. 'If you are in poverty or trouble, I shall
woman!' said a smartly do
'Now, young if I can. Sit down
you want here?" be truly glad to help you
"Let me stand, lady, said the girl, still crying,'and do not speak
Miss Maylie said Nancy.
this time noted he. till you know me better. Is that door shut?
who had by to me so kindly
woman,
The young
man to answer her. Yes, said Rose. 'Why?"
called a
appearance,
of am about to put my life, and the lives
man, pushing her towards the door. 'None Because, said the gir, I
Come, said the am the girl that dragged little Oliver
of others, in your hands. I
this! Out you go. he went out
me back to old Fagin's on the night from the house in
You will have to carry out, said the girl violently. '1sn't
a a Pentonville.
there here that will carry simple message from poor
anybody You' said Rose Maylie.
girl like me?"
to be?' said the man, softened at last. I, lady! replied the girl. 'I am the terrible creature you have
What is it
to Miss heard of, that lives among thieves and that has never known any
That a woman asks to speak Maylie alone; said
young
better life. Do not mind showing your dislike of me openly. The
Nancy. 'And that if the lady will only hear the first word she has
to to hear her or turn her out of poorest w o m e n fall back as I make my way along a crowded
say, she will know whether
street.
doors. What things you are saying!' said Rose.
The man ran upstairs and soon returned and told the woman
Thank heaven, dear lady, cried the girl, 'that you had friends
to follow him. With trembling legs she followed him to a small
to care for you in your childhood, and that you were never in the
room, where he left her to wait.
middle of cold and hunger and drunkenness as I have been from
my earliest days.
The girl's life had been wasted in the streets, but there was 1 pity you!' said Rose, with real sympathy.'It breaks my heart
she heard to hear you!
something of woman's original nature in herstill.When
a light step approaching and thought of the wide contrast which Heaven reward you for your goodness!' said the girl. T have
the small room would in another moment contain, she felt escaped from those who would surely murder me, if they knew
burdened with the sense of her own naa been here, to tell you what I have heard. Do you know a man
deep shame.
She raised her eyes sufficiently to observe that the called Monks?
figure whic
presented itself wasthat of a slight and beautiful No said Rose. I never heard the name
girl. for
a m the person you inquired for, said the young lady 1n a n e knows
you, replied the girl, 'and knew you were here,
sweet voice. Tell me it was by hearing him speak about the place that I fund out
why you wished to see me.
78 79
 soon after COliver was h I can be in some
and into entleman who know, you put place of safety
are.
Some time ago,
where you heard a conversati without delay:'
robbery,I
house on the night of the the must
your dark. I found out thar rih to go back, said girl.'T go back -
the because
M.onks how
this man and Fagin in can
. I tell such things to a lady l1ke you - because among the men
between on the dav
with two of o u r boys
had seen Oliver accidentally is one I cant
that he was the same told you of, there leave; no, not even to
immediately be
first lost him and had known am
I couldn't understamd the litfe I leading now
was watching for, though saved from
child that he sum caid the girl. 'Do not turn a deat ear to
of money if er my request. Do
Fagin a large m e save
why. Monks promised more for making Oliver hear my
words and let you.
he was to have
was brought back; and Lady, cried the girl, sinking on her knees, 'you are the first that
a thief. ever spoke such words to me, and it I had heard them years ago,
asked Rose.
For what purpose? ne
have turned from life of sin and sorrow; but it is
to escape discovery, for he had they might
I couldn't find out; I had
as I listened. I saw him no too late!
shadow on the wall
caught sight of nny never too late, argued Rose.
It is
more till last night.
It is, cried the girl. 'I cannot leave him now! I could not be
And what happened then?"
and again I listened the cause of his death. If I told others what I have told you, he
Ill tell you, lady. Last night he came again
at the door. I heard Monks say: "So the only proof of the boy's sure to die. I must go back. back
Something draws me
would be
to him in spite of all my suttering and his cruelty and ill-
identity lies at the bottom of the river, and the old woman that
received these things from his mother will never leave her treatment.
coffin."
What am I to do? said Rose. 'How can we save Oliver?
What is all this?' said Rose. You must know some kind gentleman that will advise you
The truth, lady, though it comes from my lips, replied the girl. what to do, answered the girl.
Then he said that if he could take the boy's life without risking But where can I find you again when it is necessary?
his own neck, he would; but as he couldn't, he'd continue to find Will you promise me that you will keep my secret and come
him at every turn in life and to harm hinm. "In short, Fagin," he to meet me alone or with the only other person that knows it,
says, "Even you never laid such traps as T'l lay for my young and that I shall not be watched or followed?
brother, Oliver." "
promise you faithfully, said Rose.
His brother!' cried Rose. the girl,
Every Sunday night, from eleven until midnight, said
Those were his words, said Nancy, glancing anxiously around, I will walk on London Bridge if I am alive.
unable to forget for a moment about Sikes. "And now it is Stay another moment, said Rose as the girl hurried towards
growing late, and I must go. the door. Will you return to this gang of robbers, and to this
But what can man, when a word can save you? I wish to serve you.
I do?' said Rose. To what use can I put this
information? do could
Why you wish to return to
companions you You would serve m e best, lady, replied the girl, 'if you
paint think ot what I am,
take more
in such terrible colours?
If you repeat this information to a my life at once. I have felt grief to
80 81
 would be somethimo
ever did before, and it omething not to coach, giving im the excuse of
tonight, than I God bring you as mu. preparing the old
which I have lived. May man to
gentleman
die in the hell in receive him; and, sending her card with a servant,
sweet lady, as I
have brought shame to myself Mr Brownlow on very urgent business. reques
happiness,
The unhappy creature turned to leave. Rose Maylie. quite The serva soon returned to her
overcome by this extraord1nary meeting, sank into a chair and
beg to walk
cllowed him into an upper room and was upstairs. She
presented to Mr
tried to collect her wandering thoughts. Brownlow, who was Sitting with his old friend, Mr (ri
told Mr Brownlow that he had
once shown
to a who was a great
tindness young boy dear friend of hers and
Chapter 22 Mr Grimwig's Strange Behaviour dded that she was sure he woula take
an interest in hearing
about him again.
The Maylies had come to London to spend just three days before Indeed' said Mr Brownlow.
for a distant part of the coast. Oliver Twist, you knew him as, replied Rose.
leaving
Rose was in a dificult situation. She was anxious to solve the The words no sooner escaped her lips than Mr Grimwig, who
and yet at the same had been reading a large book that lay on the
mystery which surrounded Olivers history, table, upset it with
time she could not break her promise ot secrecy to the poor a great back in his a
crash and, falling chair, gave
cry of great
woman who had taken her into her confidence. onder. Mr BrownlOw was no less surprised, although his
She was in this restless condition the morning after Nancy's amazement was not expressed in the same odd manner. He drew
mysterious visit when Oliver came into the room in a state of his chair near to Miss Maylie s and said:"Do me the favour, my
breathless excitement. He told her that he had seen the dear young lady, of leaving entirely out of the question that
gentleman who had been so good to him - Mr Brownlow kindness of which you speak; and it you can produce any
getting out of a coach. The boy was crying with pleasure as he evidence which will alter the low opinion l once had of that poor
told the story; he had found out his address. child, in heaven's name let me have it.
'Look here, said Oliver, showing her a piece of paper, "here it A bad one! I'll eat my head if he is not a bad one, said Mr
1S; here s where he lives. I'm going there now! Oh, dear me, dear Grimwig.
me! What shall I do when I see him again? He is a child of a noble nature and a warm heart, said Rose,
Rose read the address, which was in the Strand, and very soon reddening,'and he has feelings which would do honour to many
decided to make use of that discovery. people six times his age.
Quick!' she said. Tell them to fetch a carriage, and be ready Tm only sixty-one; said Mr Grimwig, 'and as Oliver is twelve
to go with me. I will take you there years old at least, I don't see the sense of your remark.
immediately; I will only tell
my aunt that we are going out for an hour, and I will be ready as mind what he says, Miss Maylie, said Mr Brownlow.
sDo not
SOon as you are. He does not mean it.
In less than five minutes
they were on their way to Yes, he does, growled Mr Grimwig
Brownlow's. When they arrived there, Rose left Oliver in the No, he does not, said Mr Brownlow, his anger rising.
82 83
 Mr Grimwig
doesn't, growled Whv. you get blinder every day, Bedwin, said Mr
his head if he Brownlow
He'll eat knocked oft, and see it you
deserve to have it if he does, saidMr Put on your glasses can't find out what
He would you were
wanted for.
Brownlow. offer to do M to search in her
man it, replied The old lady began pockets for her
see any glasses. But
And he d like to Oliver could wait no longer: he ran into her arms.
floor.
his stick to the
Grimwig, knocking the two gentlemen toot to criea the old
far in their quarrel, God be good me! nurse, holding him tightly
Having gone this their custom. sweet boy!'
hands according to It is my
Suff and then shook
to the subject in which you are My dear old nurse!' cried Oliver
to return
Now, Miss Maylie, come back he
know what information you have of
f He would Tknew the old
so much interested. Let m e would, said
woman, holding him in her arms. Where have you been. this
this child same sweet
to Oliver since lang, long while? Ah!"The tace, but not so
Rose at once told him all that had happened pale; the
not so sad.
that Oliver's only sorrow, for same soft eyes, but
he left Mr Brownlow's house, adding Leaving her with Oliver, Mr Brownlow led the way into
could not meet with his
some months past, had been that he
another room; there he heard from Rose a full account of her
former helper and friend.
Thank God!' said the old gentleman. "This is great happiness meeting with Nancy, and readily promised to consider what
haven't told m e where he is now.
should be done.
to me, great happiness. But you
Then Rose and Oliver returned home.
Miss Maylie. Why haven't you brought him with you?"
'He is waiting in a coach at the door, replied Rose.
At this door!' cried the old gentleman, hurrying out of the
Chapter 23 The Artful Dodger Gets into Trouble
room and down the stairs without another word.
When he had gone, Mr rose from his chair and
Grimwig
Fagin was at home with his pupils. But the Artful Dodger was not
moved as fast as he could up and down the roonm at least a dozen
times before stopping suddenly in front of Rose and kissing her. among them; the police had accused him of attempting to picka
Ssh!' he said, as the young lady rose in some alarm at this pocket and, finding a silver snuff-box on him, had arrested him.
unusual behaviour. 'Don't be afraid. I'm old enough to be your Fagin was anxious about him, for the police knew what a clever
fellow the Dodger was and they were sure to bring strong
grandfather. You're a sweet girl. I like you. Here they are!'
evidence the trial
Mr Brownlow returned, accompanied by Oliver, whom Mr against him. One of the boys was sent to attend
Grimwig received very kindly. in order to give a full account of it to Fag1n.
The came into the courtroom with the arms of his
There is somebody else who should not be forgotten, said Dodger
Coat
and his hat in
Mr Brownlow, ringing the bell. Send Mrs Bedwin here, if you turned up as usual, his left hand in his pocket
to know
his right hand. Taking his place in the dock, he requested
please
Oliver's old wnat
for.
nurse came and stood at the door, waiting he was placed in that shameful situation
quickly
for orders. Hold your tongue, will you?' said his guard.
84 85
 1?'answered the Dodger.'Where ans
are la' replied the Dodger, 'not
a
here, for this isn't co
T'm an Englishman, aren't bf
is
isustice; and besides, my lawyer having breakfast this
my rights? s a a the guard, 'and sal of Commons. But I shall
morning at
soon enough, the House have to
You'll get your rights something say
elsewhere and I'l1-
with them
and pepper Home Affairs has There! Take him away, interrupted the magistrat
of State for got
We'll what the Secretary
see
'Now then! What is this Come on, said his guard.
that, replied Mr Dawkins.
to say about me too lona
business?I hope that the magistrates wont keep Oh. I'l come on, replied the Dodger, brushing his hat with
free now it you were to fall
tor Ive got an appointment with a his hand. I wouldn't go down on
while they read the paper,
He'll go away if l'm not there in time
your knees and ask me. Here, carry me off to prison! Take me
gentleman in the City.*
for damages against away!"
there will be an action
and then perhaps With these words the Dodger allowed himself to be led offby
are me away.
those who keeping
at this. the collar, threatening to make parliamentary business of it.
The members of the public laughed loudly
Having seen him locked up by himselt in a little cell, Fagin's
Silence there!' cried the guard.
hov hurried back to his master to give him the news that the
one of the magistrates.
What is this? asked
a fine reputation for himself
A pickpocketing case, sir. Dodger was making
before?"
Has the boy ever been here
replied the guard. I
He ought to have been, many times,
Chapter 24 Nancy Keeps Her Promise
know him pretty well, sir.'
Oh! You know me, do you? cried the Artful, making a note
That's an offence against my It was Sunday night, and the bell of the nearest churchstruck the
of the statement. Very good.
hour. Sikes and Fagin were talking, but they paused tolisten. The
character.
Here there was another laugh, and another cry of "Silence! girl looked up from the low seat on which she lay, and listened
too. Eleven o'clock.
Now then, where are the witnesses? said the clerk.
I should on her hat and was leaving the room.
'Ah!That's right, added the Dodger.'Where are they? Nancy put
Hullo' cried Sikes. "Where are you going to, Nancy, att
like to see them
This wish was immediately granted, for a policeman stepped time of night?'
the ot a 'Not far
forward who had seen the prisoner pick pocket
What answer's that? returned Sikes. 'Where are you going?
gentleman, and when he was arrested and searched a silver snutt-
box, with the owner's name on the lid, was found in his pocket. I don't know where,' replied the gir.
'Have you anything to ask this witness, boy? said the Then I do, said Sikes. 'Nowhere. Sit down.
the girl. T want
magistrate. Tm not well. I told you that before, answered
a breath of air.
*
the City: an area of central London which is Britain's financial centre. Put your head out of the window, replied Sikes.
86 87
 want it in the s
not enough there, said the girl. "T reet
There's ollowed her at some distance, walking in the deepest
locking th and shadow he
Then you won't
have it, replied Sikes, rising could find. Thus they crossed the bridge.
At the other side
the
her head he threw it on the top of
hat from aman, in her
door. Pulling her apparently disappointed search, turned back. The
where you are, will you?
'Now stop quietly 1Ovement was sudden, but her pursuer
oldcupboard. quickly hid himself. Near
Let me go, said the girl, kneeling on the floor. Bill, let me ogo
the middle of the bridge, she stopped. The man
stopped too.
for only one hour. Two minutes later a
young lady,
accompanied by a grey-haired
seizing her roughly by the arm,'er a
You're mad!"' cried Sikes, oentleman, stepped down trom carriage within a short distance
set
upNot of the bridge and walked straight towards it. They had hardly
till you let me go - never, never! shouted the girl. Sikes
foot on the bridge when the girl hurried towards them.
on, for a moment, and suddenly took both her hands and
looked They gave cries of surprise when she
suddenly joined them.
small room. He threw her into a chair and held
dragged her into a and stopped to talk, but Nancy said quickly:'Not here; I am afraid
her down by force. She struggled and begged by turns until to -
to speak you here. Come away from the public road down
twelve o'clock had struck and then she became quiet. Sikes left those steps!
her to recover and returned to Fagin. When the man who was secretly following Nancy heard these
Whew!' said Sikes, wiping his face. 'What a strange girl she is! words, and saw her pointing to the steps, he hurried there
You may say that, Bill, replied Fagin thoughtfully. You may say unobserved and hid in a dark turning in the flight of steps. Soon
that. he heard the sound of footsteps, and voices very close to his ear.
Fagin walked towards his home, thinking hard about the scene He pulled himself straight upright against the wall
and hardly
he had just witnessed. The girl's altered manner and her breathed as he listened.
impatience to leave home that night at a particular hour had This is far enough, said a voice, which was
evidentdy that of
made him think that Nancy, tired of Sikes's cruelty, had found a the gentleman. 'I will not allow the young lady to go any farther.
new friend. Such a new friend would be valuable to him, and Now, for what purpose have you brought us to this strange. dark
must be identified without
delay. place?
Before he had reached his home, he had made his plans. He I told you before; replied Nancy, 'that I was afraid to speak to
would have Nancy watched and discover the
object of her new you there. I don't know why it is, but I am so frightened tonight
affection. that I can hardly stand.
who seemed to
Frightened of what? asked the gentleman,
pity her.
A week it
passed: was T hardly know of what,' replied the girl. 1 wish I did. Horrible
Sunday night again. The church clocks
struck a to
quarter twelve, as two figures appeared on London thoughts of death and blood have been in my mind all day.
Bridge. One, advancing with a rapid
step, was that of a woma You were not here last Sunday night, said the gentleman.
who looked
Tcouldn't come, replied torce.
eagerly about her as though in search of $o
expected object. The other Nancy.'I was kept by
figure was that of a man, w By whom?"
88 89
 lady ofbefore. A broad red mark, like a burn? cried the gentleman.
the young
Him that I told 'How's this? said the girl. "You know him!
of holding any communication with
You were not suspected us tonicl. a of
which has brought here tonight, The voung lady gave cry surprise, and for a
on the subject few moments
anybody they were so still that the listerner could clearly hear them breathe
the old gentleman.
hope? asked her head. I think 1 do said
No,' replied the girl, shaking the gentleman, breaking the silence. "Manv
listen to me. This young anle are extraordinarily like each other. It may not be the sam
Good, said the gentleman.'Now y
some other friends who can h man. And now, young woman, you have given us most valuable
to me, and to
has comnmunicated
nearly a fortnight ago. I feel I can accistance, and I wish to reward you for it. What can I do for
safely trusted, what you told her you?
tell without reserve that
and therefore I shall you e 'Nothing, replied Nancy.
trust you,
force the secret, whatever it is, from this man You must tell me, said the old gentleman, very kindly.
determined to
are
and leave him to me to deal Nothing, sir, replied the girl, crying. "You can do nothing to
Monks. Put Monks into my hands,
me. I am past all hope, indeed
with. help
What if he turns against Fagin and the others? It is true that the past has been wasted, but you may hope for
I case, if the truth is forced from him
promise you that in that the future. I do not say that it is in our power to offer you peace
there the matter will rest; the others shall go free of heart and mind, for that must come as you seek it. But we can
And if it is not?' asked the girl. send you to a quiet place of shelter, either in
England or, if you
Then. said the gentleman,'this Fagin shall not be brought to are afraid to remain here, in some foreign country. Before the sun
Justice without your consent. rises you shall be placed as entirely beyond the reach of your
Have I the lady's promise for that?' asked the girl. former companions as if you were to disappear from the earth
You have' replied Rose. 'My true and faithful promise Come! I do not want you to go back to exchange one word with
Monks would never learn how you knew what you know?' such companions. Leave them, while you have the chance
said the girl after a short pause. I can't, sir, said the girl, after a short
struggle. 'I am chained to
'Never, replied the gentleman. my old life. I hate it with all my heart now, but I cannot leave it.
I have lied., and been with others who lie, since I was a little Imust have gone too far to turn back. I must go home
child, said the girl, after another pause, 'but I will believe you Home!' repeated the young lady.
Then, in a to
very low voice, she started describe the public Home, lady, answered the girl. 'Let us part. I shall be watched
house where Monks was to be or seen. Go! Go! If I have done you any service, all that I ask is
found, and the night and hour on
which Monks usually visited. "He is
tall,, said the girl, 'and a that you leave me and let me go my way alone.
are
strongly built man; and as he walks, he constantly looks over his l t is useless, said the
-
shoulder first on one side, and then gentleman. We putting her in danger,
on the other. His
eyes are perhaps, by staying here:
The two figures of the young lady and her companion soon
deeply sunk in his head, and his face is dark like his hair and
I think that's all I can eyes.
tell you about him.
Wait, though,' she added. afterwards appeared on the bridge. The old gentleman pulled her
On his throat there is
arm his and led her away. As the girl
through they disappeared,
90 91
 with bitter te
one of the stairs and cried like that for? Have you gone mad?"
sank down upon
and with unsteady steps climbe
After a time she stood up No. no, replied Fagin, but
l ve got something to tell you that
observer remained motionless ffor
back the road. The amazed
to won't please you.
-
made certain
some minutes afterwards and, having that he Was K/hat is it? said the robber. 'Speak, will
his hiding place and, reaching the to
you! Or if you don't,
alone again, emerged from top, l l be for lack of
breath. Open your mouth and say what
could carry him
ran towards Fagin's house as fast as his legs rau've got to say in plain words. Out with it,
you old dog. out
with it!'
Fagin made no answer but, over
bending the sleeper, pulled
Chapter 25 Consequences him into a sitting position.
-
Tell me that again once again, just for him to hear, said the
It was nearly two hours before sunrise, and Fagin
sat in his old old man, pointing to Sikes as he spoke.
home, with a face so pale and eyes so red that he looked more Tell you what?' asked the boy sleepily
-
dead than alive. That about Nancy, said Fagin, holding Sikes by the wrist, as
Stretched out on the floor, fast asleep, lay the young man who if to prevent his leaving the house before he had heard enough.
had followed secret conversation below You followed her?'
Nancy and heard her
London Bridge. Towards him the old man sometimes directed his tYes.
them back. He was deeply b To London Bridge?
eyes for a moment, and then brought
occupied with his evil
thoughts. His plan of discovering Nancy's Yes
Where she met two people?
new lover had failed; for she had none. He was full of hatred for
her, because she dared to do business with strangers, and he did So she did
A gentleman and a lady that she had gone to see before, Who
not believe her assurance that she would not give him up. He was
asked her to give up all her friends, and Monks tint, which she
full of a deadly fear of being discovered.
He sat still for quite a long time until at last his quick ear did, and to tell her about the place where we met, which she did.
seemed to be attracted by a footstep in the street. The bell rang She told it all, every cried Fagin, half mad
word, did she not?
to the door and soon returned with Bill Sikes,
with anger.
gently; he hurried That's right, replied the bov. That's just what it was
who carried a small parcel under one arm.
What did they say about last Sunday? last
There!' he said, laying the parcel on the table. Take care of
didn't come
that, and do the most you can with it. It's been trouble enough to They asked her, said the boy, 'why she
get. Sunday, as she promised. She said she couldn t.
Why why? Tell him that.
Fagin took the parcel and, locking it in the cupboard, sat doWn the boy.
Because Bill forced her to stay at home, replied
again without speaking. But he did not take his eyes off Sikes tor Let
from Fagin's hold.
a second. Hell's fire!' cried Sikes, breaking free
me go!'
What is it now? growled Sikes.'What are you looking at
93
92
 rushed from the room
away
from him, he and Bill, Bill!' cried the girl, struggling with the strength of
Pushing the Jew dead]y
r a n up the stairs. fear.'I won't shout. Hear me-speak to me -tell me what I have
'A word. Only
hurrying after him. ly a done!"
Bill, Bill, cried Fagin,
word.
You know, you she-devil replied the robber. 'You were
tO me;its not safe. Let me watched tonight; every word you said was heard
Let me out, said Sikes. "Dont speak
Then spare my life for the love of heaven, as I
out! spared yours
hand on the lock. Yon
Listen to me, said Fagin, laying his said the girl, throwing her arms around him. 'Bill, dear Bill, vou
-
-
won't be too violent, Bill? Be clever, Bill, and not a fool: cannot have the heart to kill me. Oh Think of all I have given
Sikes did not reply but, pulling open the door, rushed into the up, only tonight, for you. You shall have time to think and save
silent streets. vourself from this crime. Bill, for dear God's sake, for your own,
Without a pause, or a moment's consideration, and looking for mine, stop before you take my blood.
been true to you,
I have
straight ahead of him with single-minded determination, the on my soul I have!'
robber rushed directly to his home. Opening the door softly he Sikes freed one arm and took out his
pistol. Even in his anger
stepped lightly up the stairs and, entering his own room, double he realized that it would be dangerous to fire it. Twice he beat,
locked the door and pushed a heavy table against it. with all his strength, the
upturned face that almost touched his
The girl was lying half dressed upon the bed. He had woken Own.
her from her sleep, for she raised herself with a hurried and She fell, nearly blinded with the blood that rained down from
frightened look. a cut in her forehead.
deep But, raising herself with dificulty on
Get up!' said the man. her knees, she breathed one prayer for
forgiveness to
her Maker.
It is you, Bill!"' said the girl, with an of at
expression pleasure It was a terrible sight to see. The murderer
stepped backwards
his return. to the wall and,
It is, was the
covering his eyes wvith his hand. seized a heavy
reply. Get up. stick and struck her down.
There was a candle but the
burning, man pulled it from the
candlestick and threw it into the fire.
Seeing the faint light of
early day outside, the girl rose to open the curtain.
Let it be said Sikes.
Chapter 26 The Flight of Bill Sikes
"There's enough light for what I've got to
do Of all the terrible crimes that had been committed in London
Bill, said the girl, in Since
the low voice of alarm,
'why are you nightfall, that was the worst. The sun that brings back, not
looking like this at
The robber stood
me? ght alone but new life and hope to man, burst on the crowded
staring at her for a few seconds, breathing City and lit up the room where the murdered woman lay. SiKes
quickly; then, seizing her by the hand and
into the middle of throat, he dragged her to
shut the light out, but it continued to stream in. If che
the room and ned
mouth. placed
his heavy hand over Sght was a terrible one in the dull morning, how much worse i1t
ne
Was now, in all that brilliant light!
94
95
 afraid. There had hea.
he had been This was a pedlar who travelled around the country on foot to
not moved;
He had
and a motion the hand; and with terror
of added to sell bits and pieces which he carried in a box hanging on his
of pain e lhe threw a clot)
cry struck again. Once hack. Having eaten his supper, he opened his box, hoping to find
struck and
he had
anger,
to
worse
the eyes moving towards him
imagine tha. some buyers.
but it was
it, And what is that stuft? Good to eat, Harry? asked a
thenm fixed
on the ceiling.
to see
fire and threw the heavy stick into it L to
sinal packages in a corner.
He struck a light. lit a countryman, pointing
some

rubbed his clothes, there were spots that he This, said the fellow, producing one, 'is a magical composition
washed himself, and
not remove,
but he cut the pieces out and burnt thenm
for removing all sorts of stains, dirt or spots from all sorts of stuff
could
scattered about the room! Even the feet of - silk, woollen or cotton. Wine stains, fruit stains, beer stains
How those stains
were

the dog were bloody. water stains, paint stains, any stains, all come out with one rub of
never once turned his back on the body One penny a
square. With all these
All this time he had this magical composition.
no, not for a
moment. Having completed his preparations and virtues, one penny a square!
he moved backwards towards the door There were two buyers immediately, and more of the listeners
cleaned the dog's feet,
the dog with him, in case he dirtied his feet again and were clearly thinking about it. The pedlar, observing this,
dragging
carried new evidence of the crime out into the streets. He shut continued to talk.
locked it and left the house. Tt's all bought up as fast as it can be made, said the fellow
the door softly,
He crossed the street and looked up at the window to be sure There are fourteen factories always working on it, and they can't
that nothing was visible from the outside. There was the curtain make it fast enough. One penny a square! Wine stains, fruit stains,
sll drawn, which she would have opened to admit the light she beer stains, water stains, paint stains, mud stains, bloodstains! Here
never saw again. Behind it lay her body. He whistled to the dog, is a stain o n the hat of a gentdeman present that Ir'l remove before
and walked rapidly away. he can order me a pint of beer.
It was nine o' clock at night when the man, quite tired out, and Hah!' cried Sikes, jumping up. 'Give that back!
the dog, walking lamely from the unusual exercise, turned down I'll remove it, sir, replied the man, 'before you can come across

a hill, along a little village street and into a small public house. the room to get it. Gentlemen all, observe the dark stain on this
There was a fire burning, and some villagers were drinking in gentleman's hat. Whether it is a wine stain, fruit stain, beer stan,

water stain, paint stain or bloodstain

tront
the
of it. They made room for the stranger, but he sat down in
The man got no further for Sikes, swearing violently, knocked
farthest corner and ate and drank alone, or rather w1tn
dog, to whom he threw a bit of food from time to time. Over the table, seized the hat from him, and burst out ot the
The
land and
conversation of the men concerned the neighbou building
he murderer, finding that he was not followed and that they
farmers. There was nothing to attract attention or ause

alarm in drunken, ill-tempered

this. The murderer, after paying his bill, had almost en most probably considered him sonme
the
aSieep when he was half woken by the noisy entrance o * cow, turned back towards the village. As he walked up
newcomer. at the
reet, he recognized the mail coach from London standing

96 97
 He almost knew
vhat was to e, but
come, he
little post office. that from which he had escaped. Those widely starit
ing eyes, lifeless
and listened.
crossed over
and glassy, appeared in the darkness.
There were only ru.
came out with the letter bag, which he
The post master
hey were everywhere. If he shut out the
ight, he remembered
handed to the guard. he room, with every well-known object in its usual
town?' he asked. place. The
'Anything n e w in d u Was in its place too, and its eyes were as he
that 1 know of, the guard replied. "The price of
saw them when
No, nothing he left. He got up and rushed out into the field.
The figure was
I heard talk of a murder, too.
corn is up a little.
hehind him. He re-entered the hut, and lay down once more. The
That's quite true, said a gentleman inside the coach, who was
eyes were there.
of the window. 'And a terrible murder it was.
looking out
And there he remained in terror until
Was it, sir?' said the guard. 'Man or woman?" morning came again.
Suddenly he made the desperate decision to go back to London.
'A woman, replied the gentleman. "They say
-
There's somebody to speak to there, at least, he
Sikes did not wait to hear any more. Hde took the road leading thought. 'A
out of the village and, as he walked into the darkness of the road
good hiding place too. They'll never expect to catch me there,
he felt a great fear coming over him. Every object in front of him
after I escaped to the country. I could remain in
hiding there for
a week or so, and then force some money of
took on the shape of some fearful thing. But these fears were
out
Fagin and get
abroad to France. I'll risk it.
nothing compared to the thought of the girl's murdered body
He acted on this decision without
following at his heels. He could sense its shadow, and note how delay and, choosing the
most deserted roads, began his
stifly it seemed to move. He could hear the movenent of its journey back to London, deciding
to enter it when
night had fallen.
clothes, and every breath of wind carried to him that last low cry.
What about the dog, though? If
If he it did the same. If he ran, it followed. any description of him had
stopped, been made public, it would not be
At times he turned, with a desperate determination to beat this
forgotten that the was
dog
missing and had probably gone with him. This might lead to his
shadow off. But the hair rose on his head, and his blood stood
arrest as he
still, for it had turned with him and was behind him then. He had passed along the streets. He resolved to drown him,
and walked on
kept it in front of him that morning, but it was behind him now looking around him for a pool; he picked up a
heavy stone and tied it into his handkerchief as he went.
always. He leaned his back against a wall, and felt that it stood
The animal looked
above him. He threw himself down on up into his master's face while he was
the road. At his head it making these preparations, as if he understood cheir purpose, and
stood, silent and still.
he followed a little further back than usual. When his master came
Let no man talk
of murderers
escaping justice. There were to the edge of a
pool and looked round to call hin, he stopped.
twenty violent deaths in each minute of his fear.
Do you hear me call? Conme here!' cried Sikes.
He came to a hut
in a field that offered
he shelter for the night; The animal obeyed from force of habit; but as Sikes bent to tie
could not walk on till
down daylight came again. He went in ana lay ne
handkerchief and moved
close to the wall t o suffer once
to his throat he gave a low growl
For now a vision
again. away.
came before him
even more terriDie than Come back!' said the murderer.
98 99
 him again. The d. freedom, ask for the protection of the law. I will appeal to
move.
Sikes called
dog y o u r freedo
The dog did
not
turned and ran a the law too. But do not ask ne for pity when it is too late
moved avay. paused,
and the at
advanced, Monks was clearly alarmed. He looked unsure about his next
top speed.
and again,
and sat down and waite move.
The man
whistled again You will decide quickly, said Mr Brownlow, firmly. "If vou
that he would
return. But n o dog appearad
in the expectation want me to charge you in pudiic, you know the way. If not, and
his journey.
and eventually
he continued
wish to appeal for my forgiveness and that of those whom
you
have deeply injured, seat yourself without a word in that
Monks and Mr Brownlow Meet chair. It has waited
for yOu for two days
whole
Chapter 27 Monks looked at the old gentleman with an anxious eye; but,
At Last
but firm
reading in his face nothing determination, he
a
walked
and sat down.
when Mr Brownlow climbed from coach into the
a room
at
It was getting dark Lock the door on the outside, said Mr Brownlow to the two
door and knocked The door being
softly. opened, a
his own
side of the men, 'and come when I ring.
out of the coach and stood at one steps
strong man got The men obeyed, and the two were left alone together. 'This
seated o n the coachman's seat,
while another man, who had been
is pretty treatment, sir, said Monks, throwing down his hat and
and stood o n the other side. At a sign from Mr
got down too
Brownlow. they helped out a third man and, taking him between coat, 'from my father's oldest friend.
It is because I was your father's oldest friend. young man
them, hurried him into the house. This man was Monks.
walked in the same manner upstairs without speaking, returned Mr Brownlow, 'it is because he knelt with me beside the
They
and Mr Brownlow led the way into a back room. At the door of deathbed of his only sister when he was only a boy, on the
The looked to the old morning that would have made her my young wife:it is because
this room Monks stopped. two men
gentleman for instructions. of all this that I am going to treat you gentdy now yes,Edward
If he refuses to obey you, said Mr Brownlow, 'drag him into Leeford, even now.
the street, call the police and let them arrest him as a criminal. What is the name Leeford to me?' asked Monks.
How dare you say that of me?' asked Monks. 'Nothing, replied Mr Brownlow, 'nothing to you. But it was
How dare you drive me to it, young man? said Mr Brownlow. hers, and even at this distance of time it brings back to me the
Are you mad enough to leave this house? Release him. There, sir, excitement which I once felt when I heard it. I am glad you have
you are free to go, and we to follow. But I warn you that the changed it.
moment This is all very well, said Monks, but what do you want with
you set foot in the street Il have you arrested.
By what authority have I been seized in the street and me?
brought here by these dogs?' asked Monks, looking from one to You have a brother, said Mr Brownlow, 'the whisper of whose
the other of the men who stood beside him. name in your ear when I came behind you in the street
was
By mine, replied Mr Brownlow. 'If make you accompany me here, in wonder
and alarm.
you complain of losing Chough to
100 101
 know I was au chowed signs of a sudden rellet, and wiped his hot face and hands
replied
Monks.
"You
only
I have no
brother,'
of brothers? Refore he went abroad, and as he pased through London on
talk to me
child. Why do you
of the unhappy marriage inte his way, said Mr Brownlow slowly, without taking his eyes off the
Brownlow, 'that
know said Mr father, you were ts e 'he came to me
I
forced your
untortunate
other's face,
which family pride narriage
w a s so hby
disliked I never heard of that, interrupted Monks.
know that their
But I also He came to me, and left with me a picture painted by himself
only child. separated.
both parties
that at last they were
of this poor girl, which he could not take with him. He was
and what of that?
w e r e separated,
Well, said Monks, 'they down by anxiety; talked of causing ruin and dishonour, and told
for s o m e time, returned Mr
When they had been separated
friends. This, at least, you knew
me of his intention to sell his property, settle a part of the money
father found new
Brownlow.'your h i s wife and you and then leave the country and never see it
already. any more. But even trom me he kept the secret fruit of his guilty
Monks, turning away his eyes
and beating his
Not I replied love. He promised to write and tell me everything, and after that
man who 1s determined to denyy
foot upon the ground,
as a
to see me once again. But that was the last time. I had no letter,
everything. 'Not I
forgotten it and I never saw him again.
Your manner assures me that you have never
of fitteen years ago, when you 'I went, said Mr Brownlow, after a short pause, 'to the scene off
returned Mr Brownlow. 'I speak
his unhappy love, resolved to find the poor girl and give her
were not more than eleven years old, and your father only thirty-
was a retired naval officer whose
shelter. But the family had left that part of the country a week
one. One of these new friends
wife had died and left him a daughter, a beautiful creature of before. It was by the strong hand of chance that your poor
brother was thrown in my way. And when I saved him from a life
nineteen. Your fatlher fell deeply in love with her, and the result
of this guilty love was your brother. of crime, I was struck by his strong similarity to this pictureI have
Your story is a long one, observed Monks, moving restlessly spoken of. I need not tell you he was taken away before I knew
in his chair. his history
It is a true story of pain and sorrow, young man, replied Mr Why not?' asked Monks quickly.
Brownlow, 'and such stories usually are long; if it were one of joy Because you know it wel1
and happiness, it would be very brief. Fortunately one of your
fathers rich relations died and left him considerable property. It It is no use denying it, replied Mr Brownlow. 'I shall show you
was
necessary that your father should go to Rome, where this that I know more than that.
rich relation had died. And there your father fell ill; he was Monks.
followed, the
You- you can't prove anything against me, said
the news
moment reached Paris, by your mother, We shall see, answered the old gentleman, with a searching
who carried you with her. He himn.
died the day after her arrival, glance. 'I lost the efforts of mine could recover
boy, and no
leaving n0 will... no will. . so .
that the whole property fell to Your mother being dead, I knew that you alone could solve the
her and
you
to
mystery if anybody could. I searched for you everywhere in
Here Monks, who had been
listening with eager interest, London, where I discovered you were keeping company with the
102
103
 SOL

11Ienb uoiuo9 E SEM 3 Ynoyi I uoseaI aYi

u
mouy i,up1pI
sEm
u3neo noA uYM AJOIs yi jo unn aqa ino puy o1 3ujos
aey Jo autqiou mouy I - 1, $uoN poidniusui ou 'oN,
paseoj pA[OAu
SEA SXuoW pausis pue 3pru u32q õuLAry usuies oqL Aenoe 10u jI
'A[[EIOu al3M noA YoIYM ut 'suop usaq sey 1ap1nW
uy uoy pazi»s ATTnJme[un 3aes Ie Auu o1 wsyi uõnorq pue siodsrsm Ino[ iysneo »Aey [[em aus
noA Áiadoid pue íouou syi SLAL 12AIIO 0I 3JOs3I pue sassaunIm uo SMOpeus *3u 0) UMouy S[ u[EI[LA SIYi
pue noá uSIM1aq passed
a1oJq sry 3o usu>es ony r mou uaIs nos J 'ILA I, sey eyp piom Á13Ag, °ueuanuss p[o 3y paju ipiom Ásang,
3 1 > s Áuu dasy 1LA - noÁ - nox, paI[dai os {saA,
ATInrey 'ueu ayi patjdar jou 'ou 'oN,.
SuoN JO *SIOA
Moj t u morumaig payse purui InoA dn apeui noA JAefH, Bueyo IIps noá op 'pioJo»T prempa .ufoo sas aavaj 1212u |pm
uwq 1a o1 ans a Áoyp inq 'punoj us3q a í 1ou sey »H, 1311014 S1y uoa sduj141 osayi pa412034 1vy1 uvuon pjo yi puv 1aau ay
MoTuAOT8 W payse u y Jo smau Áuy uaej anoqe aeqMA, fo uonoq ay ip say Aiuop1 s Aoq 3y1 fo fooud kuo ayi,, 1ouled noí
u8uo ausuuiao3 o1 spaom umo inoá ui mou pue noá áq p3ÁOINS3P 3IPM sJood

n áqpaunouue uaaq sey spunod paapuns vjo piEmaI V*adeosa 3soyL uaiuo styJo sJooid a13M 31Y1 a1aym yinq sTY JO 3erd oyn
1ouuE q 3 [Pa us Suinsand are oya usu ayL "ssouyep 0 u3m noj 13qiey Inoá ayI os payoof oy osne-aq seM ay oYm
suroos podsns nok tuq jou Á[eauapiooe noá pue uIoq sEM PIYo ayI
Jo 102 13pun a13 5upu st 121seui sy aey1 aqnop apay
a13n pue 'usas uaq ses sop sIH, 13yao aya paI|dar saA "s2A, oma noá u33M13q pazeys áenba aq oa sem Á1adoid op JPsanos
MI 191eJeys mo[ Jo ueu e sues3q 3s 'puey 1oyio 3yn uo J
moJumoig iN payse 131pinui 3yIL.
O1
iyðuo uPur e
3q o1 dn m31s ay ji Áiusdoid s13qEj sts ITE 3AEY
Áyaiom
one 39 ILA aH. paLuo oy iayône> aq ILm ueuu oyL, SEM PI!Y yi 'I[Lm oy1 oa 3uipioooy 'uonsouuoo pes styi Jo nsai
Umo
UIuIIOxa q oIÁ[ONII PILyo >uos o1 3ouoisJai e pauiejuos ] peap
JE13 u uo01 e
op paiaua e ájpojuins y noA oj ures ayi pue ja15»s aya Sulaeaj paíonsop 13yiouu
ueuspuss pue 'paxporun
SE
10Op yi 1ayio uo 3uo
ay panes siy pue puey 3y Uo sat
SIY Aq ui03 "uoo1 iW pajdai 10u p!P 1.
ay1 umop pue dn SuMJEM sem s>yuoN [rYm auunp ng, oo SuISLI 'mo[umoig
SE y
Sea[d nos 31ayM
03 APUI noá iiayioiA
uayL paui»suoo SI Aoq aui se 1ej os [[LM 13qey O p nOA uioq sem pjyp e jey amouy udAs 1uop noA
nos no ÁIes pue e usaMoq ALIe]Ils
*puyp aua o1 auop Aey noh k1n[ut aui u a o i d pauled ájpeq e pue pjup 1ood noa
snuu inoá 3aoid ues noá uyi
noA, MOJUmoig in pies eya
ueyj oiou op 1snuu tA uldtut ue kq a u jsuiese saiiey> nos MOu puy,
33s op
IILMI, uu
u 2uay Jeym, durSiu 'syuoW pies
.SSsoutM 3JOJq 21 1eadas pue sioej ayi 1o 1uJuioIEJS °ua*
OMi
noA MOu Áu oBe sinoY
IILM puy 1apinu alam s91o1J [[e
ou Jo osne> oui sem Jey), 'MO[umoI MEs JAau pue ssajpiny
[
W PIes s[eujuiio JO IS2MO|I
s131s inoí jo ouos Jo auijeanDI IDun sioans 3q) payIEm [
9 pur Áep
 The End of Sikes forehead. 'Have you nothing to say to me?
Chapter 28
There was a restless movement
among them, but nobodv
Thames, e a r one ot the
poorest and
Jacob's Island stands in the spoke.
dirtiest parts of London. It is
surrounded by muddy water six or Soon there was another knock at
the door.
Crackit left the
feet deep. The island is deserted; its
houses are roofless and rnom and came back with Charley Bates behind him. Sikes sat
eight
empty: the walls are falling
down; the windows are windows no onposite the door, so that the moment the
boy entered the room
more: the chimneys are blackened, but they give out no smoke. he saw him.
The houses have no owners; they are broken open and entered Toby' said the boy, stepping back as Sikes turned his eves
by those who have the courage; and there they live, and there towards him, 'why didnt yOu tell me: Let me go into some
other
they die. They must have powerful reasons for a secret dwelling room.
place. or be very poor indeed, if they seek shelter on Jacob's Charley, said Sikes, moving towards him. 'Don't you don't
Island. you know me?"
In an upper room of one of these houses three men sat in Don't come near me, answered the boy, looking, with horror
at the murderer's face. You
silence. One of them was Toby Crackit and the others were fellow in his eyes, devil
robbers. They were talking about Fagin, who had been arrested Sikes's eyes fell gradually to the ground.
that same afternoon. Suddenly a hurried knocking was heard at Witness, you three, said the boy, becoming more and more
the door below. excited as he
spoke. 1'm not afraid of him. If they come here after
Toby Crackit went to the window and, shaking all over, drew him, I'll give him up; I will. He may kill me for it
ifhe likes, or
in his head. There was no need to tell them who it was; his pale if he dares, but if l'm here I'll give him up. Murder! Help!Down
face was enough. with him!'
We must let him in, he said, picking up the candle. Pouring out these cries, the boy threw himself on the strong
Crackit went down to the door, and returned, followed by a man, and in the suddenness of his attack brought him to the
man with the lower part of his face buried in a handkerchief, and ground.
another tied his head under his hat. He them slowly The three observers did not interfere, and the bov and the man
over
pulled
off. White face, sunken rolled on the ground together. But the struggle was too unequal
eyes, hollow cheeks, beard of three days
growth; it was the very shadow of Sikes. to last long. Sikes had him down, and his knee was on his throat,
He pulled when Crackit pulled him off with a look of alarm and pointed to
up a chair and sat down. Not a word had been
exchanged. He looked from one to another in silence. At last he the window. There were lights shining below, voices in loud
said: "Tonights the
and
paper says that Fagin is taken. Is it true, or is it Seriousconversation, the noise of hurried tootsteps crosing
a lie? the door,
nearest wooden bridge. Then came a loud knocking at
True and the whisper of a thousand angry voices.
They were silent again. ielp!' screamed the boy. 'He's here. Break down
the door!
'For God's sake!' said lock this screaming
Sikes, passing his hand across his Open the door of some place where l can
106 107
 and doWn and dragging the bow The murderer climbed onto the roof and looked dou:
Sikes, running up
child, cried He threw him in, bolted /it and the water had gone out, and
That door. Quick!"' the low wall. But in its place u
was a
with him. door locked? 111d, The crowd had been
'Is the downstairs
silent during these
turned the key.
se:
few
Double-locked and chained,' replied
Crackit. fs, watching his movements and doubtful of his purpose.
But as soon as they understood it, and knew it was defeated. thev
The wood is it strong?
-
y
of metal raised a cry of excitement to which all their previous shouting
Lined with sheets
And the windows too? had been whispers.
On pressed the people from the front -
on, on, on, in
Yes, and the windows. a strons
the desperate murderer, throwing open struggling crowd of angry voices, with here and there a lamp to
Do your worst!' cried
the crowd. Tl cheat you yet!' show them in their anger. Each little bridge bent beneath the
the window and facing
weight of the crowd on top of it. It seemed as though the whole
There shout from the angry crowd. Some called to those
was a
who were nearest to set the house o n fire; others begged the city had poured its population out to see his end.
Among them all, n o n e showed such Sikes was, by this time, thoroughly frightened by the violence
officers to shoot him dead.
of the crowd. But then he jumped to his feet, determined to
anger as a man on horseback who burst through the crowd and
a ladder!' make one last effort to save his life by dropping into the mud,
cried, Twenty pounds to the m a n who brings
even at the risk of drowning in it.
The voices took up the cry, and hundreds repeated it.
nearest
Some called for ladders, some for heavy hammers, and all moved With new strength and energy, he fixed one end of the rope
backwards and forwards, in the darkness below, like a tightly round the chimney. With the other end he madea noose.
excitedly
field of corn moved by an angry wind. He could put it round his waist and lower himself down to the
Give me a rope, a long rope, cried the murderer, as he came ground. Then he could cut the rope and jump the last few feet.
back into the room, They're all in front. I may be able to drop He put the noose over his head, and was about to place it
into the water at the back, and escape that way. Give me a rope, round his body when suddenly he cried: The eyes agai!"
or I shall do three more murders and kill myself. Stepping back as if struck by lightning, he lost his balance and
The frightened men pointed to where the ropes were kept. dropped from the roof. The noose was round his neck. He fell for
Sikes quickly chose the longest and strongest and hurried up to thirty-five feet. Then he stopped. There was a terrible shaking of
the roof. his whole body, and there he hung. with the knife held tightly in
All the windows at the back of the house had been bricked up his lifeless hand.
long ago, except a small one in the room where Charley Bates
was locked. And from this window he had never
stopped calling
on the crowd to
guard the back. And thus when the murderer
appeared at last by the door in the roof, a loud shout declared
fact to those in front, and the
they immediately began to pour rouna,
pressing on each other in an unbroken streanm.
108 109
 Chapter 29 Fagin's Last Hours
and tried to collect his thoughts. After a
began to while he
remembe a few words of what the
judge had said. These
The court was packed with people. The eyes of all were fva fell into their proper places, and by
gradually fell degrees suggested
He stood in the dock, with his head hela gra In little while he had the whole
upon one man
-

Fag1n.
that fell from the
more.
a
speech,
delivered. To be hanged by the neck till he was dead
as it almost thar was
enable him to catch every word
forward to
the neck till he was dead
jury. At times he the end. To be hanged by
he delivered his speech to the
judge's lips as

turned his eyes sharply on the observers to note the effect of the As it got dark, he began to think of all the men he had known
judge's words on them. At other times looked towards his
he who had died like that, some of them as a result of information
he would, then, say somethin griven by him to the authorities. He had seen some of them die.
lawyer in a silent appeal that
even

in his favour. He had hardly moved since the trial began; and now and had joked too because they died with prayers on their lips.
that the judge ceased to speak, he remained in the same atitude Some of them might have been in that same
that cell -

sat on
of close attention as though he as still listening. same spot. It was very dark; why didn't they bring a light? He
A slight noise in the court brought him back to reality. began to beat with his hands on the heavy door. Eventually two
Looking round, he saw the members of the jury turning together men appeared, one carry1ng a candle which he put into
an iron
to consider their decision. He looked around him; he could see candlestick fixed to the wall, the other dragging in some
the people rising above each other to see his face. In not one face bedclothes on which to pass the night, for the prisoner was to be
could he read the faintest sympathy with himself. Looking back, left alone no more.
he saw that the jury had turned towards the judge. He could learn
nothing from their faces; they might as well have been of stone.
The courtroom fell silent- not a sound could be heard. Then Saturday night. He had only one more night to live. And as he
came the single thought of this, the day broke - Sunday.
word,'Guilty!"
The building rang with a tremendous shout, and another, and
another. When silence was restored Fagin was asked if he had
anything to say about why sentence of death should not be passed The criminal was seated on his bed, rocking himselt trom
upon him. He had withdrawn into his silent attitude; the question Side, with a face more like that of a trapped animal than that of a
was
repeated to him twice before he could answer, and then al man. His mind was
wandering to his old life, and he talked to
he could
say
was that he was an old man an old man. nimselt constantly, apparently unconscious of the presence ot his
They led him out of the courtroom through another room well done! Oliver, too, ha! ha. ha:
where some
guards: 'Good boy, Charley
prisoners were waiting for their trials, and through a Quite the gentleman now quite the - -

dark passage into the

prison. Fagin, said the guard. Fagin, Fagin! Here's somebody wno
Here he was searched in case he had some means of kiung Wants to
speak to you. Now sir, he said, as Mr Brownlow enterc
himself; then he was led to his cell, where he
was left alone.
tell him what you want quickly, if you please, for he grows wOrse
He sat down on a stone bench which served for seat and bed, as time goes on.

110 111
 You have some papers, said Mr Brownlow, advancing,'whiel far Oliver's return. But Mr
Grimwig always insisted that
were placed in your hands for better security by a man called
fcOme back. At this the two old Oliver
gentlemen laughed loudly.
Monks. A Mrs Bumble lost their positions masters
as
It's all a lic, replied Fagin.'I haven't any papers. and of the
suorkhouse were gradually reduced to great
povert
For the love of God. said Mr Brownlow, 'do not say that now
Anally became residens n hat
CTy same
workhouse
You know that Sikes is dead; that Monks has told us everything: of which
been
they had once masters.
that there is no hope of any further gain. Where are those papers? AsMr Giles and Brittles, they still remain in
to
their old pOsts.
The papers, said Fagin, 'are in a parcel in a hole a little way up They divide their attentions so equally between the
the chimney in the front room at the top. households
af the Maylies and Mr Brownlow that to this
nothing else ask him, sir? inquired the day the villagers
Have you to
guard have never been able tO discover to which
household they
No. thank you, replied Mr Brownlow.
properly belong.

Chapter 30 Conclusion

The fortunes of those who have figured in this

story are nearly
closed. The little that remains can be told in a few,
simple words.
Mr Brownlow adopted Oliver as his son, and moved with
him
and old Mrs Bedwin to within a mile of the house of Mrs
Maylie
and Rose. Thus the only remaining wish of Oliver's warm
heart,
to be near his
friends, was granted.
Monks, still bearing that assumed name, took the share of the
money Mr Brownlow allowed him to keep and travelled to a
distant part of the New World. Here he
quickly wasted his wealth
and once more fell into his old life of
crime. It did not take long
for him to find himself in
prison, where he died. In the same
manner died the chief
remaining members of Fagin's band. But
Charley Bates, shocked by Sikes's crime, turned his back on his
past life and succeeded at last in
now the most cheerful
becoming a farmer's boy; he is
young labourer in the south of England.
Mr Grimwig and IDr
Losberne became very close friends. Mr
Brownlow often joked with
Grimwig and reminded him of the
night on which they sat with the watch between
them, waiting
112