Theyounggentelmansmiled，asiftointimatethatthelatterfragmentsofdiscoursewereplayfullyironical；andfinishedthebeerashedidso。
　　Thisunexpectedofferofshelterwastootemptingtoberesisted；
　　especiallyasitwasimmediatelyfollowedup，bytheassurancethattheoldgentlemanreferredto，woulddoubtlessprovideOliverwithacomfortableplace，withoutlossoftime。Thisledtoamorefriendlyandconfidentialdialogue；fromwhichOliverdiscoveredthathisfriend'snamewasJackDawkins，andthathewasapeculiarpetandprotegeoftheelderlygentlemanbeforementioned。
　　Mr。Dawkin'sappearancedidnotsayavastdealinfavourofthecomfortswhichhispatron'sinterestobtainedforthosewhomhetookunderhisprotection；but，ashehadaratherflightlyanddissolutemodeofconversing，andfurthermoreavowedthatamonghisintimatefriendshewasbetterknownbythesobriquetof'TheArtfulDodger，'Oliverconcludedthat，beingofadissipatedandcarelessturn，themoralpreceptsofhisbenefactorhadhithertobeenthrownawayuponhim。Underthisimpression，hesecretlyresolvedtocultivatethegoodopinionoftheoldgentlemanasquicklyaspossible；and，ifhefoundtheDodgerincorrigible，ashemorethanhalfsuspectedheshould，todeclinethehonourofhisfartheracquaintance。
　　AsJohnDawkinsobjectedtotheirenteringLondonbeforenightfall，itwasnearlyeleveno'clockwhentheyreachedtheturnpikeatIslington。TheycrossedfromtheAngelintoSt。
　　John'sRoad；struckdownthesmallstreetwhichterminatesatSadler'sWellsTheatre；throughExmouthStreetandCoppiceRow；
　　downthelittlecourtbythesideoftheworkhouse；acrosstheclassicgroundwhichonceborethenameofHockley-in-the-Hole；
　　thenceintoLittleSaffronHill；andsointoSaffronHilltheGreat:alongwhichtheDodgerscuddedatarapidpace，directingOlivertofollowcloseathisheels。
　　AlthoughOliverhadenoughtooccupyhisattentioninkeepingsightofhisleader，hecouldnothelpbestowingafewhastyglancesoneithersideoftheway，ashepassedalong。Adirtierormorewretchedplacehehadneverseen。Thestreetwasverynarrowandmuddy，andtheairwasimpregnatedwithfilthyodours。
　　Therewereagoodmanysmallshops；buttheonlystockintradeappearedtobeheapsofchildren，who，evenatthattimeofnight，werecrawlinginandoutatthedoors，orscreamingfromtheinside。Thesoleplacesthatseemedtoprosperamidthegeneralblightoftheplace，werethepublic-houses；andinthem，thelowestordersofIrishwerewranglingwithmightandmain。
　　Coveredwaysandyards，whichhereandtheredivergedfromthemainstreet，disclosedlittleknotsofhouses，wheredrunkenmenandwomenwerepositivelywallowinginfilth；andfromseveralofthedoor-ways，greatill-lookingfellowswerecautiouslyemerging，bound，toallappearance，onnoverywell-disposedorharmlesserrands。
　　Oliverwasjustconsideringwhetherhehadn'tbetterrunaway，whentheyreachedthebottomofthehill。Hisconductor，catchinghimbythearm，pushedopenthedoorofahousenearFieldLane；anddrawinghimintothepassage，closeditbehindthem。
　　'Now，then！'criedavoicefrombelow，inreplytoawhistlefromtheDodger。
　　'Plummyandslam！'wasthereply。
　　Thisseemedtobesomewatchwordorsignalthatallwasright；
　　forthelightofafeeblecandlegleamedonthewallattheremoteendofthepassage；andaman'sfacepeepedout，fromwhereabalustradeoftheoldkitchenstaircasehadbeenbrokenaway。
　　'There'stwoonyou，'saidtheman，thrustingthecandlefartherout，andshieldinghiseyeswithhishand。'Who'sthet'otherone?'
　　'Anewpal，'repliedJackDawkins，pullingOliverforward。
　　'Wheredidhecomefrom?'
　　'Greenland。IsFaginupstairs?'
　　'Yes，he'sasortin'thewipes。Upwithyou！'Thecandlewasdrawnback，andthefacedisappeared。
　　Oliver，gropinghiswaywithonehand，andhavingtheotherfirmlygraspedbyhiscompanion，ascendedwithmuchdifficultythedarkandbrokenstairs:whichhisconductormountedwithaneaseandexpeditionthatshowedhewaswellacquaintedwiththem。
　　Hethrewopenthedoorofaback-room，anddrewOliverinafterhim。
　　Thewallsandceilingoftheroomwereperfectlyblackwithageanddirt。Therewasadealtablebeforethefire:uponwhichwereacandle，stuckinaginger-beerbottle，twoorthreepewterpots，aloafandbutter，andaplate。Inafrying-pan，whichwasonthefire，andwhichwassecuredtothemantelshelfbyastring，somesausageswerecooking；andstandingoverthem，withatoasting-forkinhishand，wasaveryoldshrivelledJew，whosevillainous-lookingandrepulsivefacewasobscuredbyaquantityofmattedredhair。Hewasdressedinagreasyflannelgown，withhisthroatbare；andseemedtobedividinghisattentionbetweenthefrying-panandtheclothes-horse，overwhichagreatnumberofsilkhandkerchiefslwerehanging。Severalroughbedsmadeofoldsacks，werehuddledsidebysideonthefloor。Seatedroundthetablewerefourorfiveboys，noneolderthantheDodger，smokinglongclaypipes，anddrinkingspiritswiththeairofmiddle-agedmen。TheseallcrowdedabouttheirassociateashewhisperedafewwordstotheJew；andthenturnedroundandgrinnedatOliver。SodidtheJewhimself，toasting-forkinhand。
　　'Thisishim，Fagin，'saidJackDawkins；'myfriendOliverTwist。'
　　TheJewgrinned；and，makingalowobeisancetoOliver，tookhimbythehand，andhopedheshouldhavethehonourofhisintimateacquaintance。Uponthis，theyounggentlemanwiththepipescameroundhim，andshookbothhishandsveryhard——especiallytheoneinwhichheheldhislittlebundle。Oneyounggentlemanwasveryanxioustohanguphiscapforhim；andanotherwassoobligingastoputhishandsinhispockets，inorderthat，ashewasverytired，hemightnothavethetroubleofemptyingthem，himself，whenhewenttobed。Thesecivilitieswouldprobablybeextendedmuchfarther，butforaliberalexerciseoftheJew'stoasting-forkontheheadsandshouldersoftheaffectionateyouthswhoofferedthem。
　　'Weareverygladtoseeyou，Oliver，very，'saidtheJew。
　　'Dodger，takeoffthesausages；anddrawatubnearthefireforOliver。Ah，you'rea-staringatthepocket-handkerchiefs！eh，mydear。Thereareagoodmanyof'em，ain'tthere?We'vejustlooked'emout，readyforthewash；that'sall，Oliver；that'sall。Ha！ha！ha！'
　　Thelatterpartofthisspeech，washailedbyaboisterousshoutfromallthehopefulpupilsofthemerryoldgentleman。Inthemidstofwhichtheywenttosupper。
　　Oliveratehisshare，andtheJewthenmixedhimaglassofhotgin-and-water:tellinghimhemustdrinkitoffdirectly，becauseanothergentlemanwantedthetumbler。Oliverdidashewasdesired。Immediatelyafterwardshefelthimselfgentlyliftedontooneofthesacks；andthenhesunkintoadeepsleep。
　　CHAPTERIX
　　CONTAININGFURTHERPARTICULARSCONCERNINGTHEPLEASANTOLD
　　GENTLEMAN，ANDHISHOPEFULPUPILS
　　ItwaslatenextmorningwhenOliverawoke，fromasound，longsleep。TherewasnootherpersonintheroombuttheoldJew，whowasboilingsomecoffeeinasaucepanforbreakfast，andwhistlingsoftlytohimselfashestirreditroundandround，withanironspoon。Hewouldstopeverynowandthentolistenwhentherewastheleastnoisebelow:andwhenhehadsatistifiedhimself，hewouldgoonwhistlingandstirringagain，asbefore。
　　AlthoughOliverhadrousedhimselffromsleep，hewasnotthoroughlyawake。Thereisadrowsystate，betweensleepingandwaking，whenyoudreammoreinfiveminuteswithyoureyeshalfopen，andyourselfhalfconsciousofeverythingthatispassingaroundyou，thanyouwouldinfivenightswithyoureyesfastclosed，andyoursenseswraptinperfectunconsciousness。Atsuchtime，amortalknowsjustenoughofwhathismindisdoing，toformsomeglimmeringconceptionofitsmightypowers，itsboundingfromearthandspurningtimeandspace，whenfreedfromtherestraintofitscorporealassociate。
　　Oliverwaspreciselyinthiscondition。HesawtheJewwithhishalf-closedeyes；heardhislowwhistling；andrecognisedthesoundofthespoongratingagainstthesaucepan'ssides:andyettheself-samesenseswerementallyengaged，atthesametime，inbusyactionwithalmosteverybodyhehadeverknown。
　　Whenthecoffeewasdone，theJewdrewthesaucepantothehob。
　　Standing，theninanirresoluteattitudeforafewminutes，asifhedidnotwellknowhowtoemployhimself，heturnedroundandlookedatOliver，andcalledhimbyhisname。Hedidnotanswer，andwastoallappearancesasleep。
　　Aftersatisfiyinghimselfuponthishead，theJewsteppedgentlytothedoor:whichhefastened。Hethendrewforth:asitseemedtoOliver，fromsometrapinthefloor:asmallbox，whichheplacedcarefullyonthetable。Hiseyesglistenedasheraisedthelid，andlookedin。Dragginganoldchairtothetable，hesatdown；andtookfromitamagnificentgoldwatch，sparklingwithjewels。
　　'Aha！'saidtheJew，shrugginguphisshoulders，anddistortingeveryfeaturewithahideousgrin。'Cleverdogs！Cleverdogs！
　　Staunchtothelast！Nevertoldtheoldparsonwheretheywere。
　　NeverpoacheduponoldFagin！Andwhyshouldthey?Itwouldn'thaveloosenedtheknot，orkeptthedropup，aminutelonger。
　　No，no，no！Finefellows！Finefellows！'
　　Withthese，andothermutteredreflectionsofthelikenature，theJewoncemoredepositedthewatchinitsplaceofsafety。Atleasthalfadozenmorewereseverallydrawnforthfromthesamebox，andsurveyedwithequalpleasure；besidesrings，brooches，bracelet，andotherarticlesofjewellery，ofsuchmagnificentmaterials，andcostlyworkmanship，thatOliverhadnoidea，evenoftheirnames。
　　Havingreplacedthesetrinkets，theJewtookoutanother:sosmallthatitlayinthepalmofhishand。Thereseemedtobesomeveryminuteinscriptiononit；fortheJewlaiditflatuponthetable，andshadingitwithhishand，poredoverit，longandearnestly。Atlengthheputitdown，asifdespairingofsuccess；and，leaningbackinhischair，muttered:
　　'Whatafinethingcapitalpunishmentis！Deadmenneverrepent；
　　deadmenneverbringawkwardstoriestolight。Ah，it'safinethingforthetrade！Fiveof'emstrungupinarow，andnonelefttoplaybooty，orturnwhite-livered！'
　　AstheJewutteredthesewords，hisbrightdarkeyes，whichhadbeenstaringvacantlybeforehim，fellonOliver'sface；theboy'seyeswerefixedonhisinmutecuriousity；andalthoughtherecognitionwasonlyforaninstant——forthebriefestspaceoftimethatcanpossiblybeconceived——itwasenoughtoshowtheoldmanthathehadbeenobserved。
　　Heclosedthelidoftheboxwithaloudcrash；and，layinghishandonabreadknifewhichwasonthetable，startedfuriouslyup。Hetrembledverymuchthough；for，eveninhisterror，Olivercouldseethattheknifequiveredintheair。
　　'What'sthat?'saidtheJew。'Whatdoyouwatchmefor?Whyareyouawake?Whathaveyouseen?Speakout，boy！Quick——quick！
　　foryourlife。
　　'Iwasn'tabletosleepanylonger，sir，'repliedOliver，meekly。
　　'IamverysorryifIhavedisturbedyou，sir。'
　　'Youwerenotawakeanhourago?'saidtheJew，scowlingfiercelyontheboy。
　　'No！No，indeed！'repliedOliver。
　　'Areyousure?'criedtheJew:withastillfiercerlookthanbefore:andathreateningattitude。
　　'UponmywordIwasnot，sir，'repliedOliver，earnestly。'Iwasnot，indeed，sir。'
　　'Tush，tush，mydear！'saidtheJew，abruptlyresuminghisoldmanner，andplayingwiththeknifealittle，beforehelaiditdown；asiftoinducethebeliefthathehadcaughtitup，inmeresport。'OfcourseIknowthat，mydear。Ionlytriedtofrightenyou。You'reabraveboy。Ha！ha！you'reabraveboy，Oliver。'TheJewrubbedhishandswithachuckle，butglanceduneasilyatthebox，notwithstanding。
　　'Didyouseeanyoftheseprettythings，mydear?'saidtheJew，layinghishanduponitafterashortpause。
　　'Yes，sir，'repliedOliver。
　　'Ah！'saidtheJew，turningratherpale。'They——they'remine，Oliver；mylittleproperty。AllIhavetoliveupon，inmyoldage。Thefolkscallmeamiser，mydear。Onlyamiser；that'sall。'
　　Oliverthoughttheoldgentlemanmustbeadecidedmisertoliveinsuchadirtyplace，withsomanywatches；but，thinkingthatperhapshisfondnessfortheDodgerandtheotherboys，costhimagooddealofmoney，heonlycastadeferentiallookattheJew，andaskedifhemightgetup。
　　'Certainly，mydear，certainly，'repliedtheoldgentleman。
　　'Stay。There'sapitcherofwaterinthecornerbythedoor。
　　Bringithere；andI'llgiveyouabasintowashin，mydear。'
　　Olivergotup；walkedacrosstheroom；andstoopedforaninstanttoraisethepitcher。Whenheturnedhishead，theboxwasgone。
　　Hehadscarcelywashedhimself，andmadeeverythingtidy，byemptyingthebasinoutofthewindow，agreeablytotheJew'sdirections，whentheDodgerreturned:accompaniedbyaverysprightlyyoungfriend，whomOliverhadseensmokingonthepreviousnight，andwhowasnowformallyintroducedtohimasCharleyBates。Thefoursatdown，tobreakfast，onthecoffee，andsomehotrollsandhamwhichtheDodgerhadbroughthomeinthecrownofhishat。
　　'Well，'saidtheJew，glancingslylyatOliver，andaddressinghimselftotheDodger，'Ihopeyou'vebeenatworkthismorning，mydears?'
　　'Hard，'repliedtheDodger。
　　'Asnails，'addedCharleyBates。
　　'Goodboys，goodboys！'saidtheJew。'Whathaveyougot，Dodger?'
　　'Acoupleofpocket-books，'repliedthatyounggentlman。
　　'Lined?'inquiredtheJew，witheagerness。
　　'Prettywell，'repliedtheDodger，producingtwopocket-books；
　　onegreen，andtheotherred。
　　'Notsoheavyastheymightbe，'saidtheJew，afterlookingattheinsidescarefully；'butveryneatandnicelymade。Ingeniousworkman，ain'the，Oliver?'
　　'Veryindeed，sir，'saidOliver。AtwhichMr。CharlesBateslaugheduproariously；verymuchtotheamazementofOliver，whosawnothingtolaughat，inanythingthathadpassed。
　　'Andwhathaveyougot，mydear?'saidFagintoCharleyBates。
　　'Wipes，'repliedMasterBates；atthesametimeproducingfourpocket-handkerchiefs。
　　'Well，'saidtheJew，inspectingthemclosely；'they'reverygoodones，very。Youhaven'tmarkedthemwell，though，Charley；sothemarksshallbepickedoutwithaneedle，andwe'llteachOliverhowtodoit。Shallus，Oliver，eh?Ha！ha！ha！'
　　'Ifyouplease，sir，'saidOliver。
　　'You'dliketobeabletomakepocket-handkerchiefsaseasyasCharleyBates，wouldn'tyou，mydear?'saidtheJew。
　　'Verymuch，indeed，ifyou'llteachme，sir，'repliedOliver。
　　MasterBatessawsomethingsoexquisitelyludicrousinthisreply，thatheburstintoanotherlaugh；whichlaugh，meetingthecoffeehewasdrinking，andcarryingitdownsomewrongchannel，verynearlyterminatedinhisprematuresuffocation。
　　'Heissojollygreen！'saidCharleywhenherecovered，asanapologytothecompanyforhisunpolitebehaviour。
　　TheDodgersaidnothing，buthesmoothedOliver'shairoverhiseyes，andsaidhe'dknowbetter，byandby；uponwhichtheoldgentleman，observingOliver'scolourmounting，changedthesubjectbyaskingwhethertherehadbeenmuchofacrowdattheexecutionthatmorning?Thismadehimwondermoreandmore；foritwasplainfromtherepliesofthetwoboysthattheyhadbothbeenthere；andOlivernaturallywonderedhowtheycouldpossiblyhavefoundtimetobesoveryindustrious。
　　Whenthebreakfastwasclearedaway；themerryoldgentlmanandthetwoboysplayedataverycuriousanduncommongame，whichwasperformedinthisway。Themerryoldgentleman，placingasnuff-boxinonepocketofhistrousers，anote-caseintheother，andawatchinhiswaistcoatpocket，withaguard-chainroundhisneck，andstickingamockdiamondpininhisshirt:
　　buttonedhiscoattightroundhim，andputtinghisspectacle-caseandhandkerchiefinhispockets，trottedupanddowntheroomwithastick，inimitationofthemannerinwhicholdgentlmenwalkaboutthestreetsanyhourintheday。Sometimeshestoppedatthefire-place，andsometimesatthedoor，makingbelievethathewasstaringwithallhismightintoshop-windows。Atsuchtimes，hewouldlookconstantlyroundhim，forfearofthieves，andwouldkeepslappingallhispocketsinturn，toseethathehadn'tlostanything，insuchaveryfunnyandnaturalmanner，thatOliverlaughedtillthetearsrandownhisface。Allthistime，thetwoboysfollowedhimcloselyabout:gettingoutofhissight，sonimbly，everytimeheturnedround，thatitwasimpossibletofollowtheirmotions。Atlast，theDodgertroduponhistoes，orranuponhisbootaccidently，whileCharleyBatesstumbledupagainsthimbehind；andinthatonemomenttheytookfromhim，withthemostextraordinaryrapidity，snuff-box，note-case，watch-guard，chain，shirt-pin，pocket-handkerchief，eventhespectacle-case。Iftheoldgentlmanfeltahandinanyoneofhispockets，hecriedoutwhereitwas；andthenthegamebeganalloveragain。
　　Whenthisgamehadbeenplayedagreatmanytimes，acoupleofyoungladiescalledtoseetheyounggentleman；oneofwhomwasnamedBet，andtheotherNancy。Theyworeagooddealofhair，notveryneatlyturnedupbehind，andwereratheruntidyabouttheshoesandstockings。Theywerenotexactlypretty，perhaps；
　　buttheyhadagreatdealofcolourintheirfaces，andlookedquitestoutandhearty。Beingremarkablyfreeandagreeableintheirmanners，Oliverthoughtthemverynicegirlsindeed。Asthereisnodoubttheywere。
　　Thevisitorsstoppedalongtime。Spiritswereproduced，inconsequenceofoneoftheyoungladiescomplainingofacoldnessinherinside；andtheconversationtookaveryconvivialandimprovingturn。Atlength，CharleyBatesexpressedhisopinionthatitwastimetopadthehoof。This，itoccurredtoOliver，mustbeFrenchforgoingout；fordirectlyafterwards，theDodger，andCharley，andthetwoyoungladies，wentawaytogether，havingbeenkindlyfurnishedbytheamiableoldJewwithmoneytospend。
　　'There，mydear，'saidFagin。'That'sapleasantlife，isn'tit?
　　Theyhavegoneoutfortheday。'
　　'Havetheydonework，sir?'inquiredOliver。
　　'Yes，'saidtheJew；'thatis，unlesstheyshouldunexpectedlycomeacrossany，whentheyareout；andtheywon'tneglectit，iftheydo，mydear，dependuponit。Make'emyourmodels，mydear。
　　Make'emyourmodels，'tappingthefire-shovelonthehearthtoaddforcetohiswords；'doeverythingtheybidyou，andtaketheiradviceinallmatters——especiallytheDodger's，mydear。
　　He'llbeagreatmanhimself，andwillmakeyouonetoo，ifyoutakepatternbyhim——Ismyhandkerchiefhangingoutofmypocket，mydear?'saidtheJew，stoppingshort。
　　'Yes，sir，'saidOliver。
　　'Seeifyoucantakeitout，withoutmyfeelingit；asyousawthemdo，whenwewereatplaythismorning。'
　　Oliverheldupthebottomofthepocketwithonehand，ashehadseentheDodgerholdit，anddrewthehandkerchieflightyoutofitwiththeother。
　　'Isitgone?'criedtheJew。
　　'Hereitis，sir，'saidOliver，showingitinhishand。
　　'You'reacleverboy，mydear，'saidtheplayfuloldgentleman，pattingOliverontheheadapprovingly。'Ineversawasharperlad。Here'sashillingforyou。Ifyougoon，inthisway，you'llbethegreatestmanofthetime。Andnowcomehere，andI'llshowyouhowtotakethemarksoutofthehandkerchiefs。'
　　Oliverwonderedwhatpickingtheoldgentleman'spocketinplay，hadtodowithhischancesofbeingagreatman。But，thinkingthattheJew，beingsomuchhissenior，mustknowbest，hefollowedhimquietlytothetable，andwassoondeeplyinvolvedinhisnewstudy。
　　CHAPTERX
　　OLIVERBECOMESBETTERACQUAINTEDWITHTHECHARACTERSOFHISNEW
　　ASSOCIATES；ANDPURCHASESEXPERIENCEATAHIGHPRICE。BEINGA
　　SHORT，BUTVERYIMPORTANTCHAPTER，INTHISHISTORY
　　Formanydays，OliverremainedintheJew'sroom，pickingthemarksoutofthepocket-handkerchief，ofwhichagreatnumberwerebroughthome，andsometimestakingpartinthegamealreadydescribed:whichthetwoboysandtheJewplayed，regularly，everymorning。Atlength，hebegantolanguishforfreshair，andtookmanyoccasionsofearnestlyentreatingtheoldgentlemantoallowhimtogoouttoworkwithhistwocompanions。
　　Oliverwasrenderedthemoreanxioustobeactivelyemployed，bywhathehadseenofthesternmoralityoftheoldgentleman'scharacter。WhenevertheDodgerorCharleyBatescamehomeatnight，empty-handed，hewouldexpatiatewithgreatvehemenceonthemiseryofidleandlazyhabits；andwouldenforceuponthemthenecessityofanactivelife，bysendingthemsupperlesstobed。Ononeoccasion，indeed，heevenwentsofarastoknockthembothdownaflightofstairs；butthiswascarryingouthisvirtuouspreceptstoanunusualextent。
　　Atlength，onemorning，Oliverobtainedthepermissionhehadsoeagerlysought。Therehadbeennohandkerchiefstoworkupon，fortwoorthreedays，andthedinnershadbeenrathermeagre。
　　Perhapsthesewerereasonsfortheoldgentleman'sgivinghisassent；but，whethertheywereorno，hetoldOliverhemightgo，andplacedhimunderthejointguardianshipofCharleyBates，andhisfriendtheDodger。
　　Thethreeboyssalliedout；theDodgerwithhiscoat-sleevestuckedup，andhishatcocked，asusual；MasterBatessaunteringalongwithhishandsinhispockets；andOliverbetweenthem，wonderingwheretheyweregoing，andwhatbranchofmanufacturehewouldbeinstructedin，first。
　　Thepaceatwhichtheywent，wassuchaverylazy，ill-lookingsaunter，thatOliversoonbegantothinkhiscompanionsweregoingtodeceivetheoldgentleman，bynotgoingtoworkatall。
　　TheDodgerhadaviciouspropensity，too，ofpullingthecapsfromtheheadsofsmallboysandtossingthemdownareas；whileCharleyBatesexhibitedsomeveryloosenotionsconcerningtherightsofproperty，bypilferingdiversapplesandonionsfromthestallsatthekennelsides，andthrustingthemintopocketswhichweresosurprisinglycapacious，thattheyseemedtounderminehiswholesuitofclothesineverydirection。Thesethingslookedsobad，thatOliverwasonthepointofdeclaringhisintentionofseekinghiswayback，inthebestwayhecould；
　　whenhisthoughtsweresuddenlydirectedintoanotherchannel，byaverymysteriouschangeofbehaviouronthepartoftheDodger。
　　TheywerejustemergingfromanarrowcourtnotfarfromtheopensquareinClerkenwell，whichisyetcalled，bysomestrangeperversionofterms，'TheGreen':whentheDodgermadeasuddenstop；and，layinghisfingeronhislip，drewhiscompanionsbackagain，withthegreatestcautionandcircumspection。
　　'What'sthematter?'demandedOliver。
　　'Hush！'repliedtheDodger。'Doyouseethatoldcoveatthebook-stall?'
　　'Theoldgentlemanovertheway?'saidOliver。'Yes，Iseehim。'
　　'He'lldo，'saidtheDoger。
　　'Aprimeplant，'observedMasterCharleyBates。
　　Oliverlookedfromonetotheother，withthegreatestsurprise；
　　buthewasnotpermittedtomakeanyinquiries；forthetwoboyswalkedstealthilyacrosstheroad，andslunkclosebehindtheoldgentlemantowardswhomhisattentionhadbeendirected。Oliverwalkedafewpacesafterthem；and，notknowingwhethertoadvanceorretire，stoodlookingoninsilentamazement。
　　Theoldgentlemanwasaveryrespectable-lookingpersonage，withapowderedheadandgoldspectacles。Hewasdressedinabottle-greencoatwithablackvelvetcollar；worewhitetrousers；andcarriedasmartbamboocaneunderhisarm。Hehadtakenupabookfromthestall，andtherehestood，readingaway，ashardasifhewereinhiselbow-chair，inhisownstudy。Itisverypossiblethathefanciedhimselfthere，indeed；foritwasplain，fromhisabstraction，thathesawnotthebook-stall，northestreet，northeboys，nor，inshort，anythingbutthebookitself:whichhewasreadingstraightthrough:turningovertheleafwhenhegottothebottomofapage，beginningatthetoplineofthenextone，andgoingregularlyon，withthegreatestinterestandeagerness。
　　WhatwasOliver'shorrorandalarmashestoodafewpacesoff，lookingonwithhiseyelidsaswideopenastheywouldpossiblygo，toseetheDodgerplungehishandintotheoldgentleman'spocket，anddrawfromthenceahandkerchief！ToseehimhandthesametoCharleyBates；andfinallytobeholdthem，bothrunningawayroundthecorneratfullspeed！
　　Inaninstantthewholemysteryofthehankerchiefs，andthewatches，andthejewels，andtheJew，rushedupontheboy'smind。
　　Hestood，foramoment，withthebloodsotinglingthroughallhisveinsfromterror，thathefeltasifhewereinaburningfire；then，confusedandfrightened，hetooktohisheels；and，notknowingwhathedid，madeoffasfastashecouldlayhisfeettotheground。
　　Thiswasalldoneinaminute'sspace。IntheveryinstantwhenOliverbegantorun，theoldgentleman，puttinghishandtohispocket，andmissinghishandkerchief，turnedsharpround。Seeingtheboyscuddingawayatsucharapidpace，heverynaturallyconcludedhimtobethedepredator；andshouting'Stopthief！'
　　withallhismight，madeoffafterhim，bookinhand。
　　Buttheoldgentlemanwasnottheonlypersonwhoraisedthehue-and-cry。TheDodgerandMasterBates，unwillingtoattractpublicattentionbyrunningdowntheopenstreet，hadmerelyreturedintotheveryfirstdoorwayroundthecorner。Theynosoonerheardthecry，andsawOliverrunning，than，guessingexactlyhowthematterstood，theyissuedforthwithgreatpromptitude；and，shouting'Stopthief！'too，joinedinthepursuitlikegoodcitizens。
　　AlthoughOliverhadbeenbroughtupbyphilosophers，hewasnottheoreticallyacquaintedwiththebeautifulaxiomthatself-preservationisthefirstlawofnature。Ifhehadbeen，perhapshewouldhavebeenpreparedforthis。Notbeingprepared，however，italarmedhimthemore；soawayhewentlikethewind，withtheoldgentlemanandthetwoboysroaringandshoutingbehindhim。
　　'Stopthief！Stopthief！'Thereisamagicinthesound。Thetradesmanleaveshiscounter，andthecar-manhiswaggon；thebutcherthrowsdownhistray；thebakerhisbasket；themilkmanhispail；theerrand-boyhisparcels；theschool-boyhismarbles；
　　thepaviourhispickaxe；thechildhisbattledore。Awaytheyrun，pell-mell，helter-skelter，slap-dash:tearing，yelling，screaming，knockingdownthepassengersastheyturnthecorners，rousingupthedogs，andastonishingthefowls:andstreets，squares，andcourts，re-echowiththesound。
　　'Stopthief！Stopthief！'Thecryistakenupbyahundredvoices，andthecrowdaccumulateateveryturning。Awaytheyfly，splashingthroughthemud，andrattlingalongthepavements:
　　upgothewindows，outrunthepeople，onwardbearthemob，awholeaudiencedesertPunchintheverythickestoftheplot，and，joiningtherushingthrong，swelltheshout，andlendfreshvigourtothecry，'Stopthief！Stopthief！'
　　'Stopthief！Stopthief！'ThereisapassionFORHUNTING
　　SOMETHINGdeeplyimplantedinthehumanbreast。Onewretchedbreathlesschild，pantingwithexhaustion；terrorinhislooks；
　　agaonyinhiseyes；largedropsofperspirationstreamingdownhisface；strainseverynervetomakeheaduponhispursuers；andastheyfollowonhistrack，andgainuponhimeveryinstant，theyhailhisdecreasingstrengthwithjoy。'Stopthief！'Ay，stophimforGod'ssake，wereitonlyinmercy！
　　Stoppedatlast！Acleverblow。Heisdownuponthepavement；
　　andthecrowdeagerlygatherroundhim:eachnewcomer，jostlingandstrugglingwiththeotherstocatchaglimpse。'Standaside！''Givehimalittleair！''Nonsense！hedon'tdeserveit。''Where'sthegentleman?''Herehisis，comingdownthestreet。''Makeroomthereforthegentleman！''Isthistheboy，sir！''Yes。'
　　Oliverlay，coveredwithmudanddust，andbleedingfromthemouth，lookingwildlyroundupontheheapoffacesthatsurroundedhim，whentheoldgentlemanwasofficiouslydraggedandpushedintothecirclebytheforemostofthepursuers。
　　'Yes，'saidthegentleman，'Iamafraiditistheboy。'
　　'Afraid！'murmuredthecrowd。'That'sagood'un！'
　　'Poorfellow！'saidthegentleman，'hehashurthimself。'
　　'_I_didthat，sir，'saidagreatlubberlyfellow，steppingforward；'andpreciouslyIcutmyknuckleagin'hismouth。I
　　stoppedhim，sir。'
　　Thefollowtouchedhishatwithagrin，expectingsomethingforhispains；but，theoldgentleman，eyeinghimwithanexpressionofdislike，lookanxiouslyround，asifhecontemplatedrunningawayhimself:whichitisverypossiblehemighthaveattemptedtodo，andthushaveaffordedanotherchase，hadnotapoliceofficerwhoisgenerallythelastpersontoarriveinsuchcasesatthatmomentmadehiswaythroughthecrowd，andseizedOliverbythecollar。
　　'Come，getup，'saidtheman，roughly。
　　'Itwasn'tmeindeed，sir。Indeed，indeed，itwastwootherboys，'saidOliver，claspinghishandspassionately，andlookinground。'Theyareheresomewhere。'
　　'Ohno，theyain't，'saidtheofficer。Hemeantthistobeironical，butitwastruebesides；fortheDodgerandCharleyBateshadfiledoffdownthefirstconvenientcourttheycameto。
　　'Come，getup！'
　　'Don'thurthim，'saidtheoldgentleman，compassionately。
　　'Ohno，Iwon'thurthim，'repliedtheofficer，tearinghisjackethalfoffhisback，inproofthereof。'Come，Iknowyou；
　　itwon'tdo。Willyoustanduponyourlegs，youyoungdevil?'
　　Oliver，whocouldhardlystand，madeashifttoraisehimselfonhisfeet，andwasatonceluggedalongthestreetsbythejacket-collar，atarapidpace。Thegentlemanwalkedonwiththembytheofficer'sside；andasmanyofthecrowdascouldachievethefeat，gotalittleahead，andstaredbackatOliverfromtimetotime。Theboysshoutedintriumph；andontheywent。
　　CHAPTERXI
　　TREATSOFMR。FANGTHEPOLICEMAGISTRATE；ANDFURNISHESASLIGHT
　　SPECIMENOFHISMODEOFADMINISTERINGJUSTICE
　　Theoffencehadbeencommittedwithinthedistrict，andindeedintheimmediateneighborhoodof，averynotoriousmetropolitanpoliceoffice。ThecrowdhadonlythesatisfactionofaccompanyingOliverthroughtwoorthreestreets，anddownaplacecalledMuttonHill，whenhewasledbeneathalowarchway，andupadirtycourt，intothisdispensaryofsummaryjustice，bythebackway。Itwasasmallpavedyardintowhichtheyturned；
　　andheretheyencounteredastoutmanwithabunchofwhiskersonhisface，andabunchofkeysinhishand。
　　'What'sthematternow?'saidthemancarelessly。
　　'Ayoungfogle-hunter，'repliedthemanwhohadOliverincharge。
　　'Areyouthepartythat'sbeenrobbed，sir?'inquiredthemanwiththekeys。
　　'Yes，Iam，'repliedtheoldgentleman；'butIamnotsurethatthisboyactuallytookthehandkerchief。I——Iwouldrathernotpressthecase。'
　　'Mustgobeforethemagistratenow，sir，'repliedtheman。'Hisworshipwillbedisengagedinhalfaminute。Now，younggallows！'
　　ThiswasaninvitationforOlivertoenterthroughadoorwhichheunlockedashespoke，andwhichledintoastonecell。Herehewassearched；andnothingbeingfounduponhim，lockedup。
　　Thiscellwasinshapeandsizesomethinglikeanareacellar，onlynotsolight。Itwasmostintolablydirty；foritwasMondaymorning；andithadbeentenantedbysixdrunkenpeople，whohadbeenlockedup，elsewhere，sinceSaturdaynight。Butthisislittle。Inourstation-houses，menandwomenareeverynightconfinedonthemosttrivialcharges——thewordisworthnoting——indungeons，comparedwithwhich，thoseinNewgate，occupiedbythemostatrociousfelons，tried，foundguilty，andundersentenceofdeath，arepalaces。Letanyonewhodoubtsthis，comparethetwo。
　　TheoldgentlemanlookedalmostasruefulasOliverwhenthekeygratedinthelock。Heturnedwithasightothebook，whichhadbeentheinnocentcauseofallthisdisturbance。
　　'Thereissomethinginthatboy'sface，'saidtheoldgentlemantohimselfashewalkedslowlyaway，tappinghischinwiththecoverofthebook，inathoughtfulmanner；'somethingthattouchesandinterestsme。CANhebeinnocent?Helookedlike——Byethebye，'exclaimedtheoldgentleman，haltingveryabruptly，andstaringupintothesky，'Blessmysoul！——wherehaveIseensomethinglikethatlookbefore?'
　　Aftermusingforsomeminutes，theoldgentlemanwalked，withthesamemeditativeface，intoabackanteroomopeningfromtheyard；
　　andthere，retiringintoacorner，calledupbeforehismind'seyeavastamphitheatreoffacesoverwhichaduskycurtainhadhungformanyyears。'No，'saidtheoldgentleman，shakinghishead；'itmustbeimagination。
　　Hewanderedoverthemagain。Hehadcalledthemintoview，anditwasnoteasytoreplacetheshroudthathadsolongconcealedthem。Therewerethefacesoffriends，andfoes，andofmanythathadbeenalmoststrangerspeeringintrusivelyfromthecrowd；therewerethefacesofyoungandbloominggirlsthatwerenowoldwomen；therewerefacesthatthegravehadchangedandclosedupon，butwhichthemind，superiortoitspower，stilldressedintheiroldfreshnessandbeauty，callingbackthelustreoftheeyes，thebrightnessofthesmile，thebeamingofthesoulthroughitsmaskofclay，andwhisperingofbeautybeyondthetomb，changedbuttobeheightened，andtakenfromearthonlytobesetupasalight，toshedasoftandgentleglowuponthepathtoHeaven。
　　ButtheoldgentlemancouldrecallnoonecountenanceofwhichOliver'sfeaturesboreatrace。So，heheavedasighovertherecollectionsheawakened；andbeing，happilyforhimself，anabsentoldgentleman，buriedthemagaininthepagesofthemustybook。
　　Hewasrousedbyatouchontheshoulder，andarequestfromthemanwiththekeystofollowhimintotheoffice。Heclosedhisbookhastily；andwasatonceusheredintotheimposingpresenceoftherenownedMr。Fang。
　　Theofficewasafrontparlour，withapanelledwall。Mr。Fangsatbehindabar，attheupperend；andononesidethedoorwasasortofwoodenpeninwhichpoorlittleOliverwasalreadydeposited；tremblingverymuchattheawfulnessofthescene。
　　Mr。Fangwasalean，long-backed，stiff-necked，middle-sizedman，withnogreatquantityofhair，andwhathehad，growingonthebackandsidesofhishead。Hisfacewasstern，andmuchflushed。Ifhewerereallynotinthehabitofdrinkingrathermorethanwasexactlygoodforhim，hemighthavebroughtactionagainsthiscountenanceforlibel，andhaverecoveredheavydamages。
　　Theoldgentlemanbowedrespectfully；andadvancingtothemagistrate'sdesk，saidsuitingtheactiontotheword，'Thatismynameandaddress，sir。'Hethenwithdrewapaceortwo；and，withanotherpoliteandgentlemanlyinclinationofthehead，waitedtobequestioned。
　　Now，itsohappenedthatMr。Fangwasatthatmomentperusingaleadingarticleinanewspaperofthemorning，advertingtosomerecentdecisionofhis，andcommendinghim，forthethreehundredandfiftiethtime，tothespecialandparticularnoticeoftheSecretaryofStatefortheHomeDepartment。Hewasoutoftemper；andhelookedupwithanangryscowl。
　　'Whoareyou?'saidMr。Fang。
　　Theoldgentlemanpointed，withsomesurprise，tohiscard。
　　'Officer！'saidMr。Fang，tossingthecardcontemptuouslyawaywiththenewspaper。'Whoisthisfellow?'
　　'Myname，sir，'saidtheoldgentleman，speakingLIKEagentleman，'myname，sir，isBrownlow。Permitmetoinquirethenameofthemagistratewhooffersagratuitousandunprovokedinsulttoarespectableperson，undertheprotectionofthebench。'Sayingthis，Mr。Brownlowlookedaroundtheofficeasifinsearchofsomepersonwhowouldaffordhimtherequiredinformation。
　　'Officer！'saidMr。Fang，throwingthepaperononeside，'what'sthisfellowchargedwith?'
　　'He'snotchargedatall，yourworship，'repliedtheofficer。'Heappearsagainstthisboy，yourworship。'
　　Hisworshpknewthisperfectlywell；butitwasagoodannoyance，andasafeone。
　　'Appearsagainsttheboy，doeshe?'saidMr。Fang，surveyingMr。
　　Brownlowcontemptuouslyfromheadtofoot。'Swearhim！'
　　'BeforeIamsworn，Imustbegtosayoneword，'saidMr。
　　Brownlow；'andthatis，thatIreallynever，withoutactualexperience，couldhavebelieved——'
　　'Holdyourtongue，sir！'saidMr。Fang，peremptorily。
　　'Iwillnot，sir！'repliedtheoldgentleman。
　　'Holdyourtonguethisinstant，orI'llhaveyouturnedoutoftheoffice！'saidMr。Fang。'You'reaninsolentimpertinentfellow。Howdareyoubullyamagistrate！'
　　'What！'exclaimedtheoldgentleman，reddening。
　　'Swearthisperson！'saidFangtotheclerk。'I'llnothearanotherword。Swearhim。'
　　Mr。Brownlow'sindignatonwasgreatlyroused；butreflectingperhaps，thathemightonlyinjuretheboybygivingventtoit，hesuppressedhisfeelingsandsubmittedtobeswornatonce。
　　'Now，'saidFang，'what'sthechargeagainstthisboy?Whathaveyougottosay，sir?'
　　'Iwasstandingatabookstall——'Mr。Brownlowbegan。
　　'Holdyourtongue，sir，'saidMr。Fang。'Policeman！Where'sthepoliceman?Here，swearthispoliceman。Now，policeman，whatisthis?'
　　Thepoliceman，withbecominghumility，relatedhowhehadtakenthecharge；howhehadsearchedOliver，andfoundnothingonhisperson；andhowthatwasallheknewaboutit。
　　'Arethereanywitnesses?'inquiredMr。Fang。
　　'None，yourworship，'repliedthepoliceman。
　　Mr。Fangsatsilentforsomeminutes，andthen，turningroundtotheprosecutor，saidinatoweringpassion。
　　'Doyoumeantostatewhatyourcomplaintagainstthisboyis，man，ordoyounot?Youhavebeensworn。Now，ifyoustandthere，refusingtogiveevidence，I'llpunishyoufordisrespecttothebench；Iwill，by——'
　　Bywhat，orbywhom，nobodyknows，fortheclerkandjailorcoughedveryloud，justattherightmoment；andtheformerdroppedaheavybookuponthefloor，thuspreventingthewordfrombeingheard——accidently，ofcourse。
　　Withmanyinterruptions，andrepeatedinsults，Mr。Brownlowcontrivedtostatehiscase；observingthat，inthesurpriseofthemoment，hehadrunaftertheboybecausehehadsawhimrunningaway；andexpressinghishopethat，ifthemagistrateshouldbelievehim，althoughnotactuallythethief，tobeconnectedwiththethieves，hewoulddealaslenientlywithhimasjusticewouldallow。
　　'Hehasbeenhurtalready，'saidtheoldgentlemaninconclusion。
　　'AndIfear，'headded，withgreatenergy，lookingtowardsthebar，'Ireallyfearthatheisill。'
　　'Oh！yes，Idaresay！'saidMr。Fang，withasneer。'Come，noneofyourtrickshere，youyoungvagabond；theywon'tdo。What'syourname?'
　　Olivertriedtoreplybuthistonguefailedhim。Hewasdeadlypale；andthewholeplaceseemedturningroundandround。
　　'What'syourname，youhardenedscoundrel?'demandedMr。Fang。
　　'Officer，what'shisname?'
　　Thiswasaddressedtoabluffoldfellow，inastripedwaistcoat，whowasstandingbythebar。HebentoverOliver，andrepeatedtheinquiry；butfindinghimreallyincapableofunderstandingthequestion；andknowingthathisnotreplyingwouldonlyinfuriatethemagistratethemore，andaddtotheseverityofhissentence；hehazardedaguess。
　　'Hesayshisname'sTomWhite，yourworship，'saidthekind-heartedthief-taker。
　　'Oh，hewon'tspeakout，won'the?'saidFang。'Verywell，verywell。Wheredoeshelive?'
　　'Wherehecan，yourworship，'repliedtheofficer；againpretendingtoreceiveOliver'sanswer。
　　'Hasheanyparents?'inquiredMr。Fang。
　　'Hesaystheydiedinhisinfancy，yourworship，'repliedtheofficer:hazardingtheusualreply。
　　Atthispointoftheinquiry，Oliverraisedhishead；and，lookingroundwithimploringeyes，murmuredafeebleprayerforadraughtofwater。
　　'Stuffandnonsense！'saidMr。Fang:'don'ttrytomakeafoolofme。'
　　'Ithinkhereallyisill，yourworship，'remonstratedtheofficer。
　　'Iknowbetter，'saidMr。Fang。
　　'Takecareofhim，officer，'saidtheoldgentleman，raisinghishandsinstinctively；'he'llfalldown。'
　　'Standaway，officer，'criedFang；'lethim，ifhelikes。'
　　Oliveravailedhimselfofthekindpermission，andfelltothefloorinafaintingfit。Themenintheofficelookedateachother，butnoonedaredtostir。
　　'Iknewhewasshamming，'saidFang，asifthiswereincontestableproofofthefact。'Lethimliethere；he'llsoonbetiredofthat。'
　　'Howdoyouproposetodealwiththecase，sir?'inquiredtheclerkinalowvoice。
　　'Summarily，'repliedMr。Fang。'Hestandscommittedforthreemonths——hardlabourofcourse。Cleartheoffice。'
　　Thedoorwasopenedforthispurpose，andacoupleofmenwerepreparingtocarrytheinsensibleboytohiscell；whenanelderlymanofdecentbutpoorappearance，cladinanoldsuitofblack，rushedhastilyintotheoffice，andadvancedtowardsthebench。
　　'Stop，stop！don'ttakehimaway！ForHeaven'ssakestopamoment！'criedthenewcomer，breathlesswithhaste。
　　AlthoughthepresidingGeniiinsuchanofficeasthis，exerciseasummaryandarbitrarypowerovertheliberties，thegoodname，thecharacter，almostthelives，ofHerMajesty'ssubjects，expeciallyofthepoorerclass；andalthough，withinsuchwalls，enoughfantastictricksaredailyplayedtomaketheangelsblindwithweeping；theyareclosedtothepublic，savethroughthemediumofthedailypress。Footnote:Orwerevirtually，then。
　　Mr。Fangwasconsequentlynotalittleindignanttoseeanunbiddenguestenterinsuchirreverentdisorder。
　　'Whatisthis?Whoisthis?Turnthismanout。Cleartheoffice！'criedMr。Fang。
　　'IWILLspeak，'criedtheman；'Iwillnotbeturnedout。Isawitall。Ikeepthebook-stall。Idemandtobesworn。Iwillnotbeputdown。Mr。Fang，youmusthearme。Youmustnotrefuse，sir。'
　　Themanwasright。Hismannerwasdetermined；andthematterwasgrowingrathertooserioustobehushedup。
　　'Sweartheman，'growledMr。Fang。withaveryillgrace。'Now，man，whathaveyougottosay?'
　　'This，'saidtheman:'Isawthreeboys:twoothersandtheprisonerhere:loiteringontheoppositesideoftheway，whenthisgentlemanwasreading。Therobberywascommittedbyanotherboy。Isawitdone；andIsawthatthisboywasperfectlyamazedandstupifiedbyit。'Havingbythistimerecoveredalittlebreath，theworthybook-stallkeeperproceededtorelate，inamorecoherentmannertheexactcircumstancesoftherobbery。
　　'Whydidn'tyoucomeherebefore?'saidFang，afterapause。
　　'Ihadn'tasoultomindtheshop，'repliedtheman。'Everybodywhocouldhavehelpedme，hadjoinedinthepursuit。Icouldgetnobodytillfiveminutesago；andI'verunherealltheway。'
　　'Theprosecutorwasreading，washe?'inquiredFang，afteranotherpause。
　　'Yes，'repliedtheman。'Theverybookhehasinhishand。'
　　'Oh，thatbook，eh?'saidFang。'Isitpaidfor?'
　　'No，itisnot，'repliedtheman，withasmile。
　　'Dearme，Iforgotallaboutit！'exclaimedtheabsentoldgentleman，innocently。
　　'Anicepersontopreferachargeagainstapoorboy！'saidFang，withacomicalefforttolookhumane。'Iconsider，sir，thatyouhaveobtainedpossessionofthatbook，underverysuspiciousanddisreputablecircumstances；andyoumaythinkyourselfveryfortunatethattheownerofthepropertydeclinestoprosecute。
　　Letthisbealessontoyou，myman，orthelawwillovertakeyouyet。Theboyisdischarged。Cleartheoffice！'
　　'D——nme！'criedtheoldgentleman，burstingoutwiththeragehehadkeptdownsolong，'d——nme！I'll——'
　　'Cleartheoffice！'saidthemagistrate。'Officers，doyouhear?
　　Cleartheoffice！'
　　Themandatewasobeyed；andtheindignantMr。Brownlowwasconveyedout，withthebookinonehand，andthebamboocaneintheother:inaperfectphrenzyofrageanddefiance。Hereachedtheyard；andhispassionvanishedinamoment。LittleOliverTwistlayonhisbackonthepavement，withhisshirtunbuttoned，andhistemplesbathedwithwater；hisfaceadeadlywhite；andacoldtrembleconvulsinghiswholeframe。
　　'Poorboy，poorboy！'saidMr。Brownlow，bendingoverhim。'Callacoach，somebody，pray。Directly！'
　　Acoachwasobtained，andOliverhavingbeencarefullylaidontheseat，theoldgentlemangotinandsathimselfontheother。
　　'MayIaccompanyyou?'saidthebook-stallkeeper，lookingin。
　　'Blessme，yes，mydearsir，'saidMr。Brownlowquickly。'I
　　forgotyou。Dear，dear！Ihavethisunhappybookstill！Jumpin。Poorfellow！There'snotimetolose。'
　　Thebook-stallkeepergotintothecoach；andawaytheydrove。
　　CHAPTERXII
　　INWHICHOLIVERISTAKENBETTERCAREOFTHANHEEVERWASBEFORE。
　　ANDINWHICHTHENARRATIVEREVERTSTOTHEMERRYOLDGENTLEMANAND
　　HISYOUTHFULFRIENDS。
　　Thecoachrattledaway，overnearlythesamegroundasthatwhichOliverhadtraversedwhenhefirstenteredLondonincompanywiththeDodger；and，turningadifferentwaywhenitreachedtheAngelatIslington，stoppedatlengthbeforeaneathouse，inaquietshadystreetnearPentonville。Here，abedwasprepared，withoutlossoftime，inwhichMr。Brownlowsawhisyoungchargecarefullyandcomfortablydeposited；andhere，hewastendedwithakindnessandsolicitudethatknewnobounds。
　　But，formanydays，Oliverremainedinsensibletoallthegoodnessofhisnewfriends。Thesunroseandsank，androseandsankagain，andmanytimesafterthat；andstilltheboylaystretchedonhisuneasybed，dwindlingawaybeneaththedryandwastingheatoffever。Thewormdoesnotworkmoresurelyonthedeadbody，thandoesthisslowcreepingfireuponthelivingframe。
　　Weak，andthin，andpallid，heawokeatlastfromwhatseemedtohavebeenalongandtroubleddream。Feeblyraisinghimselfinthebed，withhisheadrestingonhistremblingarm，helookedanxiouslyaround。
　　'Whatroomisthis?WherehaveIbeenbroughtto?'saidOliver。
　　'ThisisnottheplaceIwenttosleepin。'
　　Heutteredthesewordsinafeeblevoice，beingveryfaintandweak；buttheywereoverheardatonce。Thecurtainatthebed'sheadwashastilydrawnback，andamotherlyoldlady，veryneatlyandpreciselydressed，roseassheundrewit，fromanarm-chaircloseby，inwhichshehadbeensittingatneedle-work。
　　'Hush，mydear，'saidtheoldladysoftly。'Youmustbeveryquiet，oryouwillbeillagain；andyouhavebeenverybad，——asbadasbadcouldbe，prettynigh。Liedownagain；there'sadear！'Withthosewords，theoldladyverygentlyplacedOliver'sheaduponthepillow；and，smoothingbackhishairfromhisforehead，lookedsokindlyandlovinginhisface，thathecouldnothelpplacinghislittlewitheredhandinhers，anddrawingitroundhisneck。
　　'Saveus！'saidtheoldlady，withtearsinhereyes。'Whatagratefullittledearitis。Prettycreetur！WhatwouldhismotherfeelifshehadsatbyhimasIhave，andcouldseehimnow！'
　　'Perhapsshedoesseeme，'whisperedOliver，foldinghishandstogether；'perhapsshehassatbyme。Ialmostfeelasifshehad。'
　　'Thatwasthefever，mydear，'saidtheoldladymildly。
　　'Isupposeitwas，'repliedOliver，'becauseheavenisalongwayoff；andtheyaretoohappythere，tocomedowntothebedsideofapoorboy。ButifsheknewIwasill，shemusthavepitiedme，eventhere；forshewasveryillherselfbeforeshedied。Shecan'tknowanythingaboutmethough，'addedOliverafteramoment'ssilence。'Ifshehadseenmehurt，itwouldhavemadeheresorrowful；andherfacehasalwayslookedsweetandhappy，whenIhavedreamedofher。'
　　Theoldladymadenoreplytothis；butwipinghereyesfirst，andherspectacles，whichlayonthecounterpane，afterwards，asiftheywerepartandparcelofthosefeatures，broughtsomecoolstuffforOlivertodrink；andthen，pattinghimonthecheek，toldhimhemustlieveryquiet，orhewouldbeillagain。
　　So，Oliverkeptverystill；partlybecausehewasanxioustoobeythekindoldladyinallthings；andpartly，totellthetruth，becausehewascompletelyexhaustedwithwhathehadalreadysaid。Hesoonfellintoagentledoze，fromwhichhewasawakenedbythelightofacandle:which，beingbroughtnearthebed，showedhimagentlemanwithaverylargeandloud-tickinggoldwatchinhishand，whofelthispulse，andsaidhewasagreatdealbetter。
　　'YouAREagreatdealbetter，areyounot，mydear?'saidthegentleman。
　　'Yes，thankyou，sir，'repliedOliver。
　　'Yes，Iknowyouare，'saidthegentleman:'You'rehungrytoo，an'tyou?'
　　'No，sir，'answeredOliver。
　　'Hem！'saidthegentleman。'No，Iknowyou'renot。Heisnothungry，Mrs。Bedwin，'saidthegentleman:lookingverywise。
　　Theoldladymadearespectfulinclinationofthehead，whichseemedtosaythatshethoughtthedoctorwasaverycleverman。
　　Thedoctorappearedmuchofthesameopinionhimself。
　　'Youfeelsleepy，don'tyou，mydear?'saidthedoctor。
　　'No，sir，'repliedOliver。
　　'No，'saidthedoctor，withaveryshrewdandsatisfiedlook。
　　'You'renotsleepy。Northirsty。Areyou?'
　　'Yes，sir，ratherthirsty，'answeredOliver。
　　'JustasIexpected，Mrs。Bedwin，'saidthedoctor。'It'sverynaturalthatheshouldbethirsty。Youmaygivehimalittletea，ma'am，andsomedrytoastwithoutanybutter。Don'tkeephimtoowarm，ma'am；butbecarefulthatyoudon'tlethimbetoocold；willyouhavethegoodness?'
　　Theoldladydroppedacurtsey。Thedoctor，aftertastingthecoolstuff，andexpressingaqualifiedapprovalofit，hurriedaway:hisbootscreakinginaveryimportantandwealthymannerashewentdownstairs。
　　Oliverdozedoffagain，soonafterthis；whenheawoke，itwasnearlytwelveo'clock。Theoldladytenderlybadehimgood-nightshortlyafterwards，andlefthiminchargeofafatoldwomanwhohadjustcome:bringingwithher，inalittlebundle，asmallPrayerBookandalargenightcap。Puttingthelatteronherheadandtheformeronthetable，theoldwoman，aftertellingOliverthatshehadcometositupwithhim，drewherchairclosetothefireandwentoffintoaseriesofshortnaps，chequeredatfrequentintervalswithsundrytumblingsforward，anddiversmoansandchokings。These，however，hadnoworseeffectthancausinghertorubhernoseveryhard，andthenfallasleepagain。
　　Andthusthenightcreptslowlyon。Oliverlayawakeforsometime，countingthelittlecirclesoflightwhichthereflectionoftherushlight-shadethrewupontheceiling；ortracingwithhislanguideyestheintricatepatternofthepaperonthewall。
　　Thedarknessandthedeepstillnessoftheroomwereverysolemn；
　　astheybroughtintotheboy'smindthethoughtthatdeathhadbeenhoveringthere，formanydaysandnights，andmightyetfillitwiththegloomanddreadofhisawfulpresence，heturnedhisfaceuponthepillow，andferventlyprayedtoHeaven。
　　Gradually，hefellintothatdeeptranquilsleepwhicheasefromrecentsufferingaloneimparts；thatcalmandpeacefulrestwhichitispaintowakefrom。Who，ifthisweredeath，wouldberousedagaintoallthestrugglesandturmoilsoflife；toallitscaresforthepresent；itsanxietiesforthefuture；morethanall，itswearyrecollectionsofthepast！
　　Ithadbeenbrightday，forhours，whenOliveropenedhiseyes；
　　hefeltcheerfulandhappy。Thecrisisofthediseasewassafelypast。Hebelongedtotheworldagain。
　　Inthreedays'timehewasabletositinaneasy-chair，wellproppedupwithpillows；and，ashewasstilltooweaktowalk，Mrs。Bedwinhadhimcarrieddownstairsintothelittlehousekeeper'sroom，whichbelongedtoher。Havinghimset，here，bythefire-side，thegoodoldladysatherselfdowntoo；and，beinginastateofconsiderabledelightatseeinghimsomuchbetter，forthwithbegantocrymostviolently。
　　'Nevermindme，mydear，'saidtheoldlady；'I'monlyhavingaregulargoodcry。There；it'sallovernow；andI'mquitecomfortable。'
　　'You'revery，verykindtome，ma'am，'saidOliver。
　　'Well，neveryoumindthat，mydear，'saidtheoldlady；'that'sgotnothingtodowithyourbroth；andit'sfulltimeyouhadit；
　　forthedoctorsaysMr。Brownlowmaycomeintoseeyouthismorning；andwemustgetupourbestlooks，becausethebetterwelook，themorehe'llbepleased。'Andwiththis，theoldladyappliedherselftowarmingup，inalittlesaucepan，abasinfullofbroth:strongenough，Oliverthought，tofurnishanampledinner，whenreducedtotheregulationstrength，forthreehundredandfiftypaupers，atthelowestcomputation。
　　'Areyoufondofpictures，dear?'inquiredtheoldlady，seeingthatOliverhadfixedhiseyes，mostintently，onaportraitwhichhungagainstthewall；justoppositehischair。
　　'Idon'tquiteknow，ma'am，'saidOliver，withouttakinghiseyesfromthecanvas；'IhaveseensofewthatIhardlyknow。Whatabeautiful，mildfacethatlady'sis！'
　　'Ah！'saidtheoldlady，'paintersalwaysmakeladiesoutprettierthantheyare，ortheywouldn'tgetanycustom，child。
　　Themanthatinventedthemachinefortakinglikenessesmighthaveknownthatwouldneversucceed；it'sadealtoohonest。A
　　deal，'saidtheoldlady，laughingveryheartilyatherownacuteness。
　　'Is——isthatalikeness，ma'am?'saidOliver。
　　'Yes，'saidtheoldlady，lookingupforamomentfromthebroth；
　　'that'saportrait。'
　　'Whose，ma'am?'askedOliver。
　　'Why，really，mydear，Idon'tknow，'answeredtheoldladyinagood-humouredmanner。'It'snotalikenessofanybodythatyouorIknow，Iexpect。Itseemstostrikeyourfancy，dear。'
　　'Itissopretty，'repliedOliver。
　　'Why，sureyou'renotafraidofit?'saidtheoldlady:observingingreatsurprise，thelookofawewithwhichthechildregardedthepainting。
　　'Ohno，no，'returnedOliverquickly；'buttheeyeslooksosorrowful；andwhereIsit，theyseemfixeduponme。Itmakesmyheartbeat，'addedOliverinalowvoice，'asifitwasalive，andwantedtospeaktome，butcouldn't。'
　　'Lordsaveus！'exclaimedtheoldlady，starting；'don'ttalkinthatway，child。You'reweakandnervousafteryourillness。
　　Letmewheelyourchairroundtotheotherside；andthenyouwon'tseeit。There！'saidtheoldlady，suitingtheactiontotheword；'youdon'tseeitnow，atallevents。'
　　OliverDIDseeitinhismind'seyeasdistinctlyasifhehadnotalteredhisposition；buthethoughtitbetternottoworrythekindoldlady；sohesmiledgentlywhenshelookedathim；
　　andMrs。Bedwin，satisfiedthathefeltmorecomfortable，saltedandbrokebitsoftoastedbreadintothebroth，withallthebustlebefittingsosolemnapreparation。Olivergotthroughitwithextraordinaryexpedition。Hehadscarcelyswallowedthelastspoonful，whentherecameasoftrapatthedoor。'Comein，'saidtheoldlady；andinwalkedMr。Brownlow。
　　Now，theoldgentlemancameinasbriskasneedbe；but，hehadnosoonerraisedhisspectaclesonhisforehead，andthrusthishandsbehindtheskirtsofhisdressing-gowntotakeagoodlonglookatOliver，thanhiscountenanceunderwentaverygreatvarietyofoddcontortions。Oliverlookedverywornandshadowyfromsickness，andmadeanineffectualattempttostandup，outofrespecttohisbenefactor，whichterminatedinhissinkingbackintothechairagain；andthefactis，ifthetruthmustbetold，thatMr。Brownlow'sheart，beinglargeenoughforanysixordinaryoldgentlemenofhumanedisposition，forcedasupplyoftearsintohiseyes，bysomehydraulicprocesswhichwearenotsufficientlyphilosophicaltobeinaconditiontoexplain。