'Poorboy，poorboy！'saidMr。Brownlow，clearinghisthroat。
　　'I'mratherhoarsethismorning，Mrs。Bedwin。I'mafraidIhavecaughtcold。'
　　'Ihopenot，sir，'saidMrs。Bedwin。'Everythingyouhavehad，hasbeenwellaired，sir。'
　　'Idon'tknow，Bedwin。Idon'tknow，'saidMr。Brownlow；'I
　　ratherthinkIhadadampnapkinatdinner-timeyesterday；butnevermindthat。Howdoyoufeel，mydear?'
　　'Veryhappy，sir，'repliedOliver。'Andverygratefulindeed，sir，foryourgoodnesstome。'
　　'Goodby，'saidMr。Brownlow，stoutly。'Haveyougivenhimanynourishment，Bedwin?Anyslops，eh?'
　　'Hehasjusthadabasinofbeautifulstrongbroth，sir，'repliedMrs。Bedwin:drawingherselfupslightly，andlayingstrongemphasisonthelastword:tointimatethatbetweenslops，andbrothwillcompounded，thereexistednoaffinityorconnectionwhatsoever。
　　'Ugh！'saidMr。Brownlow，withaslightshudder；'acoupleofglassesofportwinewouldhavedonehimagreatdealmoregood。
　　Wouldn'tthey，TomWhite，eh?'
　　'MynameisOliver，sir，'repliedthelittleinvalid:withalookofgreatastonishment。
　　'Oliver，'saidMr。Brownlow；'Oliverwhat?OliverWhite，eh?'
　　'No，sir，Twist，OliverTwist。'
　　'Queername！'saidtheoldgentleman。'WhatmadeyoutellthemagistrateyournamewasWhite?'
　　'Inevertoldhimso，sir，'returnedOliverinamazement。
　　Thissoundedsolikeafalsehood，thattheoldgentlemanlookedsomewhatsternlyinOliver'sface。Itwasimpossibletodoubthim；therewastruthineveryoneofitsthinandsharpenedlineaments。
　　'Somemistake，'saidMr。Brownlow。But，althoughhismotiveforlookingsteadilyatOlivernolongerexisted，theoldideaoftheresemblancebetweenhisfeaturesandsomefamiliarfacecameuponhimsostrongly，thathecouldnotwithdrawhisgaze。
　　'Ihopeyouarenotangrywithme，sir?'saidOliver，raisinghiseyesbeseechingly。
　　'No，no，'repliedtheoldgentleman。'Why！what'sthis?Bedwin，lookthere！'
　　Ashespoke，hepointedhastilytothepictureoverOliver'shead，andthentotheboy'sface。Therewasitslivingcopy。Theeyes，thehead，themouth；everyfeaturewasthesame。Theexpressionwas，fortheinstant，sopreciselyalike，thattheminutestlineseemedcopiedwithstartlingaccuracy！
　　Oliverknewnotthecauseofthissuddenexclamation；for，notbeingstrongenoughtobearthestartitgavehim，hefaintedaway。Aweaknessonhispart，whichaffordsthenarrativeanopportunityofrelievingthereaderfromsuspense，inbehalfofthetwoyoungpupilsoftheMerryOldGentleman；andofrecording——
　　ThatwhentheDodger，andhisaccomplishedfriendMasterBates，joinedinthehue-and-crywhichwasraisedatOliver'sheels，inconsequenceoftheirexecutinganillegalconveyanceofMr。
　　Brownlow'spersonalproperty，ashasbeenalreadydescribed，theywereactuatedbyaverylaudableandbecomingregardforthemselves；andforasmuchasthefreedomofthesubjectandthelibertyoftheindividualareamongthefirstandproudestboastsofatrue-heartedEnglishman，so，Ineedhardlybegthereadertoobserve，thatthisactionshouldtendtoexaltthemintheopinionofallpublicandpatrioticmen，inalmostasgreatadegreeasthisstrongproofoftheiranxietyfortheirownpreservationandsafetygoestocorroborateandconfirmthelittlecodeoflawswhichcertainprofoundandsound-judgingphilosophershavelaiddownasthemain-springsofallNature'sdeedsandactions:thesaidphilosophersverywiselyreducingthegoodlady'sproceedingstomattersofmaximandtheory:and，byaveryneatandprettycomplimenttoherexaltedwisdomandunderstanding，puttingentirelyoutofsightanyconsiderationsofheart，orgenerousimpulseandfeeling。For，thesearematterstotallybeneathafemalewhoisacknowledgedbyuniversaladmissiontobefarabovethenumerouslittlefoiblesandweaknessesofhersex。
　　IfIwantedanyfurtherproofofthestrictlyphilosophicalnatureoftheconductoftheseyounggentlemenintheirverydelicatepredicament，Ishouldatoncefinditinthefactalsorecordedinaforegoingpartofthisnarrative，oftheirquittingthepursuit，whenthegeneralattentionwasfixeduponOliver；andmakingimmediatelyfortheirhomebytheshortestpossiblecut。AlthoughIdonotmeantoassertthatitisusuallythepracticeofrenownedandlearnedsages，toshortentheroadtoanygreatconclusiontheircourseindeedbeingrathertolengthenthedistance，byvariouscircumlocationsanddiscursivestaggerings，likeuntothoseinwhichdrunkenmenunderthepressureofatoomightyflowofideas，arepronetoindulge；still，Idomeantosay，anddosaydistinctly，thatitistheinvariablepracticeofmanymightyphilosophers，incarryingouttheirtheories，toevincegreatwisdomandforesightinprovidingagainsteverypossiblecontingencywhichcanbesupposedatalllikelytoaffectthemselves。Thus，todoagreatright，youmaydoalittlewrong；andyoumaytakeanymeanswhichtheendtobeattained，willjustify；theamountoftheright，ortheamountofthewrong，orindeedthedistinctionbetweenthetwo，beingleftentirelytothephilosopherconcerned，tobesettledanddeterminedbyhisclear，comprehensive，andimpartialviewofhisownparticularcase。
　　Itwasnotuntilthetwoboyshadscoured，withgreatrapidity，throughamostintricatemazeofnarrowstreetsandcourts，thattheyventuredtohaltbeneathalowanddarkarchway。Havingremainedsilenthere，justlongenoughtorecoverbreathtospeak，MasterBatesutteredanexclamationofamusementanddelight；and，burstingintoanuncontrollablefitoflaughter，flunghimselfuponadoorstep，androlledthereoninatransportofmirth。
　　'What'sthematter?'inquiredtheDodger。
　　'Ha！ha！ha！'roaredCharleyBates。
　　'Holdyournoise，'remonstratedtheDodger，lookingcautiouslyround。'Doyouwanttobegrabbed，stupid?'
　　'Ican'thelpit，'saidCharley，'Ican'thelpit！Toseehimsplittingawayatthatpace，andcuttingroundthecorners，andknockingupagain'theposts，andstartingonagainasifhewasmadeofironaswellasthem，andmewiththewipeinmypocket，singingoutarterhim——oh，myeye！'ThevividimaginationofMasterBatespresentedthescenebeforehimintoostrongcolours。Ashearrivedatthisapostrophe，heagainrolleduponthedoor-step，andlaughedlouderthanbefore。
　　'What'llFaginsay?'inquiredtheDodger；takingadvantageofthenextintervalofbreathlessnessonthepartofhisfriendtopropoundthequestion。
　　'What?'repeatedCharleyBates。
　　'Ah，what?'saidtheDodger。
　　'Why，whatshouldhesay?'inquiredCharley:stoppingrathersuddenlyinhismerriment；fortheDodger'smannerwasimpressive。'Whatshouldhesay?'
　　Mr。Dawkinswhistledforacoupleofminutes；then，takingoffhishat，scratchedhishead，andnoddedthrice。
　　'Whatdoyoumean?'saidCharley。
　　'Toorrullolloo，gammonandspinnage，thefroghewouldn't，andhighcockolorum，'saidtheDodger:withaslightsneeronhisintellectualcountenance。
　　Thiswasexplanatory，butnotsatisfactory。MasterBatesfeltitso；andagainsaid，'Whatdoyoumean?'
　　TheDodgermadenoreply；butputtinghishatonagain，andgatheringtheskirtsofhislong-tailedcoatunderhisarm，thrusthistongueintohischeek，slappedthebridgeofhisnosesomehalf-dozentimesinafamiliarbutexpressivemanner，andturningonhisheel，slunkdownthecourt。MasterBatesfollowed，withathoughtfulcountenance。
　　Thenoiseoffootstepsonthecreakingstairs，afewminutesaftertheoccurrenceofthisconversation，rousedthemerryoldgentlemanashesatoverthefirewithasaveloyandasmallloafinhishand；apocket-knifeinhisright；andapewterpotonthetrivet。Therewasarascallysmileonhiswhitefaceasheturnedround，andlookingsharplyoutfromunderhisthickredeyebrows，benthiseartowardsthedoor，andlistened。
　　'Why，how'sthis?'mutteredtheJew:changingcountenance；'onlytwoof'em?Where'sthethird?Theycan'thavegotintotrouble。Hark！'
　　Thefootstepsapproachednearer；theyreachedthelanding。Thedoorwasslowlyopened；andtheDodgerandCharleyBatesentered，closingitbehindthem。
　　CHAPTERXIII
　　SOMENEWACQUAINTANCESAREINTRODUCEDTOTHEINTELLIGENTREADER，CONNECTEDWITHWHOMVARIOUSPLEASANTMATTERSARERELATED，APPERTAININGTOTHISHISTORY
　　'Where'sOliver?'saidtheJew，risingwithamenacinglook。
　　'Where'stheboy?'
　　Theyoungthieveseyedtheirpreceptorasiftheywerealarmedathisviolence；andlookeduneasilyateachother。Buttheymadenoreply。
　　'What'sbecomeoftheboy?'saidtheJew，seizingtheDodgertightlybythecollar，andthreateninghimwithhorridimprecations。'Speakout，orI'llthrottleyou！'
　　Mr。Faginlookedsoverymuchinearnest，thatCharleyBates，whodeemeditprudentinallcasestobeonthesafeside，andwhoconceiveditbynomeansimprobablethatitmightbehisturntobethrottledsecond，droppeduponhisknees，andraisedaloud，well-sustained，andcontinuousroar——somethingbetweenamadbullandaspeakingtrumpet。
　　'Willyouspeak?'thunderedtheJew:shakingtheDodgersomuchthathiskeepinginthebigcoatatall，seemedperfectlymiraculous。
　　'Why，thetrapshavegothim，andthat'sallaboutit，'saidtheDodger，sullenly。'Come，letgoo'me，willyou！'And，swinginghimself，atonejerk，cleanoutofthebigcoat，whichheleftintheJew'shands，theDodgersnatchedupthetoastingfork，andmadeapassatthemerryoldgentleman'swaistcoat；
　　which，ifithadtakeneffect，wouldhaveletalittlemoremerrimentout，thancouldhavebeeneasilyreplaced。
　　TheJewsteppedbackinthisemergency，withmoreagilitythancouldhavebeenanticipatedinamanofhisapparentdecrepitude；
　　and，seizingupthepot，preparedtohurlitathisassailant'shead。ButCharleyBates，atthismoment，callinghisattentionbyaperfectlyterrifichowl，hesuddenlyaltereditsdestination，andflungitfullatthatyounggentleman。
　　'Why，whattheblazesisinthewindnow！'growledadeepvoice。
　　'Whopitchedthat'ereatme?It'swellit'sthebeer，andnotthepot，ashitme，orI'dhavesettledsomebody。Imighthaveknow'd，asnobodybutaninfernal，rich，plundering，thunderingoldJewcouldaffordtothrowawayanydrinkbutwater——andnotthat，unlesshedonetheRiverCompanyeveryquarter。Wot'sitallabout，Fagin?D——me，ifmyneck-handkercheran'tlinedwithbeer！Comein，yousneakingwarmint；wotareyoustoppingoutsidefor，asifyouwasashamedofyourmaster！Comein！'
　　Themanwhogrowledoutthesewords，wasastoutly-builtfellowofaboutfive-and-thirty，inablackvelveteencoat，verysoileddrabbreeches，lace-uphalfboots，andgreycottonstockingswhichinclosedabulkypairoflegs，withlargeswellingcalves；——thekindoflegs，whichinsuchcostume，alwayslookinanunfinishedandincompletestatewithoutasetoffetterstogarnishthem。Hehadabrownhatonhishead，andadirtybelcherhandkerchiefroundhisneck:withthelongfrayedendsofwhichhesmearedthebeerfromhisfaceashespoke。Hedisclosed，whenhehaddoneso，abroadheavycountenancewithabeardofthreedays'growth，andtwoscowlingeyes；oneofwhichdisplayedvariousparti-colouredsymptomsofhavingbeenrecentlydamagedbyablow。
　　'Comein，d'yehear?'growledthisengagingruffian。
　　Awhiteshaggydog，withhisfacescratchedandtornintwentydifferentplaces，skulkedintotheroom。
　　'Whydidn'tyoucomeinafore?'saidtheman。'You'regettingtooproudtoownmeaforecompany，areyou?Liedown！'
　　Thiscommandwasaccompaniedwithakick，whichsenttheanimaltotheotherendoftheroom。Heappearedwellusedtoit，however；forhecoiledhimselfupinacornerveryquietly，withoututteringasound，andwinkinghisveryill-lookingeyestwentytimesinaminute，appearedtooccupyhimselfintakingasurveyoftheapartment。
　　'Whatareyouupto?Ill-treatingtheboys，youcovetous，avaricious，in-sa-ti-a-bleoldfence?'saidtheman，seatinghimselfdeliberately。'Iwondertheydon'tmurderyou！IwouldifIwasthem。IfI'dbeenyour'prentice，I'dhavedoneitlongago，and——no，Icouldn'thavesoldyouafterwards，foryou'refitfornothingbutkeepingasacuriousityofuglinessinaglassbottle，andIsupposetheydon'tblowglassbottleslargeenough。'
　　'Hush！hush！Mr。Sikes，'saidtheJew，trembling；'don'tspeaksoloud！'
　　'Noneofyourmistering，'repliedtheruffian；'youalwaysmeanmischiefwhenyoucomethat。Youknowmyname:outwithit！I
　　shan'tdisgraceitwhenthetimecomes。'
　　'Well，well，then——BillSikes，'saidtheJew，withabjecthumility。'Youseemoutofhumour，Bill。'
　　'PerhapsIam，'repliedSikes；'Ishouldthinkyouwasratheroutofsortstoo，unlessyoumeanaslittleharmwhenyouthrowpewterpotsabout，asyoudowhenyoublaband——'
　　'Areyoumad?'saidtheJew，catchingthemanbythesleeve，andpointingtowardstheboys。
　　Mr。Sikescontentedhimselfwithtyinganimaginaryknotunderhisleftear，andjerkinghisheadoverontherightshoulder；apieceofdumbshowwhichtheJewappearedtounderstandperfectly。Hethen，incantterms，withwhichhiswholeconversationwasplentifullybesprinkled，butwhichwouldbequiteunintelligibleiftheywererecordedhere，demandedaglassofliquor。
　　'Andmindyoudon'tpoisonit，'saidMr。Sikes，layinghishatuponthetable。
　　Thiswassaidinjest；butifthespeakercouldhaveseentheevilleerwithwhichtheJewbithispalelipasheturnedroundtothecupboard，hemighthavethoughtthecautionnotwhollyunnecessary，orthewishatalleventstoimproveuponthedistiller'singenuitynotveryfarfromtheoldgentleman'smerryheart。
　　Afterswallowingtwoofthreeglassesofspirits，Mr。Sikescondescendedtotakesomenoticeoftheyounggentlemen；whichgraciousactledtoaconversation，inwhichthecauseandmannerofOliver'scapturewerecircumstantiallydetailed，withsuchalterationsandimprovementsonthetruth，astotheDodgerappearedmostadvisableunderthecircumstances。
　　'I'mafraid，'saidtheJew，'thathemaysaysomethingwhichwillgetusintotrouble。'
　　'That'sverylikely，'returnedSikeswithamaliciousgrin。
　　'You'reblowedupon，Fagin。'
　　'AndI'mafraid，yousee，addedtheJew，speakingasifhehadnotnoticedtheinterruption；andregardingtheothercloselyashedidso，——'I'mafraidthat，ifthegamewasupwithus，itmightbeupwithagoodmanymore，andthatitwouldcomeoutratherworseforyouthanitwouldforme，mydear。'
　　Themanstarted，andturnedroundupontheJew。Buttheoldgentleman'sshoulderswereshruggeduptohisears；andhiseyeswerevacantlystaringontheoppositewall。
　　Therewasalongpause。Everymemberoftherespectablecoterieappearedplungedinhisownreflections；notexceptingthedog，whobyacertainmaliciouslickingofhislipsseemedtobemeditatinganattackuponthelegsofthefirstgentlemanorladyhemightencounterinthestreetswhenhewentout。
　　'Somebodymustfindoutwot'sbeendoneattheoffice，'saidMr。
　　Sikesinamuchlowertonethanhehadtakensincehecamein。
　　TheJewnoddedassent。
　　'Ifhehasn'tpeached，andiscommitted，there'snofeartillhecomesoutagain，'saidMr。Sikes，'andthenhemustbetakencareon。Youmustgetholdofhimsomehow。'
　　AgaintheJewnodded。
　　Theprudenceofthislineofaction，indeed，wasobvious；but，unfortunately，therewasoneverystrongobjectiontoitsbeingadopted。Thiswas，thattheDodger，andCharleyBates，andFagin，andMr。WilliamSikes，happened，oneandall，toentertainaviolentanddeeply-rootedantipathytogoingnearapolice-officeonanygroundorpretextwhatever。
　　Howlongtheymighthavesatandlookedateachother，inastateofuncertaintynotthemostpleasantofitskind，itisdifficulttoguess。Itisnotnecessarytomakeanyguessesonthesubject，however；forthesuddenentranceofthetwoyoungladieswhomOliverhadseenonaformeroccasion，causedtheconversationtoflowafresh。
　　'Theverything！'saidtheJew。'Betwillgo；won'tyou，mydear?'
　　'Wheres?'inquiredtheyounglady。
　　'Onlyjustuptotheoffice，mydear，'saidtheJewcoaxingly。
　　Itisduetotheyoungladytosaythatshedidnotpositivelyaffirmthatshewouldnot，butthatshemerelyexpressedanemphaticandearnestdesiretobe'blessed'ifshewould；apoliteanddelicateevasionoftherequest，whichshowstheyoungladytohavebeenpossessedofthatnaturalgoodbreedingwhichcannotbeartoinflictuponafellow-creature，thepainofadirectandpointedrefusal。
　　TheJew'scountenancefell。Heturnedfromthisyounglady，whowasgaily，nottosaygorgeouslyattired，inaredgown，greenboots，andyellowcurl-papers，totheotherfemale。
　　'Nancy，mydear，'saidtheJewinasoothingmanner，'whatdoYOU
　　say?'
　　'Thatitwon'tdo；soit'snousea-tryingiton，Fagin，'repliedNancy。
　　'Whatdoyoumeanbythat?'saidMr。Sikes，lookingupinasurlymanner。
　　'WhatIsay，Bill，'repliedtheladycollectedly。
　　'Why，you'rejusttheverypersonforit，'reasonedMr。Sikes:
　　'nobodyabouthereknowsanythingofyou。'
　　'AndasIdon'twant'emto，neither，'repliedNancyinthesamecomposedmanner，'it'srathermorenothanyeswithme，Bill。'
　　'She'llgo，Fagin，'saidSikes。
　　'No，shewon't，Fagin，'saidNancy。
　　'Yes，shewill，Fagin，'saidSikes。
　　AndMr。Sikeswasright。Bydintofalternatethreats，promises，andbribes，theladyinquestionwasultimatelyprevailedupontoundertakethecommission。Shewasnot，indeed，withheldbythesameconsiderationsasheragreeablefriend；for，havingrecentlyremovedintotheneighborhoodofFieldLanefromtheremotebutgenteelsuburbofRatcliffe，shewasnotunderthesameapprehensionofbeingrecognisedbyanyofhernumerousacquaintance。
　　Accordingly，withacleanwhiteaprontiedoverhergown，andhercurl-paperstuckedupunderastrawbonnet，——botharticlesofdressbeingprovidedfromtheJew'sinexhaustiblestock，——MissNancypreparedtoissueforthonhererrand。
　　'Stopaminute，mydear，'saidtheJew，producing，alittlecoveredbasket。'Carrythatinonehand。Itlooksmorerespectable，mydear。'
　　'Giveheradoor-keytocarryinhert'otherone，Fagin，'saidSikes；'itlooksrealandgenivinelike。'
　　'Yes，yes，mydear，soitdoes，'saidtheJew，hangingalargestreet-doorkeyontheforefingeroftheyounglady'srighthand。
　　'There；verygood！Verygoodindeed，mydear！'saidtheJew，rubbinghishands。
　　'Oh，mybrother！Mypoor，dear，sweet，innocentlittlebrother！'
　　exclaimedNancy，burstingintotears，andwringingthelittlebasketandthestreet-doorkeyinanagonyofdistress。'Whathasbecomeofhim！Wherehavetheytakenhimto！Oh，dohavepity，andtellmewhat'sbeendonewiththedearboy，gentlemen；
　　do，gentlemen，ifyouplease，gentlemen！'
　　Havingutteredthosewordsinamostlamentableandheart-brokentone:totheimmeasurabledelightofherhearers:MissNancypaused，winkedtothecompany，noddedsmilinglyround，anddisappeared。
　　'Ah，she'saclevergirl，mydears，'saidtheJew，turningroundtohisyoungfriends，andshakinghisheadgravely，asifinmuteadmonitiontothemtofollowthebrightexampletheyhadjustbeheld。
　　'She'sahonourtohersex，'saidMr。Sikes，fillinghisglass，andsmitingthetablewithhisenormousfist。'Here'sherhealth，andwishingtheywasalllikeher！'
　　Whilethese，andmanyotherencomiums，werebeingpassedontheaccomplishedNancy，thatyoungladymadethebestofherwaytothepolice-office；whither，notwithstandingalittlenaturaltimidityconsequentuponwalkingthroughthestreetsaloneandunprotected，shearrivedinperfectsafetyshortlyafterwards。
　　Enteringbythebackway，shetappedsoftlywiththekeyatoneofthecell-doors，andlistened。Therewasnosoundwithin:soshecoughedandlistenedagain。Stilltherewasnoreply:soshespoke。
　　'Nolly，dear?'murmuredNancyinagentlevoice；'Nolly?'
　　Therewasnobodyinsidebutamiserableshoelesscriminal，whohadbeentakenupforplayingtheflute，andwho，theoffenceagainstsocietyhavingbeenclearlyproved，hadbeenveryproperlycommittedbyMr。FangtotheHouseofCorrectionforonemonth；withtheappropriateandamusingremarkthatsincehehadsomuchbreathtospare，itwouldbemorewholesomelyexpendedonthetreadmillthaninamusicalinstrument。Hemadenoanswer:
　　beingoccupiedmentallybewailingthelossoftheflute，whichhadbeenconfiscatedfortheuseofthecounty:soNancypassedontothenextcell，andknockedthere。
　　'Well！'criedafaintandfeeblevoice。
　　'Istherealittleboyhere?'inquiredNancy，withapreliminarysob。
　　'No，'repliedthevoice；'Godforbid。'
　　Thiswasavagrantofsixty-five，whowasgoingtoprisonforNOT
　　playingtheflute；or，inotherwords，forbegginginthestreets，anddoingnothingforhislivelihood。Inthenextcellwasanotherman，whowasgoingtothesameprisonforhawkingtinsaucepanswithoutlicense；therebydoingsomethingforhisliving，indefianceoftheStamp-office。
　　But，asneitherofthesecriminalsansweredtothenameofOliver，orknewanythingabouthim，Nancymadestraightuptothebluffofficerinthestripedwaistcoat；andwiththemostpiteouswailingsandlamentations，renderedmorepiteousbyapromptandefficientuseofthestreet-doorkeyandthelittlebasket，demandedherowndearbrother。
　　'Ihaven'tgothim，mydear，'saidtheoldman。
　　'Whereishe?'screamedNancy，inadistractedmanner。
　　'Why，thegentleman'sgothim，'repliedtheofficer。
　　'Whatgentleman！Oh，graciousheavens！Whatgentleman?'
　　exclaimedNancy。
　　Inreplytothisincoherentquestioning，theoldmaninformedthedeeplyaffectedsisterthatOliverhadbeentakenillintheoffice，anddischargedinconsequenceofawitnesshavingprovedtherobberytohavebeencommittedbyanotherboy，notincustody；andthattheprosecutorhadcarriedhimaway，inaninsensiblecondition，tohisownresidence:ofandconcerningwhich，alltheinformantknewwas，thatitwassomewhereinPentonville，hehavingheardthatwordmentionedinthedirectionstothecoachman。
　　Inadreadfulstateofdoubtanduncertainty，theagonisedyoungwomanstaggeredtothegate，andthen，exchangingherfalteringwalkforaswiftrun，returnedbythemostdeviousandcomplicatedrouteshecouldthinkof，tothedomicileoftheJew。
　　Mr。BillSikesnosoonerheardtheaccountoftheexpeditiondelivered，thanheveryhastilycalledupthewhitedog，and，puttingonhishat，expeditiouslydeparted:withoutdevotinganytimetotheformalityofwishingthecompanygood-morning。
　　'Wemustknowwhereheis，mydears；hemustbefound，'saidtheJewgreatlyexcited。'Charley，donothingbutskulkabout，tillyoubringhomesomenewsofhim！Nancy，mydear，Imusthavehimfound。Itrusttoyou，mydear，——toyouandtheArtfulforeverything！Stay，stay，'addedtheJew，unlockingadrawerwithashakinghand；'there'smoney，mydears。Ishallshutupthisshopto-night。You'llknowwheretofindme！Don'tstophereaminute。Notaninstant，mydears！'
　　Withthesewords，hepushedthemfromtheroom:andcarefullydouble-lockingandbarringthedoorbehindthem，drewfromitsplaceofconcealmenttheboxwhichhehadunintentionallydisclosedtoOliver。Then，hehastilyproceededtodisposethewatchesandjewellerybeneathhisclothing。
　　Arapatthedoorstartledhiminthisoccupation。'Who'sthere?'hecriedinashrilltone。
　　'Me！'repliedthevoiceoftheDodger，throughthekey-hole。
　　'Whatnow?'criedtheJewimpatiently。
　　'Ishetobekidnappedtotheotherken，Nancysays?'inquiredtheDodger。
　　'Yes，'repliedtheJew，'wherevershelayshandsonhim。Findhim，findhimout，that'sall。Ishallknowwhattodonext；
　　neverfear。'
　　Theboymurmuredareplyofintelligence:andhurrieddownstairsafterhiscompanions。
　　'Hehasnotpeachedsofar，'saidtheJewashepursuedhisoccupation。'Ifhemeanstoblabusamonghisnewfriends，wemaystophismouthyet。'
　　CHAPTERXIV
　　COMPRISINGFURTHERPARTICULARSOFOLIVER'SSTAYATMR。
　　BROWNLOW'S，WITHTHEREMARKABLEPREDICTIONWHICHONEMR。GRIMWIG
　　UTTEREDCONCERNINGHIM，WHENHEWENTOUTONANERRAND
　　Oliversoonrecoveringfromthefainting-fitintowhichMr。
　　Brownlow'sabruptexclamationhadthrownhim，thesubjectofthepicturewascarefullyavoided，bothbytheoldgentlemanandMrs。
　　Bedwin，intheconversationthatensued:whichindeedborenoreferencetoOliver'shistoryorprospects，butwasconfinedtosuchtopicsasmightamusewithoutexcitinghim。Hewasstilltooweaktogetuptobreakfast；but，whenhecamedownintothehousekeeper'sroomnextday，hisfirstactwastocastaneagerglanceatthewall，inthehopeofagainlookingonthefaceofthebeautifullady。Hisexpectationsweredisappointed，however，forthepicturehadbeenremoved。
　　'Ah！'saidthehousekeeper，watchingthedirectionofOliver'seyes。'Itisgone，yousee。'
　　'Iseeitisma'am，'repliedOliver。'Whyhavetheytakenitaway?'
　　'Ithasbeentakendown，child，becauseMr。Brownlowsaid，thatasitseemedtoworryyou，perhapsitmightpreventyourgettingwell，youknow，'rejoinedtheoldlady。
　　'Oh，no，indeed。Itdidn'tworryme，ma'am，'saidOliver。'I
　　likedtoseeit。Iquitelovedit。'
　　'Well，well！'saidtheoldlady，good-humouredly；'yougetwellasfastaseveryoucan，dear，anditshallbehungupagain。
　　There！Ipromiseyouthat！Now，letustalkaboutsomethingelse。'
　　ThiswasalltheinformationOlivercouldobtainaboutthepictureatthattime。Astheoldladyhadbeensokindtohiminhisillness，heendeavouredtothinknomoreofthesubjectjustthen；sohelistenedattentivelytoagreatmanystoriesshetoldhim，aboutanamiableandhandsomedaughterofhers，whowasmarriedtoanamiableandhandsomeman，andlivedinthecountry；
　　andaboutason，whowasclerktoamerchantintheWestIndies；
　　andwhowas，also，suchagoodyoungman，andwrotesuchdutifullettershomefourtimesa-year，thatitbroughtthetearsintohereyestotalkaboutthem。Whentheoldladyhadexpatiated，alongtime，ontheexcellencesofherchildren，andthemeritsofherkindgoodhusbandbesides，whohadbeendeadandgone，poordearsoul！justsix-and-twentyyears，itwastimetohavetea。
　　AfterteashebegantoteachOlivercribbage:whichhelearntasquicklyasshecouldteach:andatwhichgametheyplayed，withgreatinterestandgravity，untilitwastimefortheinvalidtohavesomewarmwineandwater，withasliceofdrytoast，andthentogocosilytobed。
　　Theywerehappydays，thoseofOliver'srecovery。Everythingwassoquiet，andneat，andorderly；everybodysokindandgentle；
　　thatafterthenoiseandturbulenceinthemidstofwhichhehadalwayslived，itseemedlikeHeavenitself。Hewasnosoonerstrongenoughtoputhisclotheson，properly，thanMr。Brownlowcausedacompletenewsuit，andanewcap，andanewpairofshoes，tobeprovidedforhim。AsOliverwastoldthathemightdowhathelikedwiththeoldclothes，hegavethemtoaservantwhohadbeenverykindtohim，andaskedhertosellthemtoaJew，andkeepthemoneyforherself。Thissheveryreadilydid；
　　and，asOliverlookedoutoftheparlourwindow，andsawtheJewrollthemupinhisbagandwalkaway，hefeltquitedelightedtothinkthattheyweresafelygone，andthattherewasnownopossibledangerofhiseverbeingabletowearthemagain。Theyweresadrags，totellthetruth；andOliverhadneverhadanewsuitbefore。
　　Oneevening，aboutaweekaftertheaffairofthepicture，ashewassittingtalkingtoMrs。Bedwin，therecameamessagedownfromMr。Brownlow，thatifOliverTwistfeltprettywell，heshouldliketoseehiminhisstudy，andtalktohimalittlewhile。
　　'Blessus，andsaveus！Washyourhands，andletmepartyourhairnicelyforyou，child，'saidMrs。Bedwin。'Dearheartalive！Ifwehadknownhewouldhaveaskedforyou，wewouldhaveputyouacleancollaron，andmadeyouassmartassixpence！'
　　Oliverdidastheoldladybadehim；and，althoughshelamentedgrievously，meanwhile，thattherewasnoteventimetocrimpthelittlefrillthatborderedhisshirt-collar；helookedsodelicateandhandsome，despitethatimportantpersonaladvantage，thatshewentsofarastosay:lookingathimwithgreatcomplacencyfromheadtofoot，thatshereallydidn'tthinkitwouldhavebeenpossible，onthelongestnotice，tohavemademuchdifferenceinhimforthebetter。
　　Thusencouraged，Olivertappedatthestudydoor。OnMr。
　　Brownlowcallingtohimtocomein，hefoundhimselfinalittlebackroom，quitefullofbooks，withawindow，lookingintosomepleasantlittlegardens。Therewasatabledrawnupbeforethewindow，atwhichMr。Brownlowwasseatedreading。WhenhesawOliver，hepushedthebookawayfromhim，andtoldhimtocomenearthetable，andsitdown。Olivercomplied；marvellingwherethepeoplecouldbefoundtoreadsuchagreatnumberofbooksasseemedtobewrittentomaketheworldwiser。WhichisstillamarveltomoreexperiencedpeoplethanOliverTwist，everydayoftheirlives。
　　'Thereareagoodmanybooks，aretherenot，myboy?'saidMr。
　　Brownlow，observingthecuriositywithwhichOliversurveyedtheshelvesthatreachedfromthefloortotheceiling。
　　'Agreatnumber，sir，'repliedOliver。'Ineversawsomany。'
　　'Youshallreadthem，ifyoubehavewell，'saidtheoldgentlemankindly；'andyouwilllikethat，betterthanlookingattheoutsides，——thatis，somecases；becausetherearebooksofwhichthebacksandcoversarebyfarthebestparts。'
　　'Isupposetheyarethoseheavyones，sir，'saidOliver，pointingtosomelargequartos，withagooddealofgildingaboutthebinding。
　　'Notalwaysthose，'saidtheoldgentleman，pattingOliveronthehead，andsmilingashedidso；'thereareotherequallyheavyones，thoughofamuchsmallersize。Howshouldyouliketogrowupacleverman，andwritebooks，eh?'
　　'IthinkIwouldratherreadthem，sir，'repliedOliver。
　　'What！wouldn'tyouliketobeabook-writer?'saidtheoldgentleman。
　　Oliverconsideredalittlewhile；andatlastsaid，heshouldthinkitwouldbeamuchbetterthingtobeabook-seller；uponwhichtheoldgentlemanlaughedheartily，anddeclaredhehadsaidaverygoodthing。WhichOliverfeltgladtohavedone，thoughhebynomeansknewwhatitwas。
　　'Well，well，'saidtheoldgentleman，composinghisfeatures。
　　'Don'tbeafraid！Wewon'tmakeanauthorofyou，whilethere'sanhonesttradetobelearnt，orbrick-makingtoturnto。'
　　'Thankyou，sir，'saidOliver。Attheearnestmannerofhisreply，theoldgentlemanlaughedagain；andsaidsomethingaboutacuriousinstinct，whichOliver，notunderstanding，paidnoverygreatattentionto。
　　'Now，'saidMr。Brownlow，speakingifpossibleinakinder，butatthesametimeinamuchmoreseriousmanner，thanOliverhadeverknownhimassumeyet，'Iwantyoutopaygreatattention，myboy，towhatIamgoingtosay。Ishalltalktoyouwithoutanyreserve；becauseIamsureyouarewellabletounderstandme，asmanyolderpersonswouldbe。'
　　'Oh，don'ttellyouaregoingtosendmeaway，sir，pray！'
　　exclaimedOliver，alarmedattheserioustoneoftheoldgentleman'scommencement！'Don'tturnmeoutofdoorstowanderinthestreetsagain。Letmestayhere，andbeaservant。Don'tsendmebacktothewretchedplaceIcamefrom。Havemercyuponapoorboy，sir！'
　　'Mydearchild，'saidtheoldgentleman，movedbythewarmthofOliver'ssuddenappeal；'youneednotbeafraidofmydesertingyou，unlessyougivemecause。'
　　'Inever，neverwill，sir，'interposedOliver。
　　'Ihopenot，'rejoinedtheoldgentleman。'Idonotthinkyoueverwill。Ihavebeendeceived，before，intheobjectswhomI
　　haveendeavouredtobenefit；butIfeelstronglydisposedtotrustyou，nevertheless；andIammoreinterestedinyourbehalfthanIcanwellaccountfor，eventomyself。ThepersonsonwhomIhavebestowedmydearestlove，liedeepintheirgraves；but，althoughthehappinessanddelightofmylifelieburiedtheretoo，Ihavenotmadeacoffinofmyheart，andsealeditup，forever，onmybestaffections。Deepafflictionhasbutstrengthenedandrefinedthem。'
　　Astheoldgentlemansaidthisinalowvoice:moretohimselfthantohiscompanion:andasheremainedsilentforashorttimeafterwards:Oliversatquitestill。
　　'Well，well！'saidtheoldgentlemanatlength，inamorecheerfultone，'Ionlysaythis，becauseyouhaveayoungheart；
　　andknowingthatIhavesufferedgreatpainandsorrow，youwillbemorecareful，perhaps，nottowoundmeagain。Yousayyouareanorphan，withoutafriendintheworld；alltheinquiriesI
　　havebeenabletomake，confirmthestatement。Letmehearyourstory；whereyoucomefrom；whobroughtyouup；andhowyougotintothecompanyinwhichIfoundyou。Speakthetruth，andyoushallnotbefriendlesswhileIlive。'
　　Oliver'ssobscheckedhisutteranceforsomeminutes；whenhewasonthepointofbeginningtorelatehowhehadbeenbroughtupatthefarm，andcarriedtotheworkhousebyMr。Bumble，apeculiarlyimpatientlittledouble-knockwasheardatthestreet-door:andtheservant，runningupstairs，announcedMr。
　　Grimwig。
　　'Ishecomingup?'inquiredMr。Brownlow。
　　'Yes，sir，'repliedtheservant。'Heaskediftherewereanymuffinsinthehouse；and，whenItoldhimyes，hesaidhehadcometotea。'
　　Mr。Brownlowsmiled；and，turningtoOliver，saidthatMr。
　　Grimwigwasanoldfriendofhis，andhemustnotmindhisbeingalittleroughinhismanners；forhewasaworthycreatureatbottom，ashehadreasontoknow。
　　'ShallIgodownstairs，sir?'inquiredOliver。
　　'No，'repliedMr。Brownlow，'Iwouldratheryouremainedhere。'
　　Atthismoment，therewalkedintotheroom:supportinghimselfbyathickstick:astoutoldgentleman，ratherlameinoneleg，whowasdressedinabluecoat，stripedwaistcoat，nankeenbreechesandgaiters，andabroad-brimmedwhitehat，withthesidesturnedupwithgreen。Averysmall-plaitedshirtfrillstuckoutfromhiswaistcoat；andaverylongsteelwatch-chain，withnothingbutakeyattheend，dangledlooselybelowit。Theendsofhiswhiteneckerchiefweretwistedintoaballaboutthesizeofanorange；thevarietyofshapesintowhichhiscountenancewastwisted，defydescription。Hehadamannerofscrewinghisheadononesidewhenhespoke；andoflookingoutofthecornersofhiseyesatthesametime:whichirresistiblyremindedthebeholderofaparrot。Inthisattitude，hefixedhimself，themomenthemadehisappearance；and，holdingoutasmallpieceoforange-peelatarm'slength，exclaimed，inagrowling，discontentedvoice。
　　'Lookhere！doyouseethis！Isn'titamostwonderfulandextraordinarythingthatIcan'tcallataman'shousebutIfindapieceofthispoorsurgeon'sfriendonthestaircase?I'vebeenlamedwithorange-peelonce，andIknoworange-peelwillbemydeath，orI'llbecontenttoeatmyownhead，sir！'
　　ThiswasthehandsomeofferwithwhichMr。Grimwigbackedandconfirmednearlyeveryassertionhemade；anditwasthemoresingularinhiscase，because，evenadmittingforthesakeofargument，thepossibilityofscientificimprovementsbeingbroughttothatpasswhichwillenableagentlemantoeathisownheadintheeventofhisbeingsodisposed，Mr。Grimwig'sheadwassuchaparticularlylargeone，thatthemostsanguinemanalivecouldhardlyentertainahopeofbeingabletogetthroughitatasitting——toputentirelyoutofthequestion，averythickcoatingofpowder。
　　'I'lleatmyhead，sir，'repeatedMr。Grimwig，strikinghisstickupontheground。'Hallo！what'sthat！'lookingatOliver，andretreatingapaceortwo。
　　'ThisisyoungOliverTwist，whomwewerespeakingabout，'saidMr。Brownlow。
　　Oliverbowed。
　　'Youdon'tmeantosaythat'stheboywhohadthefever，Ihope?'
　　saidMr。Grimwig，recoilingalittlemore。'Waitaminute！
　　Don'tspeak！Stop——'continuedMr。Grimwig，abruptly，losingalldreadofthefeverinhistriumphatthediscovery；'that'stheboywhohadtheorange！Ifthat'snottheboy，sir，whohadtheorange，andthrewthisbitofpeeluponthestaircase，I'lleatmyhead，andhistoo。'
　　'No，no，hehasnothadone，'saidMr。Brownlow，laughing。
　　'Come！Putdownyourhat；andspeaktomyyoungfriend。'
　　'Ifeelstronglyonthissubject，sir，'saidtheirritableoldgentleman，drawingoffhisgloves。'There'salwaysmoreorlessorange-peelonthepavementinourstreet；andIKNOWit'sputtherebythesurgeon'sboyatthecorner。Ayoungwomanstumbledoverabitlastnight，andfellagainstmygarden-railings；
　　directlyshegotupIsawherlooktowardshisinfernalredlampwiththepantomime-light。“Don'tgotohim，“Icalledoutofthewindow，“he'sanassassin！Aman-trap！“Soheis。Ifheisnot——'Heretheirascibleoldgentlemangaveagreatknockonthegroundwithhisstick；whichwasalwaysunderstood，byhisfriends，toimplythecustomaryoffer，wheneveritwasnotexpressedinwords。Then，stillkeepinghisstickinhishand，hesatdown；and，openingadoubleeye-glass，whichheworeattachedtoabroadblackriband，tookaviewofOliver:who，seeingthathewastheobjectofinspection，coloured，andbowedagain。
　　'That'stheboy，isit?'saidMr。Grimwig，atlength。
　　'That'stheboy，'repliedMr。Brownlow。
　　'Howareyou，boy?'saidMr。Grimwig。
　　'Agreatdealbetter，thankyou，sir，'repliedOliver。
　　MrBrownlow，seemingtoapprehendthathissingularfriendwasabouttosaysomethingdisagreeable，askedOlivertostepdownstairsandtellMrs。Bedwintheywerereadyfortea；which，ashedidnothalflikethevisitor'smanner，hewasveryhappytodo。
　　'Heisanice-lookingboy，ishenot?'inquiredMr。Brownlow。
　　'Idon'tknow，'repliedMr。Grimwig，pettishly。
　　'Don'tknow?'
　　'No。Idon'tknow。Ineverseeanydifferenceinboys。Ionlyknewtwosortofboys。Mealyboys，andbeef-facedboys。'
　　'AndwhichisOliver?'
　　'Mealy。Iknowafriendwhohasabeef-facedboy；afineboy，theycallhim；witharoundhead，andredcheeks，andglaringeyes；ahorridboy；withabodyandlimbsthatappeartobeswellingoutoftheseamsofhisblueclothes；withthevoiceofapilot，andtheappetiteofawolf。Iknowhim！Thewretch！'
　　'Come，'saidMr。Brownlow，'thesearenotthecharacteristicsofyoungOliverTwist；soheneedn'texciteyourwrath。'
　　'Theyarenot，'repliedMr。Grimwig。'Hemayhaveworse。'
　　Here，Mr。Brownlowcoughedimpatiently；whichappearedtoaffordMr。Grimwigthemostexquisitedelight。
　　'Hemayhaveworse，Isay，'repeatedMr。Grimwig。'Wheredoeshecomefrom！Whoishe?Whatishe?Hehashadafever。Whatofthat?Feversarenotpeculiartogoodpeope；arethey?Badpeoplehavefeverssometimes；haven'tthey，eh?IknewamanwhowashunginJamaicaformurderinghismaster。Hehadhadafeversixtimes；hewasn'trecommendedtomercyonthataccount。Pooh！
　　nonsense！'
　　Now，thefactwas，thatintheinmostrecessesofhisownheart，Mr。GrimwigwasstronglydisposedtoadmitthatOliver'sappearanceandmannerwereunusuallyprepossessing；buthehadastrongappetiteforcontradiction，sharpenedonthisoccasionbythefindingoftheorange-peel；and，inwardlydeterminingthatnomanshoulddictatetohimwhetheraboywaswell-lookingornot，hehadresolved，fromthefirst，toopposehisfriend。WhenMr。
　　Brownlowadmittedthatonnoonepointofinquirycouldheyetreturnasatisfactoryanswer；andthathehadpostponedanyinvestigationintoOliver'sprevioushistoryuntilhethoughttheboywasstrongenoughtohearit；Mr。Grimwigchuckledmaliciously。Andhedemanded，withasneer，whetherthehousekeeperwasinthehabitofcountingtheplateatnight；
　　becauseifshedidn'tfindatable-spoonortwomissingsomesunshinymorning，why，hewouldbecontentto——andsoforth。
　　Allthis，Mr。Brownlow，althoughhimselfsomewhatofanimpetuousgentleman:knowinghisfriend'speculiarities，borewithgreatgoodhumour；asMr。Grimwig，attea，wasgraciouslypleasedtoexpresshisentireapprovalofthemuffins，matterswentonverysmoothly；andOliver，whomadeoneoftheparty，begantofeelmoreathiseasethanhehadyetdoneinthefierceoldgentleman'spresence。
　　'Andwhenareyougoingtohearatfull，true，andparticularaccountofthelifeandadventuresofOliverTwist?'askedGrimwigofMr。Brownlow，attheconclusionofthemeal；lookingsidewaysatOliver，asheresumedhissubject。
　　'To-morrowmorning，'repliedMr。Brownlow。'Iwouldratherhewasalonewithmeatthetime。Comeuptometo-morrowmorningatteno'clock，mydear。'
　　'Yes，sir，'repliedOliver。Heansweredwithsomehesitation，becausehewasconfusedbyMr。Grimwig'slookingsohardathim。
　　'I'lltellyouwhat，'whisperedthatgentlemantoMr。Brownlow；
　　'hewon'tcomeuptoyouto-morrowmorning。Isawhimhesitate。
　　Heisdeceivingyou，mygoodfriend。'
　　'I'llswearheisnot，'repliedMr。Brownlow，warmly。
　　'Ifheisnot，'saidMr。Grimwig，'I'll——'anddownwentthestick。
　　'I'llanswerforthatboy'struthwithmylife！'saidMr。
　　Brownlow，knockingthetable。
　　'AndIforhisfalsehoodwithmyhead！'rejoinedMr。Grimwig，knockingthetablealso。
　　'Weshallsee，'saidMr。Brownlow，checkinghisrisinganger。
　　'Wewill，'repliedMr。Grimwig，withaprovokingsmile；'wewill。'
　　Asfatewouldhaveit，Mrs。Bedwinchancedtobringin，atthismoment，asmallparcelofbooks，whichMr。Brownlowhadthatmorningpurchasedoftheidenticalbookstall-keeper，whohasalreadyfiguredinthishistory；havinglaidthemonthetable，shepreparedtoleavetheroom。
　　'Stoptheboy，Mrs。Bedwin！'saidMr。Brownlow；'thereissomethingtogoback。'
　　'Hehasgone，sir，'repliedMrs。Bedwin。
　　'Callafterhim，'saidMr。Brownlow；'it'sparticular。Heisapoorman，andtheyarenotpaidfor。Therearesomebookstobetakenback，too。'
　　Thestreet-doorwasopened。Oliverranoneway；andthegirlrananother；andMrs。Bedwinstoodonthestepandscreamedfortheboy；buttherewasnoboyinsight。Oliverandthegirlreturned，inabreathlessstate，toreportthattherewerenotidingsofhim。
　　'Dearme，Iamverysorryforthat，'exclaimedMr。Brownlow；'I
　　particularlywishedthosebookstobereturnedto-night。'
　　'SendOliverwiththem，'saidMr。Grimwig，withanironicalsmile；'hewillbesuretodeliverthemsafely，youknow。'
　　'Yes；doletmetakethem，ifyouplease，sir，'saidOliver。
　　'I'llrunalltheway，sir。'
　　TheoldgentlemanwasjustgoingtosaythatOlivershouldnotgooutonanyaccount；whenamostmaliciouscoughfromMr。Grimwigdeterminedhimthatheshould；andthat，byhispromptdischargeofthecommission，heshouldprovetohimtheinjusticeofhissuspicions:onthisheadatleast:atonce。
　　'YouSHALLgo，mydear，'saidtheoldgentleman。'Thebooksareonachairbymytable。Fetchthemdown。'
　　Oliver，delightedtobeofuse，broughtdownthebooksunderhisarminagreatbustle；andwaited，capinhand，tohearwhatmessagehewastotake。
　　'Youaretosay，'saidMr。Brownlow，glancingsteadilyatGrimwig；'youaretosaythatyouhavebroughtthosebooksback；
　　andthatyouhavecometopaythefourpoundtenIowehim。Thisisafive-poundnote，soyouwillhavetobringmeback，tenshillingschange。'
　　'Iwon'tbetenminutes，sir，'saidOliver，eagerly。Havingbuttonedupthebank-noteinhisjacketpocket，andplacedthebookscarefullyunderhisarm，hemadearespectfulbow，andlefttheroom。Mrs。Bedwinfollowedhimtothestreet-door，givinghimmanydirectionsaboutthenearestway，andthenameofthebookseller，andthenameofthestreet:allofwhichOliversaidheclearlyunderstood。Havingsuperaddedmanyinjunctionstobesureandnottakecold，theoldladyatlengthpermittedhimtodepart。
　　'Blesshissweetface！'saidtheoldlady，lookingafterhim。'I
　　can'tbear，somehow，tolethimgooutofmysight。'
　　Atthismoment，Oliverlookedgailyround，andnoddedbeforeheturnedthecorner。Theoldladysmilinglyreturnedhissalutation，and，closingthedoor，wentback，toherownroom。
　　'Letmesee；he'llbebackintwentyminutes，atthelongest，'
　　saidMr。Brownlow，pullingouthiswatch，andplacingitonthetable。'Itwillbedarkbythattime。'
　　'Oh！youreallyexpecthimtocomeback，doyou?'inquiredMr。
　　Grimwig。
　　'Don'tyou?'askedMr。Brownlow，smiling。
　　ThespiritofcontradictionwasstronginMr。Grimwig'sbreast，atthemoment；anditwasrenderedstrongerbyhisfriend'sconfidentsmile。
　　'No，'hesaid，smitingthetablewithhisfist，'Idonot。Theboyhasanewsuitofclothesonhisback，asetofvaluablebooksunderhisarm，andafive-poundnoteinhispocket。He'lljoinhisoldfriendsthethieves，andlaughatyou。Ifeverthatboyreturnstothishouse，sir，I'lleatmyhead。'
　　Withthesewordshedrewhischairclosertothetable；andtherethetwofriendssat，insilentexpectation，withthewatchbetweenthem。
　　Itisworthyofremark，asillustratingtheimportanceweattachtoourownjudgments，andthepridewithwhichweputforthourmostrashandhastyconclusions，that，althoughMr。Grimwigwasnotbyanymeansabad-heartedman，andthoughhewouldhavebeenunfeignedlysorrytoseehisrespectedfrienddupedanddeceived，hereallydidmostearnestlyandstronglyhopeatthatmoment，thatOliverTwistmightnotcomeback。
　　Itgrewsodark，thatthefiguresonthedial-platewerescarcelydiscernible；buttherethetwooldgentlemencontinuedtosit，insilence，withthewatchbetweenthem。
　　CHAPTERXV
　　SHOWINGHOWVERYFONDOFOLIVERTWIST，THEMERRYOLDJEWANDMISS
　　NANCYWERE
　　Intheobscureparlourofalowpublic-house，inthefilthiestpartofLittleSaffronHill；adarkandgloomyden，whereaflaringgas-lightburntalldayinthewinter-time；andwherenorayofsunevershoneinthesummer:theresat，broodingoveralittlepewtermeasureandasmallglass，stronglyimpregnatedwiththesmellofliquor，amaninavelveteencoat，drabshorts，half-bootsandstockings，whomevenbythatdimlightnoexperiencedagentofthepolicewouldhavehesitatedtorecogniseasMr。WilliamSikes。Athisfeet，satawhite-coated，red-eyeddog；whooccupiedhimself，alternately，inwinkingathismasterwithbotheyesatthesametime；andinlickingalarge，freshcutononesideofhismouth，whichappearedtobetheresultofsomerecentconflict。
　　'Keepquiet，youwarmint！Keepquiet！'saidMr。Sikes，suddenlybreakingsilence。Whetherhismeditationsweresointenseastobedisturbedbythedog'swinking，orwhetherhisfeelingsweresowroughtuponbyhisreflectionsthattheyrequiredallthereliefderivablefromkickinganunoffendinganimaltoallaythem，ismatterforargumentandconsideration。Whateverwasthecause，theeffectwasakickandacurse，bestoweduponthedogsimultaneously。
　　Dogsarenotgenerallyapttorevengeinjuriesinflicteduponthembytheirmasters；butMr。Sikes'sdog，havingfaultsoftemperincommonwithhisowner，andlabouring，perhaps，atthismoment，underapowerfulsenseofinjury，madenomoreadobutatoncefixedhisteethinoneofthehalf-boots。Havinggiveninaheartyshake，heretired，growling，underaform；justescapingthepewtermeasurewhichMr。Sikeslevelledathishead。
　　'Youwould，wouldyou?'saidSikes，seizingthepokerinonehand，anddeliberatelyopeningwiththeotheralargeclasp-knife，whichhedrewfromhispocket。'Comehere，youborndevil！Comehere！D'yehear?'
　　Thedognodoubtheard；becauseMr。Sikesspokeintheveryharshestkeyofaveryharshvoice；but，appearingtoentertainsomeunaccountableobjectiontohavinghisthroatcut，heremainedwherehewas，andgrowledmorefiercelythanbefore:atthesametimegraspingtheendofthepokerbetweenhisteeth，andbitingatitlikeawildbeast。
　　ThisresistanceonlyinfuriatedMr。Sikesthemore；who，droppingonhisknees，begantoassailtheanimalmostfuriously。Thedogjumpedfromrighttoleft，andfromlefttoright；snapping，growling，andbarking；themanthrustandswore，andstruckandblasphemed；andthestrugglewasreachingamostcriticalpointforoneorother；when，thedoorsuddenlyopening，thedogdartedout:leavingBillSikeswiththepokerandtheclasp-knifeinhishands。
　　Theremustalwaysbetwopartiestoaquarrel，saystheoldadage。Mr。Sikes，beingdisappointedofthedog'sparticipation，atoncetransferredhisshareinthequarreltothenewcomer。
　　'Whatthedevildoyoucomeinbetweenmeandmydogfor?'saidSikes，withafiercegesture。
　　'Ididn'tknow，mydear，Ididn'tknow，'repliedFagin，humbly；
　　fortheJewwasthenewcomer。
　　'Didn'tknow，youwhite-liveredthief！'growledSikes。'Couldn'tyouhearthenoise?'
　　'Notasoundofit，asI'malivingman，Bill，'repliedtheJew。
　　'Ohno！Youhearnothing，youdon't，'retortedSikeswithafiercesneer。'Sneakinginandout，soasnobodyhearshowyoucomeorgo！Iwishyouhadbeenthedog，Fagin，halfaminuteago。'
　　'Why?'inquiredtheJewwithaforcedsmile。
　　'Causethegovernment，ascaresforthelivesofsuchmenasyou，ashaven'thalfthepluckofcurs，letsamankilladoghowhelikes，'repliedSikes，shuttinguptheknifewithaveryexpressivelook；'that'swhy。'
　　TheJewrubbedhishands；and，sittingdownatthetable，affectedtolaughatthepleasantryofhisfriend。Hewasobviouslyveryillatease，however。
　　'Grinaway，'saidSikes，replacingthepoker，andsurveyinghimwithsavagecontempt；'grinaway。You'llneverhavethelaughatme，though，unlessit'sbehindanightcap。I'vegottheupperhandoveryou，Fagin；and，d——me，I'llkeepit。There！IfIgo，yougo；sotakecareofme。'
　　'Well，well，mydear，'saidtheJew，'Iknowallthat；
　　we——we——haveamutualinterest，Bill，——amutualinterest。'
　　'Humph，'saidSikes，asifhethoughtheinterestlayrathermoreontheJew'ssidethanonhis。'Well，whathaveyougottosaytome?'
　　'It'sallpassedsafethroughthemelting-pot，'repliedFagin，'andthisisyourshare。It'srathermorethanitoughttobe，mydear；butasIknowyou'lldomeagoodturnanothertime，and——'
　　'Stowthatgammon，'interposedtherobber，impatiently。'Whereisit?Handover！'
　　'Yes，yes，Bill；givemetime，givemetime，'repliedtheJew，soothingly。'Hereitis！Allsafe！'Ashespoke，hedrewforthanoldcottonhandkerchieffromhisbreast；anduntyingalargeknotinonecorner，producedasmallbrown-paperpacket。Sikes，snatchingitfromhim，hastilyopenedit；andproceededtocountthesovereignsitcontained。
　　'Thisisall，isit?'inquiredSikes。
　　'All，'repliedtheJew。
　　'Youhaven'topenedtheparcelandswallowedoneortwoasyoucomealong，haveyou?'inquiredSikes，suspiciously。'Don'tputonaninjuredlookatthequestion；you'vedoneitmanyatime。
　　Jerkthetinkler。'
　　Thesewords，inplainEnglish，conveyedaninjunctiontoringthebell。ItwasansweredbyanotherJew:youngerthanFagin，butnearlyasvileandrepulsiveinappearance。
　　BillSikesmerelypointedtotheemptymeasure。TheJew，perfectlyunderstandingthehint，retiredtofillit:previouslyexchangingaremarkablelookwithFagin，whoraisedhiseyesforaninstant，asifinexpectationofit，andshookhisheadinreply；soslightlythattheactionwouldhavebeenalmostimperceptibletoanobservantthirdperson。ItwaslostuponSikes，whowasstoopingatthemomenttotietheboot-lacewhichthedoghadtorn。Possibly，ifhehadobservedthebriefinterchangeofsignals，hemighthavethoughtthatitbodednogoodtohim。
　　'Isanybodyhere，Barney?'inquiredFagin；speaking，nowthatthatSikeswaslookingon，withoutraisinghiseyesfromtheground。
　　'Dotashoul，'repliedBarney；whosewords:whethertheycamefromtheheartornot:madetheirwaythroughthenose。
　　'Nobody?'inquiredFagin，inatoneofsurprise:whichperhapsmightmeanthatBarneywasatlibertytotellthetruth。
　　'DobodybutBissDadsy，'repliedBarney。
　　'Nancy！'exclaimedSikes。'Where?Strikemeblind，ifIdon'thonourthat'eregirl，forhernativetalents。'
　　'She'sbidhavidaplateofboiledbeefidthebar，'repliedBarney。
　　'Sendherhere，'saidSikes，pouringoutaglassofliquor。'Sendherhere。'
　　BarneylookedtimidlyatFagin，asifforpermission；theJewreaminingsilent，andnotliftinghiseyesfromtheground，heretired；andpresentlyreturned，usheringinNancy；whowasdecoratedwiththebonnet，apron，basket，andstreet-doorkey，complete。
　　'Youareonthescent，areyou，Nancy?'inquiredSikes，profferingtheglass。
　　'Yes，Iam，Bill，'repliedtheyounglady，disposingofitscontents；'andtiredenoughofitIam，too。Theyoungbrat'sbeenillandconfinedtothecrib；and——'
　　'Ah，Nancy，dear！'saidFagin，lookingup。
　　Now，whetherapeculiarcontractionoftheJew'sredeye-brows，andahalfclosingofhisdeeply-seteyes，warnedMissNancythatshewasdisposedtobetoocommunicative，isnotamatterofmuchimportance。Thefactisallweneedcareforhere；andthefactis，thatshesuddenlycheckedherself，andwithseveralgracioussmilesuponMr。Sikes，turnedtheconversationtoothermatters。
　　Inabouttenminutes'time，Mr。Faginwasseizedwithafitofcoughing；uponwhichNancypulledhershawloverhershoulders，anddeclareditwastimetogo。Mr。Sikes，findingthathewaswalkingashortpartofherwayhimself，expressedhisintentionofaccompanyingher；theywentawaytogether，followed，atalittledistant，bythedog，whoslunkoutofaback-yardassoonashismasterwasoutofsight。
　　TheJewthrusthisheadoutoftheroomdoorwhenSikeshadleftit；lookedafterhimaswewalkedupthedarkpassage；shookhisclenchedfist；mutteredadeepcurse；andthen，withahorriblegrin，reseatedhimselfatthetable；wherehewassoondeeplyabsorbedintheinterestingpagesoftheHue-and-Cry。
　　Meanwhile，OliverTwist，littledreamingthathewaswithinsoveryshortadistanceofthemerryoldgentleman，wasonhiswaytothebook-stall。WhenhegotintoClerkenwell，heaccidentlyturneddownaby-streetwhichwasnotexactlyinhisway；butnotdiscoveringhismistakeuntilhehadgothalf-waydownit，andknowingitmustleadintherightdirection，hedidnotthinkitworthwhiletoturnback；andsomarchedon，asquicklyashecould，withthebooksunderhisarm。
　　Hewaswalkingalong，thinkinghowhappyandcontentedheoughttofeel；andhowmuchhewouldgiveforonlyonelookatpoorlittleDick，who，starvedandbeaten，mightbeweepingbitterlyatthatverymoment；whenhewasstartledbyayoungwomanscreamingoutveryloud。'Oh，mydearbrother！'Andhehadhardlylookedup，toseewhatthematterwas，whenhewasstoppedbyhavingapairofarmsthrowntightroundhisneck。
　　'Don't，'criedOliver，struggling。'Letgoofme。Whoisit?
　　Whatareyoustoppingmefor?'
　　Theonlyreplytothis，wasagreatnumberofloudlamentationsfromtheyoungwomanwhohadembracedhim；andwhohadalittlebasketandastreet-doorkeyinherhand。
　　'Ohmygracious！'saidtheyoungwoman，'Ihavefoundhim！Oh！
　　Oliver！Oliver！Ohyounaughtyboy，tomakemesuffersuchdistressonyouraccount！Comehome，dear，come。Oh，I'vefoundhim。Thankgraciousgoodnessheavins，I'vefoundhim！'Withtheseincoherentexclamations，theyoungwomanburstintoanotherfitofcrying，andgotsodreadfullyhysterical，thatacoupleofwomenwhocameupatthemomentaskedabutcher'sboywithashinyheadofhairanointedwithsuet，whowasalsolookingon，whetherhedidn'tthinkhehadbetterrunforthedoctor。Towhich，thebutcher'sboy:whoappearedofalounging，nottosayindolentdisposition:replied，thathethoughtnot。
　　'Oh，no，no，nevermind，'saidtheyoungwoman，graspingOliver'shand；'I'mbetternow。Comehomedirectly，youcruelboy！
　　Come！'
　　'Oh，ma'am，'repliedtheyoungwoman，'heranaway，nearamonthago，fromhisparents，whoarehard-workingandrespectablepeople；andwentandjoinedasetofthievesandbadcharacters；
　　andalmostbrokehismother'sheart。'
　　'Youngwretch！'saidonewoman。
　　'Gohome，do，youlittlebrute，'saidtheother。
　　'Iamnot，'repliedOliver，greatlyalarmed。'Idon'tknowher。
　　Ihaven'tanysister，orfatherandmothereither。I'manorphan；IliveatPentonville。'
　　'Onlyhearhim，howhebravesitout！'criedtheyoungwoman。
　　'Why，it'sNancy！'exclaimedOliver；whonowsawherfaceforthefirsttime；andstartedback，inirrepressibleastonishment。
　　'Youseeheknowsme！'criedNancy，appealingtothebystanders。
　　'Hecan'thelphimself。Makehimcomehome，there'sgoodpeople，orhe'llkillhisdearmotherandfather，andbreakmyheart！'
　　'Whatthedevil'sthis?'saidaman，burstingoutofabeer-shop，withawhitedogathisheels；'youngOliver！Comehometoyourpoormother，youyoungdog！Comehomedirectly。'
　　'Idon'tbelongtothem。Idon'tknowthem。Help！help！criedOliver，strugglingintheman'spowerfulgrasp。
　　'Help！'repeatedtheman。'Yes；I'llhelpyou，youyoungrascal！
　　Whatbooksarethese?You'vebeenastealing'em，haveyou?
　　Give'emhere。'Withthesewords，themantorethevolumesfromhisgrasp，andstruckhimonthehead。
　　'That'sright！'criedalooker-on，fromagarret-window。'That'stheonlywayofbringinghimtohissenses！'
　　'Tobesure！'criedasleepy-facedcarpenter，castinganapprovinglookatthegarret-window。
　　'It'lldohimgood！'saidthetwowomen。
　　'Andheshallhaveit，too！'rejoinedtheman，administeringanotherblow，andseizingOliverbythecollar。'Comeon，youyoungvillain！Here，Bull's-eye，mindhim，boy！Mindhim！'