'Theroom-doorisopen，isit?'
　　'Wide，'repiedToby，afterpeepingintosatisfyhimself。'Thegameofthatis，thattheyalwaysleaveitopenwithacatch，sothatthedog，who'sgotabedinhere，maywalkupanddownthepassagewhenhefeelswakeful。Ha！ha！Barney'ticedhimawayto-night。Soneat！'
　　AlthoughMr。Crackitspokeinascarcelyaudiblewhisper，andlaughedwithoutnoise，Sikesimperiouslycommandedhimtobesilent，andtogettowork。Tobycomplied，byfirstproducinghislantern，andplacingitontheground；thenbyplantinghimselffirmlywithhisheadagainstthewallbeneaththewindow，andhishandsuponhisknees，soastomakeastepofhisback。
　　Thiswasnosoonerdone，thanSikes，mountinguponhim，putOivergentlythroughthewindowwithhisfeetfirst；and，withoutleavingholdofhiscollar，plantedhimsafelyonthefloorinside。
　　'Takethislantern，'saidSikes，lookingintotheroom。'Youseethestairsaforeyou?'
　　Oliver，moredeadthanalive，gaspedout，'Yes。'Sikes，pointingtothestreet-doorwiththepistol-barrel，brieflyadvisedhimtotakenoticethathewaswithinshotalltheway；andthatifhefaltered，hewouldfalldeadthatinstant。
　　'It'sdoneinaminute，'saidSikes，inthesamelowwhisper。
　　'DirectlyIleavegoofyou，doyourwork。Hark！'
　　'What'sthat?'whisperedtheotherman。
　　Theylistenedintently。
　　'Nothing，'saidSikes，releasinghisholdofOliver。'Now！'
　　Intheshorttimehehadhadtocollecthissenses，theboyhadfirmlyresolvedthat，whetherhediedintheattemptornot，hewouldmakeoneefforttodartupstairsfromthehall，andalarmthefamily。Filledwiththisidea，headvancedatonce，butstealthiy。
　　'Comeback！'suddenlycriedSikesaloud。'Back！back！'
　　Scaredbythesuddenbreakingofthedeadstillnessoftheplace，andbyaloudcrywhichfollowedit，Oliverlethislanternfall，andknewnotwhethertoadvanceorfly。
　　Thecrywasrepeated——alightappeared——avisionoftwoterrifiedhalf-dressedmenatthetopofthestairsswambeforehiseyes——aflash——aloudnoise——asmoke——acrashsomewhere，butwhereheknewnot，——andhestaggeredback。
　　Sikeshaddisappearedforaninstant；buthewasupagain，andhadhimbythecollarbeforethesmokehadclearedaway。Hefiredhisownpistolafterthemen，whowerealreadyretreating；
　　anddraggedtheboyup。
　　'Claspyourarmtighter，'saidSikes，ashedrewhimthroughthewindow。'Givemeashawlhere。They'vehithim。Quick！Howtheboybleeds！'
　　Thencametheloudringingofabell，mingledwiththenoiseoffire-arms，andtheshoutsofmen，andthesensationofbeingcarriedoverunevengroundatarapidpace。Andthen，thenoisesgrewconfusedinthedistance；andacolddeadlyfeelingcreptovertheboy'sheart；andhesaworheardnomore。
　　CHAPTERXXIII
　　WHICHCONTAINSTHESUBSTANCEOFAPLEASANTCONVERSATIONBETWEEN
　　MR。BUMBLEANDALADY；ANDSHOWSTHATEVENABEADLEMAYBE
　　SUSCEPTIBLEONSOMEPOINTS
　　Thenightwasbittercold。Thesnowlayontheground，frozenintoahardthickcrust，sothatonlytheheapsthathaddriftedintobywaysandcornerswereaffectedbythesharpwindthathowledabroad:which，asifexpendingincreasedfuryonsuchpreyasitfound，caughtitsavagelyupinclouds，and，whirlingitintoathousandmistyeddies，scattereditinair。Bleak，dark，andpiercingcold，itwasanightforthewell-housedandfedtodrawroundthebrightfireandthankGodtheywereathome；andforthehomeless，starvingwretchtolayhimdownanddie。Manyhunger-wornoutcastsclosetheireyesinourbarestreets，atsuchtimes，who，lettheircrimeshavebeenwhattheymay，canhardlyopentheminamorebitterworld。
　　Suchwastheaspectofout-of-doorsaffairs，whenMr。Corney，thematronoftheworkhousetowhichourreadershavebeenalreadyintroducedasthebirthplaceofOliverTwist，satherselfdownbeforeacheerfulfireinherownlittleroom，andglanced，withnosmalldegreeofcomplacency，atasmallroundtable:onwhichstoodatrayofcorrespondingsize，furnishedwithallnecessarymaterialsforthemostgratefulmealthatmatronsenjoy。Infact，Mrs。Corneywasabouttosolaceherselfwithacupoftea。
　　Assheglancedfromthetabletothefireplace，wherethesmallestofallpossiblekettleswassingingasmallsonginasmallvoice，herinwardsatisfactionevidentlyincreased，——somuchso，indeed，thatMrs。Corneysmiled。
　　'Well！'saidthematron，leaningherelbowonthetable，andlookingreflectivelyatthefire；'I'msurewehaveallonusagreatdealtobegratefulfor！Agreatdeal，ifwedidbutknowit。Ah！'
　　Mrs。Corneyshookherheadmournfully，asifdeploringthementalblindnessofthosepauperswhodidnotknowit；andthrustingasilverspoonprivatepropertyintotheinmostrecessesofatwo-ouncetintea-caddy，proceededtomakethetea。
　　Howslightathingwilldisturbtheequanimityofourfrailminds！Theblackteapot，beingverysmallandeasilyfilled，ranoverwhileMrs。Corneywasmoralising；andthewaterslightlyscaldedMrs。Corney'shand。
　　'Dratthepot！'saidtheworthymatron，settingitdownveryhastilyonthehob；'alittlestupidthing，thatonlyholdsacoupleofcups！Whatuseisitof，toanybody！Except，'saidMrs。Corney，pausing，'excepttoapoordesolatecreaturelikeme。Ohdear！'
　　Withthesewords，thematrondroppedintoherchair，and，oncemorerestingherelbowonthetable，thoughtofhersolitaryfate。Thesmallteapot，andthesinglecup，hadawakenedinhermindsadrecollectionsofMr。Corneywhohadnotbeendeadmorethanfive-and-twentyyears；andshewasoverpowered。
　　'Ishallnevergetanother！'saidMrs。Corney，pettishly；'I
　　shallnevergetanother——likehim。'
　　Whetherthisremarkborereferencetothehusband，ortheteapot，isuncertain。Itmighthavebeenthelatter；forMrs。Corneylookedatitasshespoke；andtookitupafterwards。Shehadjusttastedherfirstcup，whenshewasdisturbedbyasofttapattheroom-door。
　　'Oh，comeinwithyou！'saidMrs。Corney，sharply。'Someoftheoldwomendying，Isuppose。TheyalwaysdiewhenI'matmeals。
　　Don'tstandthere，lettingthecoldairin，don't。What'samissnow，eh?'
　　'Nothing，ma'am，nothing，'repliedaman'svoice。
　　'Dearme！'exclaimedthematron，inamuchsweetertone，'isthatMr。Bumble?'
　　'Atyourservice，ma'am，'saidMr。Bumble，whohadbeenstoppingoutsidetorubhisshoesclean，andtoshakethesnowoffhiscoat；andwhonowmadehisappearance，bearingthecockedhatinonehandandabundleintheother。'ShallIshutthedoor，ma'am?'
　　Theladymodestlyhesitatedtoreply，lestthereshouldbeanyimproprietyinholdinganinterviewwithMr。Bumble，withcloseddoors。Mr。Bumbletakingadvantageofthehesitation，andbeingverycoldhimself，shutitwithoutpermission。
　　'Hardweather，Mr。Bumble，'saidthematron。
　　'Hard，indeed，ma'am，'repliedthebeadle。'Anti-porochialweatherthis，ma'am。Wehavegivenaway，Mrs。Corney，wehavegivenawayamatteroftwentyquarternloavesandacheeseandahalf，thisveryblessedafternoon；andyetthempaupersarenotcontented。'
　　'Ofcoursenot。Whenwouldtheybe，Mr。Bumble?'saidthematron，sippinghertea。
　　'When，indeed，ma'am！'rejoinedMr。Bumble。'Whyhere'sonemanthat，inconsideratonofhiswifeandlargefamily，hasaquarternloafandagoodpoundofcheese，fullweight。Ishegrateful，ma'am?Ishegrateful?Notacopperfarthing'sworthofit！Whatdoeshedo，ma'am，butaskforafewcoals；ifit'sonlyapockethandkerchieffull，hesays！Coals！Whatwouldhedowithcoals?Toasthischeesewith'emandthencomebackformore。That'sthewaywiththesepeople，ma'am；give'emaapronfullofcoalsto-day，andthey'llcomebackforanother，thedayafterto-morrow，asbrazenasalabaster。'
　　Thematronexpressedherentireconcurrenceinthisintelligiblesimile；andthebeadlewenton。
　　'Inever，'saidMr。Bumble，'seeanythinglikethepitchit'sgotto。Thedayaforeyesterday，aman——youhavebeenamarriedwoman，ma'am，andImaymentionittoyou——aman，withhardlyaraguponhisbackhereMrs。Corneylookedatthefloor，goestoouroverseer'sdoorwhenhehasgotcompanycomingtodinner；andsays，hemustberelieved，Mrs。Corney。Ashewouldn'tgoaway，andshockedthecompanyverymuch，ouroverseersenthimoutapoundofpotatoesandhalfapintofoatmeal。“Myheart！“saystheungratefulvillain，“what'stheuseofTHIStome?Youmightaswellgivemeapairofironspectacles！'“Verygood，“saysouroverseer，taking'emawayagain，“youwon'tgetanythingelsehere。”“ThenI'lldieinthestreets！“saysthevagrant。“Ohno，youwon't，“saysouroverseer。'
　　'Ha！ha！Thatwasverygood！SolikeMr。Grannett，wasn'tit?'
　　interposedthematron。'Well，Mr。Bumble?'
　　'Well，ma'am，'rejoinedthebeadle，'hewentaway；andheDIDdieinthestreets。There'saobstinatepauperforyou！'
　　'ItbeatsanythingIcouldhavebelieved，'observedthematronemphatically。'Butdon'tyouthinkout-of-doorreliefaverybadthing，anyway，Mr。Bumble?You'reagentlemanofexperience，andoughttoknow。Come。'
　　'Mrs。Corney，'saidthebeadle，smilingasmensmilewhoareconsciousofsuperiorinformation，'out-of-doorrelief，properlymanaged，ma'am:istheporochialsafeguard。Thegreatprincipleofout-of-doorreliefis，togivethepaupersexactlywhattheydon'twant；andthentheygettiredofcoming。'
　　'Dearme！'exclaimedMrs。Corney。'Well，thatisagoodone，too！'
　　'Yes。Betwixtyouandme，ma'am，'returnedMr。Bumble，'that'sthegreatprinciple；andthat'sthereasonwhy，ifyoulookatanycasesthatgetintothemowdaciousnewspapers，you'llalwaysobservethatsickfamilieshavebeenrelievedwithslicesofcheese。That'stherulenow，Mrs。Corney，alloverthecountry。
　　But，however，'saidthebeadle，stoppingtounpackhisbundle，'theseareofficialsecrets，ma'am；nottobespokenof；except，asImaysay，amongtheporochialofficers，suchasourselves。
　　Thisistheportwine，ma'am，thattheboardorderedfortheinfirmary；real，fresh，genuineportwine；onlyoutofthecaskthisforenoon；clearasabell，andnosediment！'
　　Havingheldthefirstbottleuptothelight，andshakenitwelltotestitsexcellence，Mr。Bumbleplacedthembothontopofachestofdrawers；foldedthehandkerchiefinwhichtheyhadbeenwrapped；putitcarefullyinhispocket；andtookuphishat，asiftogo。
　　'You'llhaveaverycoldwalk，Mr。Bumble，'saidthematron。
　　'Itblows，ma'am，'repliedMr。Bumble，turninguphiscoat-collar，'enoughtocutone'searsoff。'
　　Thematronlooked，fromthelittlekettle，tothebeadle，whowasmovingtowardsthedoor；andasthebeadlecoughed，preparatorytobiddinghergood-night，bashfullyinquiredwhether——whetherhewouldn'ttakeacupoftea?
　　Mr。Bumbleinstantaneouslyturnedbackhiscollaragain；laidhishatandstickuponachair；anddrewanotherchairuptothetable。Asheslowlyseatedhimself，helookedatthelady。Shefixedhereyesuponthelittleteapot。Mr。Bumblecoughedagain，andslightlysmiled。
　　Mrs。Corneyrosetogetanothercupandsaucerfromthecloset。
　　Asshesatdown，hereyesonceagainencounteredthoseofthegallantbeadle；shecoloured，andappliedherselftothetaskofmakinghistea。AgainMr。Bumblecoughed——louderthistimethanhehadcoughedyet。
　　'Sweet?Mr。Bumble?'inquiredthematron，takingupthesugar-basin。
　　'Verysweet，indeed，ma'am，'repliedMr。Bumble。HefixedhiseyesonMrs。Corneyashesaidthis；andifeverabeadlelookedtender，Mr。Bumblewasthatbeadleatthatmoment。
　　Theteawasmade，andhandedinsilence。Mr。Bumble，havingspreadahandkerchiefoverhiskneestopreventthecrumbsfromsullyingthesplendourofhisshorts，begantoeatanddrink；
　　varyingtheseamusements，occasionally，byfetchingadeepsigh；
　　which，however，hadnoinjuriouseffectuponhisappetite，but，onthecontrary，ratherseemedtofacilitatehisoperationsintheteaandtoastdepartment。
　　'Youhaveacat，ma'am，Isee，'saidMr。Bumble，glancingatonewho，inthecentreofherfamily，wasbaskingbeforethefire；
　　'andkittenstoo，Ideclare！'
　　'Iamsofondofthem，Mr。Bumble，youcan'tthink，'repliedthematron。'They'reSOhappy，SOfrolicsome，andSOcheerful，thattheyarequitecompanionsforme。'
　　'Veryniceanimals，ma'am，'repliedMr。Bumble，approvingly；'soverydomestic。'
　　'Oh，yes！'rejoinedthematronwithenthusiasm；'sofondoftheirhometoo，thatit'squiteapleasure，I'msure。'
　　'Mrs。Corney，ma'am，saidMr。Bumble，slowly，andmarkingthetimewithhisteaspoon，'Imeantosaythis，ma'am；thatanycat，orkitten，thatcouldlivewithyou，ma'am，andNOTbefondofitshome，mustbeaass，ma'am。'
　　'Oh，Mr。Bumble！'remonstratedMrs。Corney。
　　'It'sofnousedisguisingfacts，ma'am，'saidMr。Bumble，slowlyflourishingtheteaspoonwithakindofamorousdignitywhichmadehimdoublyimpressive；'Iwoulddrownitmyself，withpleasure。'
　　'Thenyou'reacruelman，'saidthematronvivaciously，assheheldoutherhandforthebeadle'scup；'andaveryhard-heartedmanbesides。'
　　'Hard-hearted，ma'am?'saidMr。Bumble。'Hard?'Mr。Bumbleresignedhiscupwithoutanotherword；squeezedMrs。Corney'slittlefingerasshetookit；andinflictingtwoopen-handedslapsuponhislacedwaistcoat，gaveamightysigh，andhitchedhischairaverylittlemorselfartherfromthefire。
　　Itwasaroundtable；andasMrs。CorneyandMr。Bumblehadbeensittingoppositeeachother，withnogreatspacebetweenthem，andfrontingthefire，itwillbeseenthatMr。Bumble，inrecedingfromthefire，andstillkeepingatthetable，increasedthedistancebetweenhimselfandMrs。Corney；whichproceeding，someprudentreaderswilldoubtlessbedisposedtoadmire，andtoconsideranactofgreatheroismonMr。Bumble'spart:hebeinginsomesorttemptedbytime，place，andopportunity，togiveutterancetocertainsoftnothings，whichhoweverwelltheymaybecomethelipsofthelightandthoughtless，doseemimmeasurablybeneaththedignityofjudgesoftheland，membersofparliament，ministersofstate，lordmayors，andothergreatpublicfunctionaries，butmoreparticularlybeneaththestatelinessandgravityofabeadle:whoasiswellknown
　　shouldbethesternestandmostinflexibleamongthemall。
　　WhateverwereMr。Bumble'sintentions，howeverandnodoubttheywereofthebest:itunfortunatelyhappened，ashasbeentwicebeforeremarked，thatthetablewasaroundone；consequentlyMr。
　　Bumble，movinghischairbylittleandlittle，soonbegantodiminishthedistancebetweenhimselfandthematron；and，continuingtotravelroundtheouteredgeofthecircle，broughthischair，intime，closetothatinwhichthematronwasseated。
　　Indeed，thetwochairstouched；andwhentheydidso，Mr。Bumblestopped。
　　Now，ifthematronhadmovedherchairtotheright，shewouldhavebeenscorchedbythefire；andiftotheleft，shemusthavefallenintoMr。Bumble'sarms；sobeingadiscreetmatron，andnodoubtforeseeingtheseconsequencesataglancesheremainedwhereshewas，andhandedMr。Bumbleanothercupoftea。
　　'Hard-hearted，Mrs。Corney?'saidMr。Bumble，stirringhistea，andlookingupintothematron'sface；'areYOUhard-hearted，Mrs。Corney?'
　　'Dearme！'exclaimedthematron，'whataverycuriousquestionfromasingleman。Whatcanyouwanttoknowfor，Mr。Bumble?'
　　Thebeadledrankhisteatothelastdrop；finishedapieceoftoast；whiskedthecrumbsoffhisknees；wipedhislips；anddeliberatelykissedthematron。
　　'Mr。Bumble！'criedthatdiscreetladyinawhisper；forthefrightwassogreat，thatshehadquitelosthervoice，'Mr。
　　Bumble，Ishallscream！'Mr。Bumblemadenoreply；butinaslowanddignifiedmanner，puthisarmroundthematron'swaist。
　　Astheladyhadstatedherintentionofscreaming，ofcourseshewouldhavescreamedatthisadditionalboldness，butthattheexertionwasrenderedunnecessarybyahastyknockingatthedoor:whichwasnosoonerheard，thanMr。Bumbledarted，withmuchagility，tothewinebottles，andbegandustingthemwithgreatviolence:whilethematronsharplydemandedwhowasthere。
　　Itisworthyofremark，asacuriousphysicalinstanceoftheefficacyofasuddensurpriseincounteractingtheeffectsofextremefear，thathervoicehadquiterecoveredallitsofficialasperity。
　　'Ifyouplease，mistress，'saidawitheredoldfemalepauper，hideouslyugly:puttingherheadinatthedoor，'OldSallyisa-goingfast。'
　　'Well，what'sthattome?'angrilydemandedthematron。'Ican'tkeepheralive，canI?'
　　'No，no，mistress，'repliedtheoldwoman，'nobodycan；she'sfarbeyondthereachofhelp。I'veseenamanypeopledie；littlebabesandgreatstrongmen；andIknowwhendeath'sa-coming，wellenough。Butshe'stroubledinhermind:andwhenthefitsarenotonher，——andthat'snotoften，forsheisdyingveryhard，——shesaysshehasgotsomethingtotell，whichyoumusthear。She'llneverdiequiettillyoucome，mistress。'
　　Atthisintelligence，theworthyMrs。Corneymutteredavarietyofinvectivesagainstoldwomenwhocouldn'tevendiewithoutpurposelyannoyingtheirbetters；and，mufflingherselfinathickshawlwhichshehastilycaughtup，brieflyrequestedMr。
　　Bumbletostaytillshecameback，lestanythingparticularshouldoccur。Biddingthemessengerwalkfast，andnotbeallnighthobblingupthestairs，shefollowedherfromtheroomwithaveryillgrace，scoldingalltheway。
　　Mr。Bumble'sconductonbeinglefttohimself，wasratherinexplicable。Heopenedthecloset，countedtheteaspoons，weighedthesugar-tongs，closelyinspectedasilvermilk-pottoascertainthatitwasofthegenuinemetal，and，havingsatisfiedhiscuriosityonthesepoints，putonhiscockedhatcorner-wise，anddancedwithmuchgravityfourdistincttimesroundthetable。
　　Havinggonethroughthisveryextraordinaryperformance，hetookoffthecockedhatagain，and，spreadinghimselfbeforethefirewithhisbacktowardsit，seemedtobementallyengagedintakinganexactinventoryofthefurniture。
　　CHAPTERXXIV
　　TREATSONAVERYPOORSUBJECT。BUTISASHORTONE，ANDMAYBE
　　FOUNDOFIMPORTANCEINTHISHISTORY
　　Itwasnounfitmessangerofdeath，whohaddisturbedthequietofthematron'sroom。Herbodywasbentbyage；herlimbstrembledwithpalsy；herface，distortedintoamumblingleer，resembledmorethegrotesqueshapingofsomewildpencil，thantheworkofNature'shand。
　　Alas！HowfewofNature'sfacesareleftalonetogladdenuswiththeirbeauty！Thecares，andsorrows，andhungerings，oftheworld，changethemastheychangehearts；anditisonlywhenthosepassionssleep，andhavelosttheirholdforever，thatthetroubledcloudspassoff，andleaveHeaven'ssurfaceclear。Itisacommonthingforthecountenancesofthedead，eveninthatfixedandrigidstate，tosubsideintothelong-forgottenexpressionofsleepinginfancy，andsettleintotheverylookofearlylife；socalm，sopeaceful，dotheygrowagain，thatthosewhoknewthemintheirhappychildhood，kneelbythecoffin'ssideinawe，andseetheAngelevenuponearth。
　　Theoldcronetotteredalonethepassages，andupthestairs，mutteringsomeindistinctanswerstothechidingsofhercompanion；beingatlengthcompelledtopauseforbreath，shegavethelightintoherhand，andremainedbehindtofollowasshemight:whilethemorenimblesuperiormadeherwaytotheroomwherethesickwomanlay。
　　Itwasabaregarret-room，withadimlightburningatthefartherend。Therewasanotheroldwomanwatchingbythebed；
　　theparishapothecary'sapprenticewasstandingbythefire，makingatoothpickoutofaquill。
　　'Coldnight，Mrs。Corney，'saidthisyounggentleman，asthematronentered。
　　'Verycold，indeed，sir，'repliedthemistress，inhermostciviltones，anddroppingacurtseyasshespoke。
　　'Youshouldgetbettercoalsoutofyourcontractors，'saidtheapothecary'sdeputy，breakingalumponthetopofthefirewiththerustypoker；'thesearenotatallthesortofthingforacoldnight。'
　　'They'retheboard'schoosing，sir，'returnedthematron。'Theleasttheycoulddo，wouldbetokeepusprettywarm:forourplacesarehardenough。'
　　Theconversationwashereinterruptedbyamoanfromthesickwoman。
　　'Oh！'saidtheyoungmag，turninghisfacetowardsthebed，asifhehadpreviouslyquiteforgottenthepatient，'it'sallU。P。
　　there，Mrs。Corney。'
　　'Itis，isit，sir?'askedthematron。
　　'Ifshelastsacoupleofhours，Ishallbesurprised。'saidtheapothecary'sapprentice，intentuponthetoothpick'spoint。
　　'It'sabreak-upofthesystemaltogether。Isshedozing，oldlady?'
　　Theattendantstoopedoverthebed，toascertain；andnoddedintheaffirmative。
　　'Thenperhapsshe'llgooffinthatway，ifyoudon'tmakearow，'saidtheyoungman。'Putthelightonthefloor。Shewon'tseeitthere。'
　　Theattendantdidasshewastold:shakingherheadmeanwhile，tointimatethatthewomanwouldnotdiesoeasily；havingdoneso，sheresumedherseatbythesideoftheothernurse，whohadbythistimereturned。Themistress，withanexpressionofimpatience，wrappedherselfinhershawl，andsatatthefootofthebed。
　　Theapothecary'sapprentice，havingcompletedthemanufactureofthetoothpick，plantedhimselfinfrontofthefireandmadegooduseofitfortenminutesorso:whenapparentlygrowingratherdull，hewishedMrs。Corneyjoyofherjob，andtookhimselfoffontiptoe。
　　Whentheyhadsatinsilenceforsometime，thetwooldwomenrosefromthebed，andcrouchingoverthefire，heldouttheirwitheredhandstocatchtheheat。Theflamethrewaghastlylightontheirshrivelledfaces，andmadetheiruglinessappearterrible，as，inthisposition，theybegantoconverseinalowvoice。
　　'Didshesayanymore，Annydear，whileIwasgone?'inquiredthemessenger。
　　'Notaword，'repliedtheother。'Shepluckedandtoreatherarmsforalittletime；butIheldherhands，andshesoondroppedoff。Shehasn'tmuchstrengthinher，soIeasilykeptherquiet。Iain'tsoweakforanoldwoman，althoughIamonparishallowance；no，no！'
　　'Didshedrinkthehotwinethedoctorsaidshewastohave?'
　　demandedthefirst。
　　'Itriedtogetitdown，'rejoinedtheother。'Butherteethweretightset，andsheclenchedthemugsohardthatitwasasmuchasIcoulddotogetitbackagain。SoIdrankit；anditdidmegood！'
　　Lookingcautiouslyround，toascertainthattheywerenotoverheard，thetwohagscowerednearertothefire，andchuckledheartily。
　　'Imindthetime，'saidthefirstspeaker，'whenshewouldhavedonethesame，andmaderarefunofitafterwards。'
　　'Ay，thatshewould，'rejoinedtheother；'shehadamerryheart。
　　Amany，many，beautifulcorpsesshelaidout，asniceandneataswaxwork。Myoldeyeshaveseenthem——ay，andthoseoldhandstouchedthemtoo；forIhavehelpedher，scoresoftimes。'
　　Stretchingforthhertremblingfingersasshespoke，theoldcreatureshookthemexultinglybeforeherface，andfumblinginherpocket，broughtoutanoldtime-discolouredtinsnuff-box，fromwhichsheshookafewgrainsintotheoutstretchedpalmofhercompanion，andafewmoreintoherown。Whiletheywerethusemployed，thematron，whohadbeenimpatientlywatchinguntilthedyingwomanshouldawakenfromherstupor，joinedthembythefire，andsharplyaskedhowlongshewastowait?
　　'Notlong，mistress，'repliedthesecondwoman，lookingupintoherface。'WehavenoneofuslongtowaitforDeath。Patience，patience！He'llbeheresoonenoughforusall。'
　　'Holdyourtongue，youdotingidiot！'saidthematronsternly。
　　'You，Martha，tellme；hasshebeeninthiswaybefore?'
　　'Often，'answeredthefirstwoman。
　　'Butwillneverbeagain，'addedthesecondone；'thatis，she'llneverwakeagainbutonce——andmind，mistress，thatwon'tbeforlong！'
　　'Longorshort，'saidthematron，snappishly，'shewon'tfindmeherewhenshedoeswake；takecare，bothofyou，howyouworrymeagainfornothing。It'snopartofmydutytoseealltheoldwomeninthehousedie，andIwon't——that'smore。Mindthat，youimpudentoldharridans。Ifyoumakeafoolofmeagain，I'llsooncureyou，Iwarrantyou！'
　　Shewasbouncingaway，whenacryfromthetwowomen，whohadturnedtowardsthebed，causedhertolookround。Thepatienthadraisedherselfupright，andwasstretchingherarmstowardsthem。
　　'Who'sthat?'shecried，inahollowvoice。
　　'Hush，hush！'saidoneofthewomen，stoopingoverher。'Liedown，liedown！'
　　'I'llneverliedownagainalive！'saidthewoman，struggling。'I
　　WILLtellher！Comehere！Nearer！Letmewhisperinyourear。'
　　Sheclutchedthematronbythearm，andforcingherintoachairbythebedside，wasabouttospeak，whenlookinground，shecaughtsightofthetwooldwomenbendingforwardintheattitudeofeagerlisteners。
　　'Turnthemaway，'saidthewoman，drowsily；'makehaste！makehaste！'
　　Thetwooldcrones，chimingintogether，beganpouringoutmanypiteouslamentationsthatthepoordearwastoofargonetoknowherbestfriends；andwereutteringsundryprotestationsthattheywouldneverleaveher，whenthesuperiorpushedthemfromtheroom，closedthedoor，andreturnedtothebedside。Onbeingexcluded，theoldladieschangedtheirtone，andcriedthroughthekeyholethatoldSallywasdrunk；which，indeed，wasnotunlikely；since，inadditiontoamoderatedoseofopiumprescribedbytheapothecary，shewaslabouringundertheeffectsofafinaltasteofgin-and-waterwhichhadbeenprivilyadministered，intheopennessoftheirhearts，bytheworthyoldladiesthemselves。
　　'Nowlistentome，'saidthedyingwomanaloud，asifmakingagreatefforttoreviveonelatentsparkofenergy。'Inthisveryroom——inthisverybed——Ioncenursedaprettyyoungcreetur'，thatwasbroughtintothehousewithherfeetcutandbruisedwithwalking，andallsoiledwithdustandblood。Shegavebirthtoaboy，anddied。Letmethink——whatwastheyearagain！'
　　'Nevermindtheyear，'saidtheimpatientauditor；'whatabouther?'
　　'Ay，'murmuredthesickwoman，relapsingintoherformerdrowsystate，'whatabouther?——whatabout——Iknow！'shecried，jumpingfiercelyup:herfaceflushed，andhereyesstartingfromherhead——'Irobbedher，soIdid！Shewasn'tcold——Itellyoushewasn'tcold，whenIstoleit！'
　　'Stolewhat，forGod'ssake?'criedthematron，withagestureasifshewouldcallforhelp。
　　'IT！'repliedthewoman，layingherhandovertheother'smouth。
　　'Theonlythingshehad。Shewantedclothestokeepherwarm，andfoodtoeat；butshehadkeptitsafe，andhaditinherbosom。Itwasgold，Itellyou！Richgold，thatmighthavesavedherlife！'
　　'Gold！'echoedthematron，bendingeagerlyoverthewomanasshefellback。'Goon，goon——yest——whatofit?Whowasthemother?
　　Whenwasit?'
　　'Shechargemetokeepitsafe，'repliedthewomanwithagroan，'andtrustedmeastheonlywomanabouther。Istoleitinmyheartwhenshefirstshoweditmehangingroundherneck；andthechild'sdeath，perhaps，isonmebesides！Theywouldhavetreatedhimbetter，iftheyhadknownitall！'
　　'Knownwhat?'askedtheother。'Speak！'
　　'Theboygrewsolikehismother，'saidthewoman，ramblingon，andnotheedingthequestion，'thatIcouldneverforgetitwhenIsawhisface。Poorgirl！poorgirl！Shewassoyoung，too！
　　Suchagentlelamb！Wait；there'smoretotell。Ihavenottoldyouall，haveI?'
　　'No，no，'repliedthematron，incliningherheadtocatchthewords，astheycamemorefaintlyfromthedyingwoman。'Bequick，oritmaybetoolate！'
　　'Themother，'saidthewoman，makingamoreviolenteffortthanbefore；'themother，whenthepainsofdeathfirstcameuponher，whisperedinmyearthatifherbabywasbornalive，andthrived，thedaymightcomewhenitwouldnotfeelsomuchdisgracedtohearitspooryoungmothernamed。“Andoh，kindHeaven！“shesaid，foldingherthinhandstogether，“whetheritbeboyorgirl，raiseupsomefriendsforitinthistroubledworld，andtakepityuponalonelydesolatechild，abandonedtoitsmercy！“'
　　'Theboy'sname?'demandedthematron。
　　'TheyCALLEDhimOliver，'repliedthewoman，feebly。'ThegoldI
　　stolewas——'
　　'Yes，yes——what?'criedtheother。
　　Shewasbendingeagerlyoverthewomantohearherreply；butdrewback，instinctively，assheonceagainrose，slowlyandstiffly，intoasittingposture；then，clutchingthecoverlidwithbothhands，mutteredsomeindistinctsoundsinherthroat，andfelllifelessonthebed。
　　*******
　　'Stonedead！'saidoneoftheoldwomen，hurryinginassoonasthedoorwasopened。
　　'Andnothingtotell，afterall，'rejoinedthematron，walkingcarelesslyaway。
　　Thetwocrones，toallappearance，toobusilyoccupiedinthepreparationsfortheirdreadfuldutiestomakeanyreply，wereleftalone，hoveringaboutthebody。
　　CHAPTERXXV
　　WHEREINTHISHISTORYREVERTSTOMR。FAGINANDCOMPANY
　　Whilethesethingswerepassinginthecountryworkhouse，Mr。
　　Faginsatintheoldden——thesamefromwhichOliverhadbeenremovedbythegirl——broodingoveradull，smokyfire。Heheldapairofbellowsuponhisknee，withwhichhehadapparentlybeenendeavouringtorouseitintomorecheerfulaction；buthehadfallenintodeepthought；andwithhisarmsfoldedonthem，andhischinrestingonhisthumbs，fixedhiseyes，abstractedly，ontherustybars。
　　AtatablebehindhimsattheArtfulDodger，MasterCharlesBates，andMr。Chitling:allintentuponagameofwhist；theArtfultakingdummyagainstMasterBatesandMr。Chitling。Thecountenanceofthefirst-namedgentleman，peculiarlyintelligentatalltimes，acquiredgreatadditionalinterestfromhiscloseobservanceofthegame，andhisattentiveperusalofMr。
　　Chitling'shand；uponwhich，fromtimetotime，asoccasionserved，hebestowedavarietyofearnestglances:wiselyregulatinghisownplaybytheresultofhisobservationsuponhisneighbour'scards。Itbeingacoldnight，theDodgerworehishat，as，indeed，wasoftenhiscustomwithindoors。Healsosustainedaclaypipebetweenhisteeth，whichheonlyremovedforabriefspacewhenhedeemeditnecessarytoapplyforrefreshmenttoaquartpotuponthetable，whichstoodreadyfilledwithgin-and-waterfortheaccommodationofthecompany。
　　MasterBateswasalsoattentivetotheplay；butbeingofamoreexcitablenaturethanhisaccomplishedfriend，itwasobservablethathemorefrequentlyappliedhimselftothegin-and-water，andmoreoverindulgedinmanyjestsandirrelevantremarks，allhighlyunbecomingascientificrubber。Indeed，theArtful，presumingupontheircloseattachment，morethanoncetookoccasiontoreasongravelywithhiscompanionupontheseimproprieties；allofwhichremonstrances，MasterBatesreceivedinextremelygoodpart；merelyrequestinghisfriendtobe'blowed，'ortoinserthisheadinasack，orreplyingwithsomeotherneatly-turnedwitticismofasimilarkind，thehappyapplicationofwhich，excitedconsiderableadmirationinthemindofMr。Chitling。Itwasremarkablethatthelattergentlemanandhispartnerinvariablylost；andthatthecircumstance，sofarfromangeringMasterBates，appearedtoaffordhimthehighestamusement，inasmuchashelaughedmostuproariouslyattheendofeverydeal，andprotestedthathehadneverseensuchajollygameinallhisborndays。
　　'That'stwodoublesandtherub，'saidMr。Chitling，withaverylongface，ashedrewhalf-a-crownfromhiswaistcoat-pocket。'I
　　neverseesuchafellerasyou，Jack；youwineverything。Evenwhenwe'vegoodcards，CharleyandIcan'tmakenothingof'em。'
　　Eitherthemasterorthemannerofthisremark，whichwasmadeveryruefully，delightedCharleyBatessomuch，thathisconsequentshoutoflaughterrousedtheJewfromhisreverie，andinducedhimtoinquirewhatwasthematter。
　　'Matter，Fagin！'criedCharley。'Iwishyouhadwatchedtheplay。TommyChitlinghasn'twonapoint；andIwentpartnerswithhimagainsttheArtfullanddumb。'
　　'Ay，ay！'saidtheJew，withagrin，whichsufficientlydemonstratedthathewasatnolosstounderstandthereason。
　　'Try'emagain，Tom；try'emagain。'
　　'Nomoreofitforme，thank'ee，Fagin，'repliedMr。Chitling；
　　'I'vehadenough。That'ereDodgerhassucharunofluckthatthere'snostandingagain'him。'
　　'Ha！ha！mydear，'repliedtheJew，'youmustgetupveryearlyinthemorning，towinagainsttheDodger。'
　　'Morning！'saidCharleyBates；'youmustputyourbootsonover-night，andhaveatelescopeateacheye，andaopera-glassbetweenyourshoulders，ifyouwanttocomeoverhim。'
　　Mr。Dawkinsreceivedthesehandsomecomplimentswithmuchphilosophy，andofferedtocutanygentlemanincompany，forthefirstpicture-card，atashillingatatime。Nobodyacceptingthechallenge，andhispipebeingbythistimesmokedout，heproceededtoamusehimselfbysketchingaground-planofNewgateonthetablewiththepieceofchalkwhichhadservedhiminlieuofcounters；whistling，meantime，withpeculiarshrillness。
　　'Howpreciousdullyouare，Tommy！'saidtheDodger，stoppingshortwhentherehadbeenalongsilence；andaddressingMr。
　　Chitling。'Whatdoyouthinkhe'sthinkingof，Fagin?'
　　'HowshouldIknow，mydear?'repliedtheJew，lookingroundashepliedthebellows。'Abouthislosses，maybe；orthelittleretirementinthecountrythathe'sjustleft，eh?Ha！ha！Isthatit，mydear?'
　　'Notabitofit，'repliedtheDodger，stoppingthesubjectofdiscourseasMr。Chitlingwasabouttoreply。'WhatdoYOUsay，Charley?'
　　'_I_shouldsay，'repliedMasterBates，withagrin，'thathewasuncommonsweetuponBetsy。Seehowhe'sa-blushing！Oh，myeye！
　　here'samerry-go-rounder！TommyChitling'sinlove！Oh，Fagin，Fagin！whataspree！'
　　ThoroughlyoverpoweredwiththenotionofMr。Chitlingbeingthevictimofthetenderpassion，MasterBatesthrewhimselfbackinhischairwithsuchviolence，thathelosthisbalance，andpitchedoveruponthefloor；wheretheaccidentabatingnothingofhismerrimenthelayatfulllengthuntilhislaughwasover，whenheresumedhisformerposition，andbegananotherlaugh。
　　'Nevermindhim，mydear，'saidtheJew，winkingatMr。Dawkins，andgivingMasterBatesareprovingtapwiththenozzleofthebellows。'Betsy'safinegirl。Stickuptoher，Tom。Stickuptoher。'
　　'WhatImeantosay，Fagin，'repliedMr。Chitling，veryredintheface，'is，thatthatisn'tanythingtoanybodyhere。'
　　'Nomoreitis，'repliedtheJew；'Charleywilltalk。Don'tmindhim，mydear；don'tmindhim。Betsy'safinegirl。Doasshebidsyou，Tom，andyouwillmakeyourfortune。'
　　'SoIDOdoasshebidsme，'repliedMr。Chitling；'Ishouldn'thavebeenmilled，ifithadn'tbeenforheradvice。Butitturnedoutagoodjobforyou；didn'tit，Fagin！Andwhat'ssixweeksofit?Itmustcome，sometimeoranother，andwhynotinthewintertimewhenyoudon'twanttogoouta-walkingsomuch；
　　eh，Fagin?'
　　'Ah，tobesure，mydear，'repliedtheJew。
　　'Youwouldn'tminditagain，Tom，wouldyou，'askedtheDodger，winkinguponCharleyandtheJew，'ifBetwasallright?'
　　'ImeantosaythatIshouldn't，'repliedTom，angrily。'There，now。Ah！Who'llsayasmuchasthat，Ishouldliketoknow；eh，Fagin?'
　　'Nobody，mydear，'repliedtheJew；'notasoul，Tom。Idon'tknowoneof'emthatwoulddoitbesidesyou；notoneof'em，mydear。'
　　'Imighthavegotclearoff，ifI'dsplituponher；mightn'tI，Fagin?'angrilypursuedthepoorhalf-witteddupe。'Awordfrommewouldhavedoneit；wouldn'tit，Fagin?'
　　'Tobesureitwould，mydear，'repliedtheJew。
　　'ButIdidn'tblabit；didI，Fagin?'demandedTom，pouringquestionuponquestionwithgreatvolubility。
　　'No，no，tobesure，'repliedtheJew；'youweretoostout-heartedforthat。Adealtoostout，mydear！'
　　'PerhapsIwas，'rejoinedTom，lookinground；'andifIwas，what'stolaughat，inthat；eh，Fagin?'
　　TheJew，perceivingthatMr。Chitlingwasconsiderablyroused，hastenedtoassurehimthatnobodywaslaughing；andtoprovethegravityofthecompany，appealedtoMasterBates，theprincipaloffender。But，unfortunately，Charley，inopeninghismouthtoreplythathewasnevermoreseriousinhislife，wasunabletopreventtheescapeofsuchaviolentroar，thattheabusedMr。
　　Chitling，withoutanypreliminaryceremonies，rushedacrosstheroomandaimedablowattheoffender；who，beingskilfulinevadingpursuit，duckedtoavoidit，andchosehistimesowellthatitlightedonthechestofthemerryoldgentleman，andcausedhimtostaggertothewall，wherehestoodpantingforbreath，whileMr。Chitlinglookedoninintensedismay。
　　'Hark！'criedtheDodgeratthismoment，'Iheardthetinkler。'
　　Catchingupthelight，hecreptsoftlyupstairs。
　　Thebellwasrungagain，withsomeimpatience，whilethepartywereindarkness。Afterashortpause，theDodgerreappeared，andwhisperedFaginmysteriously。
　　'What！'criedtheJew，'alone?'
　　TheDodgernoddedintheaffirmative，and，shadingtheflameofthecandlewithhishand，gaveCharleyBatesaprivateintimation，indumbshow，thathehadbetternotbefunnyjustthen。Havingperformedthisfriendlyoffice，hefixedhiseyesontheJew'sface，andawaitedhisdirections。
　　Theoldmanbithisyellowfingers，andmeditatedforsomeseconds；hisfaceworkingwithagitationthewhile，asifhedreadedsomething，andfearedtoknowtheworst。Atlengthheraisedhishead。
　　'Whereishe?'heasked。
　　TheDodgerpointedtothefloorabove，andmadeagesture，asiftoleavetheroom。
　　'Yes，'saidtheJew，answeringthemuteinquiry；'bringhimdown。
　　Hush！Quiet，Charley！Gently，Tom！Scarce，scarce！'
　　ThisbriefdirectiontoCharleyBates，andhisrecentantagonist，wassoftlyandimmediatelyobeyed。Therewasnosoundoftheirwhereabout，whentheDodgerdescendedthestairs，bearingthelightinhishand，andfollowedbyamaninacoarsesmock-frock；
　　who，aftercastingahurriedglanceroundtheroom，pulledoffalargewrapperwhichhadconcealedthelowerportionofhisface，anddisclosed:allhaggard，unwashed，andunshorn:thefeaturesofflashTobyCrackit。
　　'Howareyou，Faguey?'saidthisworthy，noddingtotheJew。'Popthatshawlawayinmycastor，Dodger，sothatImayknowwheretofinditwhenIcut；that'sthetimeofday！You'llbeafineyoungcracksmanaforetheoldfilenow。'
　　Withthesewordshepulledupthesmock-frock；and，windingitroundhismiddle，drewachairtothefire，andplacedhisfeetuponthehob。
　　'Seethere，Faguey，'hesaid，pointingdisconsolatelytohistopboots；'notadropofDayandMartinsinceyouknowwhen；notabubbleofblacking，byJove！Butdon'tlookatmeinthatway，man。Allingoodtime。Ican'ttalkaboutbusinesstillI'veeatanddrank；soproducethesustainance，andlet'shaveaquietfill-outforthefirsttimethesethreedays！'
　　TheJewmotionedtotheDodgertoplacewhateatablestherewere，uponthetable；and，seatinghimselfoppositethehousebreaker，waitedhisleisure。
　　Tojudgefromappearances，Tobywasbynomeansinahurrytoopentheconversation。Atfirst，theJewcontentedhimselfwithpatientlywatchinghiscountenance，asiftogainfromitsexpressionsomecluetotheintelligencehebrought；butinvain。
　　Helookedtiredandworn，buttherewasthesamecomplacentreposeuponhisfeaturesthattheyalwayswore:andthroughdirt，andbeard，andwhisker，therestillshone，unimpaired，theself-satisfiedsmirkofflashTobyCrackit。ThentheJew，inanagonyofimpatience，watchedeverymorselheputintohismouth；
　　pacingupanddowntheroom，meanwhile，inirrepressibleexcitement。Itwasallofnouse。Tobycontinuedtoeatwiththeutmostoutwardindifference，untilhecouldeatnomore；
　　then，orderingtheDodgerout，heclosedthedoor，mixedaglassofspiritsandwater，andcomposedhimselffortalking。
　　'Firstandforemost，Faguey，'saidToby。
　　'Yes，yes！'interposedtheJew，drawinguphischair。
　　Mr。Crackitstoppedtotakeadraughtofspiritsandwater，andtodeclarethattheginwasexcellent；thenplacinghisfeetagainstthelowmantelpiece，soastobringhisbootstoaboutthelevelofhiseye，hequietlyresumed。
　　'Firstandforemost，Faguey，'saidthehousebreaker，'how'sBill?'
　　'What！'screamedtheJew，startingfromhisseat。
　　'Why，youdon'tmeantosay——'beganToby，turningpale。
　　'Mean！'criedtheJew，stampingfuriouslyontheground。'Wherearethey?Sikesandtheboy！Wherearethey?Wherehavetheybeen?Wherearetheyhiding?Whyhavetheynotbeenhere?'
　　'Thecrackfailed，'saidTobyfaintly。
　　'Iknowit，'repliedtheJew，tearinganewspaperfromhispocketandpointingtoit。'Whatmore?'
　　'Theyfiredandhittheboy。Wecutoverthefieldsattheback，withhimbetweenus——straightasthecrowflies——throughhedgeandditch。Theygavechase。Damme！thewholecountrywasawake，andthedogsuponus。'
　　'Theboy！'
　　'Billhadhimonhisback，andscuddedlikethewind。Westoppedtotakehimbetweenus；hisheadhungdown，andhewascold。
　　Theywerecloseuponourheels；everymanforhimself，andeachfromthegallows！Wepartedcompany，andlefttheyoungsterlyinginaditch。Aliveordead，that'sallIknowabouthim。'
　　TheJewstoppedtohearnomore；bututteringaloudyell，andtwininghishandsinhishair，rushedfromtheroom，andfromthehouse。
　　CHAPTERXXVI
　　INWHICHAMYSTERIOUSCHARACTERAPPEARSUPONTHESCENE；ANDMANY
　　THINGS，INSEPARABLEFROMTHISHISTORY，AREDONEANDPERFORMED
　　Theoldmanhadgainedthestreetcorner，beforehebegantorecovertheeffectofTobyCrackit'sintelligence。Hehadrelaxednothingofhisunusualspeed；butwasstillpressingonward，inthesamewildanddisorderedmanner，whenthesuddendashingpastofacarriage:andaboisterouscryfromthefootpassengers，whosawhisdanger:drovehimbackuponthepavement。Avoiding，asmuchaswaspossible，allthemainstreets，andskulkingonlythroughtheby-waysandalleys，heatlengthemergedonSnowHill。Herehewalkedevenfasterthanbefore；nordidhelingeruntilhehadagainturnedintoacourt；
　　when，asifconsciousthathewasnowinhisproperelement，hefellintohisusualshufflingpace，andseemedtobreathemorefreely。
　　NeartothespotonwhichSnowHillandHolbornHillmeet，opens，upontherighthandasyoucomeoutoftheCity，anarrowanddismalalley，leadingtoSaffronHill。Initsfilthyshopsareexposedforsalehugebunchesofsecond-handsilkhandkerchiefs，ofallsizesandpatterns；forhereresidethetraderswhopurchasethemfrompick-pockets。Hundredsofthesehandkerchiefshangdanglingfrompegsoutsidethewindowsorflauntingfromthedoor-posts；andtheshelves，within，arepiledwiththem。
　　ConfinedasthelimitsofFieldLaneare，ithasitsbarber，itscoffee-shop，itsbeer-shop，anditsfried-fishwarehouse。Itisacommercialcolonyofitself:theemporiumofpettylarceny:
　　visitedatearlymorning，andsetting-inofdusk，bysilentmerchants，whotrafficindarkback-parlours，andwhogoasstrangelyastheycome。Here，theclothesman，theshoe-vamper，andtherag-merchant，displaytheirgoods，assign-boardstothepettythief；here，storesofoldironandbones，andheapsofmildewyfragmentsofwoollen-stuffandlinen，rustandrotinthegrimycellars。
　　ItwasintothisplacethattheJewturned。Hewaswellknowntothesallowdenizensofthelane；forsuchofthemaswereonthelook-outtobuyorsell，nodded，familiarly，ashepassedalong。
　　Herepliedtotheirsalutationsinthesameway；butbestowednocloserrecognitionuntilhereachedthefurtherendofthealley；
　　whenhestopped，toaddressasalesmanofsmallstature，whohadsqueezedasmuchofhispersonintoachild'schairasthechairwouldhold，andwassmokingapipeathiswarehousedoor。
　　'Why，thesightofyou，Mr。Fagin，wouldcurethehoptalymy！'
　　saidthisrespectabletrader，inacknowledgmentoftheJew'sinquiryafterhishealth。
　　'Theneighbourhoodwasalittletoohot，Lively，'saidFagin，elevatinghiseyebrows，andcrossinghishandsuponhisshoulders。
　　'Well，I'veheerdthatcomplaintofit，onceortwicebefore，'
　　repliedthetrader；'butitsooncoolsdownagain；don'tyoufinditso?'
　　Faginnoddedintheaffirmative。PointinginthedirectionofSaffronHill，heinquiredwhetheranyonewasupyonderto-night。
　　'AttheCripples?'inquiredtheman。
　　TheJewnodded。
　　'Letmesee，'pursuedthemerchant，reflecting。
　　'Yes，there'ssomehalf-dozenof'emgonein，thatIknows。I
　　don'tthinkyourfriend'sthere。'
　　'Sikesisnot，Isuppose?'inquiredtheJew，withadisappointedcountenance。
　　'Nonistwentus，asthelawyerssay，'repliedthelittleman，shakinghishead，andlookingamazinglysly。'Haveyougotanythinginmylineto-night?'
　　'Nothingto-night，'saidtheJew，turningaway。
　　'AreyougoinguptotheCripples，Fagin?'criedthelittleman，callingafterhim。'Stop！Idon'tmindifIhaveadroptherewithyou！'
　　ButastheJew，lookingback，wavedhishandtointimatethathepreferredbeingalone；and，moreover，asthelittlemancouldnotveryeasilydisengagehimselffromthechair；thesignoftheCrippleswas，foratime，bereftoftheadvantageofMr。Lively'spresence。Bythetimehehadgotuponhislegs，theJewhaddisappeared；soMr。Lively，afterineffectuallystandingontiptoe，inthehopeofcatchingsightofhim，againforcedhimselfintothelittlechair，and，exchangingashakeoftheheadwithaladyintheoppositeshop，inwhichdoubtandmistrustwereplainlymingled，resumedhispipewithagravedemeanour。
　　TheThreeCripples，orrathertheCripples；whichwasthesignbywhichtheestablishmentwasfamiliarlyknowntoitspatrons:wasthepublic-houseinwhichMr。Sikesandhisdoghavealreadyfigured。Merelymakingasigntoamanatthebar，Faginwalkedstraightupstairs，andopeningthedoorofaroom，andsoftlyinsinuatinghimselfintothechamber，lookedanxiouslyabout:
　　shadinghiseyeswithhishand，asifinsearchofsomeparticularperson。
　　Theroomwasilluminatedbytwogas-lights；theglareofwhichwaspreventedbythebarredshutters，andclosely-drawncurtainsoffadedred，frombeingvisibleoutside。Theceilingwasblackened，topreventitscolourfrombeinginjuredbytheflaringofthelamps；andtheplacewassofullofdensetobaccosmoke，thatatfirstitwasscarcelypossibletodiscernanythingmore。Bydegrees，however，assomeofitclearedawaythroughtheopendoor，anassemblageofheads，asconfusedasthenoisesthatgreetedtheear，mightbemadeout；andastheeyegrewmoreaccustomedtothescene，thespectatorgraduallybecameawareofthepresenceofanumerouscompany，maleandfemale，crowdedroundalongtable:attheupperendofwhich，satachairmanwithahammerofofficeinhishand；whileaprofessionalgentlemanwithabluishnose，andhisfacetiedupforthebenefitofatoothache，presidedatajinglingpianoinaremotecorner。
　　AsFaginsteppedsoftlyin，theprofessionalgentleman，runningoverthekeysbywayofprelude，occasionedageneralcryoforderforasong；whichhavingsubsided，ayoungladyproceededtoentertainthecompanywithaballadinfourverses，betweeneachofwhichtheaccompanyistplayedthemelodyallthrough，asloudashecould。Whenthiswasover，thechairmangaveasentiment，afterwhich，theprofessionalgentlemanonthechairman'srightandleftvolunteeredaduet，andsangit，withgreatapplause。
　　Itwascurioustoobservesomefaceswhichstoodoutprominentlyfromamongthegroup。Therewasthechairmanhimself，thelandlordofthehouse，acoarse，rough，heavybuiltfellow，who，whilethesongswereproceeding，rolledhiseyeshitherandthither，and，seemingtogivehimselfuptojoviality，hadaneyeforeverythingthatwasdone，andanearforeverythingthatwassaid——andsharpones，too。Nearhimwerethesingers:
　　receiving，withprofessionalindifference，thecomplimentsofthecompany，andapplyingthemselves，inturn，toadozenprofferedglassesofspiritsandwater，tenderedbytheirmoreboisterousadmirers；whosecountenances，expressiveofalmosteveryviceinalmosteverygrade，irresistiblyattractedtheattention，bytheirveryrepulsiveness。Cunning，ferocity，anddrunkenessinallitsstages，werethere，intheirstrongestaspect；andwomen:
　　somewiththelastlingeringtingeoftheirearlyfreshnessalmostfadingasyoulooked:otherswitheverymarkandstampoftheirsexutterlybeatenout，andpresentingbutoneloathsomeblankofprofligacyandcrime；somemeregirls，othersbutyoungwomen，andnonepasttheprimeoflife；formedthedarkestandsaddestportionofthisdrearypicture。
　　Fagin，troubledbynograveemotions，lookedeagerlyfromfacetofacewhiletheseproceedingswereinprogress；butapparentlywithoutmeetingthatofwhichhewasinsearch。Succeeding，atlength，incatchingtheeyeofthemanwhooccupiedthechair，hebeckonedtohimslightly，andlefttheroom，asquietlyashehadenteredit。
　　'WhatcanIdoforyou，Mr。Fagin?'inquiredtheman，ashefollowedhimouttothelanding。'Won'tyoujoinus?They'llbedelighted，everyoneof'em。'
　　TheJewshookhisheadimpatiently，andsaidinawhisper，'IsHE
　　here?'
　　'No，'repliedtheman。
　　'AndnonewsofBarney?'inquiredFagin。
　　'None，'repliedthelandlordoftheCripples；foritwashe。'Hewon'tstirtillit'sallsafe。Dependonit，they'reonthescentdownthere；andthatifhemoved，he'dblowuponthethingatonce。He'sallrightenough，Barneyis，elseIshouldhaveheardofhim。I'llpoundit，thatBarney'smanagingproperly。
　　Lethimaloneforthat。'
　　'WillHEbehereto-night?'askedtheJew，layingthesameemphasisonthepronounasbefore。
　　'Monks，doyoumean?'inquiredthelandlord，hesitating。
　　'Hush！'saidtheJew。'Yes。'
　　'Certain，'repliedtheman，drawingagoldwatchfromhisfob；'I
　　expectedhimherebeforenow。Ifyou'llwaittenminutes，he'llbe——'
　　'No，no，'saidtheJew，hastily；asthough，howeverdesiroushemightbetoseethepersoninquestion，hewasneverthelessrelievedbyhisabsence。'TellhimIcameheretoseehim；andthathemustcometometo-night。No，sayto-morrow。Asheisnothere，to-morrowwillbetimeenough。'
　　'Good！'saidtheman。'Nothingmore?'
　　'Notawordnow，'saidtheJew，descendingthestairs。
　　'Isay，'saidtheother，lookingovertherails，andspeakinginahoarsewhisper；'whatatimethiswouldbeforasell！I'vegotPhilBarkerhere:sodrunk，thataboymighttakehim！'
　　'Ah！Butit'snotPhilBarker'stime，'saidtheJew，lookingup。
　　'Philhassomethingmoretodo，beforewecanaffordtopartwithhim；sogobacktothecompany，mydear，andtellthemtoleadmerrylives——WHILETHEYLAST。Ha！ha！ha！'
　　Thelandlordreciprocatedtheoldman'slaugh；andreturnedtohisguests。TheJewwasnosooneralone，thanhiscountenanceresumeditsformerexpressionofanxietyandthought。Afterabriefreflection，hecalledahack-cabriolet，andbadethemandrivetowardsBethnalGreen。HedismissedhimwithinsomequarterofamileofMr。Sikes'sresidence，andperformedtheshortremainderofthedistance，onfoot。
　　'Now，'mutteredtheJew，asheknockedatthedoor，'ifthereisanydeepplayhere，Ishallhaveitoutofyou，mygirl，cunningasyouare。'
　　Shewasinherroom，thewomansaid。Fagincreptsoftlyupstairs，andentereditwithoutanypreviousceremony。Thegirlwasalone；lyingwithherheaduponthetable，andherhairstragglingoverit。
　　'Shehasbeendrinking，'thoughttheJew，cooly，'orperhapssheisonlymiserable。'
　　Theoldmanturnedtoclosethedoor，ashemadethisreflection；
　　thenoisethusoccasioned，rousedthegirl。Sheeyedhiscraftyfacenarrowly，assheinquiredtohisrecitalofTobyCrackit'sstory。Whenitwasconcluded，shesankintoherformerattitude，butspokenotaword。Shepushedthecandleimpatientlyaway；
　　andonceortwiceasshefeverishlychangedherposition，shuffledherfeetupontheground；butthiswasall。
　　Duringthesilence，theJewlookedrestlesslyabouttheroom，asiftoassurehimselfthattherewerenoappearancesofSikeshavingcovertlyreturned。Apparentlysatisfiedwithhisinspection，hecoughedtwiceorthrice，andmadeasmanyeffortstoopenaconversation；butthegirlheededhimnomorethanifhehadbeenmadeofstone。Atlengthhemadeanotherattempt；
　　andrubbinghishandstogether，said，inhismostconcilitorytone，'AndwhereshouldyouthinkBillwasnow，mydear?'
　　Thegirlmoanedoutsomehalfintelligiblereply，thatshecouldnottell；andseemed，fromthesmotherednoisethatescapedher，tobecrying。
　　'Andtheboy，too，'saidtheJew，straininghiseyestocatchaglimpseofherface。'Poorleetlechild！Leftinaditch，Nance；onlythink！'
　　'Thechild，'saidthegirl，suddenlylookingup，'isbetterwhereheis，thanamongus；andifnoharmcomestoBillfromit，I
　　hopeheliesdeadintheditchandthathisyoungbonesmayrotthere。'
　　'What！'criedtheJew，inamazement。
　　'Ay，Ido，'returnedthegirl，meetinghisgaze。'Ishallbegladtohavehimawayfrommyeyes，andtoknowthattheworstisover。Ican'tbeartohavehimaboutme。Thesightofhimturnsmeagainstmyself，andallofyou。'
　　'Pooh！'saidtheJew，scornfully。'You'redrunk。'
　　'AmI?'criedthegirlbitterly。'It'snofaultofyours，ifI
　　amnot！You'dneverhavemeanythingelse，ifyouhadyourwill，exceptnow；——thehumourdoesn'tsuityou，doesn'tit?'
　　'No！'rejoinedtheJew，furiously。'Itdoesnot。'
　　'Changeit，then！'respondedthegirl，withalaugh。
　　'Changeit！'exclaimedtheJew，exasperatedbeyondallboundsbyhiscompanion'sunexpectedobstinacy，andthevexationofthenight，'IWILLchangeit！Listentome，youdrab。Listentome，whowithsixwords，canstrangleSikesassurelyasifIhadhisbull'sthroatbetweenmyfingersnow。Ifhecomesback，andleavestheboybehindhim；ifhegetsofffree，anddeadoralive，failstorestorehimtome；murderhimyourselfifyouwouldhavehimescapeJackKetch。Anddoitthemomenthesetsfootinthisroom，ormindme，itwillbetoolate！'