第6章

Hekeptonhiscourse，throughmanywindingandnarrowways，untilhereachedBethnalGreen；then，turningsuddenlyofftotheleft，hesoonbecameinvolvedinamazeofthemeananddirtystreetswhichaboundinthatcloseanddensely-populatedquarter。

TheJewwasevidentlytoofamiliarwiththegroundhetraversedtobeatallbewildered，eitherbythedarknessofthenight，ortheintricaciesoftheway。Hehurriedthroughseveralalleysandstreets，andatlengthturnedintoone，lightedonlybyasinglelampatthefartherend。Atthedoorofahouseinthisstreet，heknocked；havingexchangedafewmutteredwordswiththepersonwhoopenedit，hewalkedupstairs。

Adoggrowledashetouchedthehandleofaroom-door；andaman\'svoicedemandedwhowasthere。

\'Onlyme，Bill；onlyme，mydear，\'saidtheJewlookingin。

\'Bringinyourbodythen，\'saidSikes。\'Liedown，youstupidbrute！Don\'tyouknowthedevilwhenhe\'sgotagreat-coaton?\'

Apparently，thedoghadbeensomewhatdeceivedbyMr。Fagin\'soutergarment；forastheJewunbuttonedit，andthrewitoverthebackofachair，heretiredtothecornerfromwhichhehadrisen:wagginghistailashewent，toshowthathewasaswellsatisfiedasitwasinhisnaturetobe。

\'Well！\'saidSikes。

\'Well，mydear，\'repliedtheJew——\'Ah！Nancy。\'

Thelatterrecognitionwasutteredwithjustenoughofembarrassmenttoimplyadoubtofitsreception；forMr。Faginandhisyoungfriendhadnotmet，sinceshehadinterferedinbehalfofOliver。Alldoubtsuponthesubject，ifhehadany，werespeedilyremovedbytheyounglady\'sbehaviour。Shetookherfeetoffthefender，pushedbackherchair，andbadeFagindrawuphis，withoutsayingmoreaboutit:foritwasacoldnight，andnomistake。

\'Itiscold，Nancydear，\'saidtheJew，ashewarmedhisskinnyhandsoverthefire。\'Itseemstogorightthroughone，\'addedtheoldman，touchinghisside。

\'Itmustbeapiercer，ifitfindsitswaythroughyourheart，\'

saidMr。Sikes。\'Givehimsomethingtodrink，Nancy。Burnmybody，makehaste！It\'senoughtoturnamanill，toseehisleanoldcarcaseshiveringinthatway，likeauglyghostjustrosefromthegrave。\'

Nancyquicklybroughtabottlefromacupboard，inwhichthereweremany:which，tojudgefromthediversityoftheirappearance，werefilledwithseveralkindsofliquids。Sikespouringoutaglassofbrandy，badetheJewdrinkitoff。

\'Quiteenough，quite，thankye，Bill，\'repliedtheJew，puttingdowntheglassafterjustsettinghislipstoit。

\'What！You\'reafraidofourgettingthebetterofyou，areyou?\'

inquiredSikes，fixinghiseyesontheJew。\'Ugh！\'

Withahoarsegruntofcontempt，Mr。Sikesseizedtheglass，andthrewtheremainderofitscontentsintotheashes:asapreparatoryceremonytofillingitagainforhimself:whichhedidatonce。

TheJewglancedroundtheroom，ashiscompaniontosseddownthesecondglassful；notincuriousity，forhehadseenitoftenbefore；butinarestlessandsuspiciousmannerhabitualtohim。

Itwasameanlyfurnishedapartment，withnothingbutthecontentsoftheclosettoinducethebeliefthatitsoccupierwasanythingbutaworkingman；andwithnomoresuspiciousarticlesdisplayedtoviewthantwoorthreeheavybludgeonswhichstoodinacorner，anda\'life-preserver\'thathungoverthechimney-piece。

\'There，\'saidSikes，smackinghislips。\'NowI\'mready。\'

\'Forbusiness?\'inquiredtheJew。

\'Forbusiness，\'repliedSikes；\'sosaywhatyou\'vegottosay。\'

\'AboutthecribatChertsey，Bill?\'saidtheJew，drawinghischairforward，andspeakinginaverylowvoice。

\'Yes。Wotaboutit?\'inquiredSikes。

\'Ah！youknowwhatImean，mydear，\'saidtheJew。\'HeknowswhatImean，Nancy；don\'the?\'

\'No，hedon\'t，\'sneeredMr。Sikes。\'Orhewon\'t，andthat\'sthesamething。Speakout，andcallthingsbytheirrightnames；

don\'tsitthere，winkingandblinking，andtalkingtomeinhints，asifyouwarn\'ttheveryfirstthatthoughtabouttherobbery。Wotd\'yemean?\'

\'Hush，Bill，hush！\'saidtheJew，whohadinvainattemptedtostopthisburstofindignation；\'somebodywillhearus，mydear。

Somebodywillhearus。\'

\'Let\'emhear！\'saidSikes；\'Idon\'tcare。\'ButasMr。SikesDID

care，onreflection，hedroppedhisvoiceashesaidthewords，andgrewcalmer。

\'There，there，\'saidtheJew，coaxingly。\'Itwasonlymycaution，nothingmore。Now，mydear，aboutthatcribatChertsey；whenisittobedone，Bill，eh?Whenisittobedone?Suchplate，mydear，suchplate！\'saidtheJew:rubbinghishands，andelevatinghiseyebrowsinaraptureofanticipation。

\'Notatall，\'repliedSikescoldly。

\'Nottobedoneatall！\'echoedtheJew，leaningbackinhischair。

\'No，notatall，\'rejoinedSikes。\'Atleastitcan\'tbeaput-upjob，asweexpected。\'

\'Thenithasn\'tbeenproperlygoneabout，\'saidtheJew，turningpalewithanger。\'Don\'ttellme！\'

\'ButIwilltellyou，\'retortedSikes。\'Whoareyouthat\'snottobetold?ItellyouthatTobyCrackithasbeenhangingabouttheplaceforafortnight，andhecan\'tgetoneoftheservantsinline。\'

\'Doyoumeantotellme，Bill，\'saidtheJew:softeningastheothergrewheated:\'thatneitherofthetwomeninthehousecanbegotover?\'

\'Yes，Idomeantotellyouso，\'repliedSikes。\'Theoldladyhashad\'emthesetwentyyears；andifyouweretogive\'emfivehundredpound，theywouldn\'tbeinit。\'

\'Butdoyoumeantosay，mydear，\'remonstratedtheJew，\'thatthewomencan\'tbegotover?\'

\'Notabitofit，\'repliedSikes。

\'NotbyflashTobyCrackit?\'saidtheJewincredulously。\'Thinkwhatwomenare，Bill，\'

\'No；notevenbyflashTobyCrackit，\'repliedSikes。\'Hesayshe\'swornshamwhiskers，andacanarywaistcoat，thewholeblessedtimehe\'sbeenloiteringdownthere，andit\'sallofnouse。\'

\'Heshouldhavetriedmustachiosandapairofmilitarytrousers，mydear，\'saidtheJew。

\'Sohedid，\'rejoinedSikes，\'andtheywarn\'tofnomoreusethantheotherplant。\'

TheJewlookedblankatthisinformation。Afterruminatingforsomeminuteswithhischinsunkonhisbreast，heraisedhisheadandsaid，withadeepsigh，thatifflashTobyCrackitreportedaright，hefearedthegamewasup。

\'Andyet，\'saidtheoldman，droppinghishandsonhisknees，\'it\'sasadthing，mydear，tolosesomuchwhenwehadsetourheartsuponit。\'

\'Soitis，\'saidMr。Sikes。\'Worseluck！\'

Alongsilenceensued；duringwhichtheJewwasplungedindeepthought，withhisfacewrinkledintoanexpressionofvillainyperfectlydemoniacal。Sikeseyedhimfurtivelyfromtimetotime。Nancy，apparentlyfearfulofirritatingthehousebreaker，satwithhereyesfixeduponthefire，asifshehadbeendeaftoallthatpassed。

\'Fagin，\'saidSikes，abruptlybreakingthestillnessthatprevailed；\'isitworthfiftyshinersextra，ifit\'ssafelydonefromtheoutside?\'

\'Yes，\'saidtheJew，assuddenlyrousinghimself。

\'Isitabargain?\'inquiredSikes。

\'Yes，mydear，yes，\'rejoinedtheJew；hiseyesglistening，andeverymuscleinhisfaceworking，withtheexcitementthattheinquiryhadawakened。

\'Then，\'saidSikes，thrustingasidetheJew\'shand，withsomedisdain，\'letitcomeoffassoonasyoulike。Tobyandmewereoverthegarden-wallthenightaforelast，soundingthepanelsofthedoorandshutters。Thecrib\'sbarredupatnightlikeajail；butthere\'sonepartwecancrack，safeandsoftly。\'

\'Whichisthat，Bill?\'askedtheJeweagerly。

\'Why，\'whisperedSikes，\'asyoucrossthelawn——\'

\'Yes?\'saidtheJew，bendinghisheadforward，withhiseyesalmoststartingoutofit。

\'Umph！\'criedSikes，stoppingshort，asthegirl，scarcelymovingherhead，lookedsuddenlyround，andpointedforaninstanttotheJew\'sface。\'Nevermindwhichpartitis。Youcan\'tdoitwithoutme，Iknow；butit\'sbesttobeonthesafesidewhenonedealswithyou。\'

\'Asyoulike，mydear，asyoulike\'repliedtheJew。\'Istherenohelpwanted，butyoursandToby\'s?\'

\'None，\'saidSikes。\'Ceptacentre-bitandaboy。Thefirstwe\'vebothgot；thesecondyoumustfindus。\'

\'Aboy！\'exclaimedtheJew。\'Oh！thenit\'sapanel，eh?\'

\'Nevermindwotitis！\'repliedSikes。\'Iwantaboy，andhemusn\'tbeabig\'un。Lord！\'saidMr。Sikes，reflectively，\'ifI\'donlygotthatyoungboyofNed，thechimbley-sweeper\'s！Hekepthimsmallonpurpose，andlethimoutbythejob。Butthefathergetslagged；andthentheJuvenileDelinquentSocietycomes，andtakestheboyawayfromatradewherehewasarningmoney，teacheshimtoreadandwrite，andintimemakesa\'prenticeofhim。Andsotheygoon，\'saidMr。Sikes，hiswrathrisingwiththerecollectionofhiswrongs，\'sotheygoon；and，ifthey\'dgotmoneyenough(whichit\'saProvidencetheyhaven\'t，)weshouldn\'thavehalfadozenboysleftinthewholetrade，inayearortwo。\'

\'Nomoreweshould，\'acquiesedtheJew，whohadbeenconsideringduringthisspeech，andhadonlycaughtthelastsentence。

\'Bill！\'

\'Whatnow?\'inquiredSikes。

TheJewnoddedhisheadtowardsNancy，whowasstillgazingatthefire；andintimated，byasign，thathewouldhavehertoldtoleavetheroom。Sikesshruggedhisshouldersimpatiently，asifhethoughttheprecautionunnecessary；butcomplied，nevertheless，byrequestingMissNancytofetchhimajugofbeer。

\'Youdon\'twantanybeer，\'saidNancy，foldingherarms，andretainingherseatverycomposedly。

\'ItellyouIdo！\'repliedSikes。

\'Nonsense，\'rejoinedthegirlcoolly，\'Goon，Fagin。Iknowwhathe\'sgoingtosay，Bill；heneedn\'tmindme。\'

TheJewstillhesitated。Sikeslookedfromonetotheotherinsomesurprise。

\'Why，youdon\'tmindtheoldgirl，doyou，Fagin?\'heaskedatlength。\'You\'veknownherlongenoughtotrusther，ortheDevil\'sinit。Sheain\'tonetoblab。AreyouNancy?\'

\'_I_shouldthinknot！\'repliedtheyounglady:drawingherchairuptothetable，andputtingherelbowsuponit。

\'No，no，mydear，Iknowyou\'renot，\'saidtheJew；\'but——\'andagaintheoldmanpaused。

\'Butwot?\'inquiredSikes。

\'Ididn\'tknowwhethershemightn\'tp\'r\'apsbeoutofsorts，youknow，mydear，asshewastheothernight，\'repliedtheJew。

Atthisconfession，MissNancyburstintoaloudlaugh；and，swallowingaglassofbrandy，shookherheadwithanairofdefiance，andburstintosundryexclamationsof\'Keepthegamea-going！\'\'Neversaydie！\'andthelike。Theseseemedtohavetheeffectofre-assuringbothgentlemen；fortheJewnoddedhisheadwithasatisfiedair，andresumedhisseat:asdidMr。Sikeslikewise。

\'Now，Fagin，\'saidNancywithalaugh。\'TellBillatonce，aboutOliver！\'

\'Ha！you\'reacleverone，mydear:thesharpestgirlIeversaw！\'

saidtheJew，pattingherontheneck。\'ItWASaboutOliverI

wasgoingtospeak，sureenough。Ha！ha！ha！\'

\'Whatabouthim?\'demandedSikes。

\'He\'stheboyforyou，mydear，\'repliedtheJewinahoarsewhisper；layinghisfingeronthesideofhisnose，andgrinningfrightfully。

\'He！\'exclaimed。Sikes。

\'Havehim，Bill！\'saidNancy。\'Iwould，ifIwasinyourplace。

Hemayn\'tbesomuchup，asanyoftheothers；butthat\'snotwhatyouwant，ifhe\'sonlytoopenadoorforyou。Dependuponithe\'sasafeone，Bill。\'

\'Iknowheis，\'rejoinedFagin。\'He\'sbeeningoodtrainingtheselastfewweeks，andit\'stimehebegantoworkforhisbread。Besides，theothersarealltoobig。\'

\'Well，heisjustthesizeIwant，\'saidMr。Sikes，ruminating。

\'Andwilldoeverythingyouwant，Bill，mydear，\'interposedtheJew；\'hecan\'thelphimself。Thatis，ifyoufrightenhimenough。\'

\'Frightenhim！\'echoedSikes。\'It\'llbenoshamfrightening，mindyou。Ifthere\'sanythingqueerabouthimwhenweoncegetintothework；inforapenny，inforapound。Youwon\'tseehimaliveagain，Fagin。Thinkofthat，beforeyousendhim。Markmywords！\'saidtherobber，poisingacrowbar，whichhehaddrawnfromunderthebedstead。

\'I\'vethoughtofitall，\'saidtheJewwithenergy。\'I\'ve——I\'vehadmyeyeuponhim，mydears，close——close。Oncelethimfeelthatheisoneofus；oncefillhismindwiththeideathathehasbeenathief；andhe\'sours！Oursforhislife。Oho！Itcouldn\'thavecomeaboutbetter！Theoldmancrossedhisarmsuponhisbreast；and，drawinghisheadandshouldersintoaheap，literallyhuggedhimselfforjoy。

\'Ours！\'saidSikes。\'Yours，youmean。\'

\'PerhapsIdo，mydear，\'saidtheJew，withashrillchuckle。

\'Mine，ifyoulike，Bill。\'

\'Andwot，\'saidSikes，scowlingfiercelyonhisagreeablefriend，\'wotmakesyoutakesomuchpainsaboutonechalk-facedkid，whenyouknowtherearefiftyboyssnoozingaboutCommonGardeneverynight，asyoumightpickandchoosefrom?\'

\'Becausethey\'reofnousetome，mydear，\'repliedtheJew，withsomeconfusion，\'notworththetaking。Theirlooksconvict\'emwhentheygetintotrouble，andIlose\'emall。Withthisboy，properlymanaged，mydears，IcoulddowhatIcouldn\'twithtwentyofthem。Besides，\'saidtheJew，recoveringhisself-possession，\'hehasusnowifhecouldonlygiveusleg-bailagain；andhemustbeinthesameboatwithus。Nevermindhowhecamethere；it\'squiteenoughformypoweroverhimthathewasinarobbery；that\'sallIwant。Now，howmuchbetterthisis，thanbeingobligedtoputthepoorleetleboyoutoftheway——whichwouldbedangerous，andweshouldlosebyitbesides。\'

\'Whenisittobedone?\'askedNancy，stoppingsometurbulentexclamationonthepartofMr。Sikes，expressiveofthedisgustwithwhichhereceivedFagin\'saffectationofhumanity。

\'Ah，tobesure，\'saidtheJew；\'whenisittobedone，Bill?\'

\'IplannedwithToby，thenightarterto-morrow，\'rejoinedSikesinasurlyvoice，\'ifheheerdnothingfrommetothecontrairy。\'

\'Good，\'saidtheJew；\'there\'snomoon。\'

\'No，\'rejoinedSikes。

\'It\'sallarrangedaboutbringingofftheswag，isit?\'askedtheJew。

Sikesnodded。

\'Andabout——\'

\'Oh，ah，it\'sallplanned，\'rejoinedSikes，interruptinghim。

\'Nevermindparticulars。You\'dbetterbringtheboyhereto-morrownight。Ishallgetoffthestoneanhourarterdaybreak。Thenyouholdyourtongue，andkeepthemelting-potready，andthat\'sallyou\'llhavetodo。\'

Aftersomediscussion，inwhichallthreetookanactivepart，itwasdecidedthatNancyshouldrepairtotheJew\'snexteveningwhenthenighthadsetin，andbringOliverawaywithher；Fagincraftilyobserving，that，ifheevincedanydisinclinationtothetask，hewouldbemorewillingtoaccompanythegirlwhohadsorecentlyinterferedinhisbehalf，thananybodyelse。ItwasalsosolemnlyarrangedthatpoorOlivershould，forthepurposesofthecontemplatedexpedition，beunreservedlyconsignedtothecareandcustodyofMr。WilliamSikes；andfurther，thatthesaidSikesshoulddealwithhimashethoughtfit；andshouldnotbeheldresponsiblebytheJewforanymischanceorevilthatmightbenecessarytovisithim:itbeingunderstoodthat，torenderthecompactinthisrespectbinding，anyrepresentationsmadebyMr。Sikesonhisreturnshouldberequiredtobeconfirmedandcorroborated，inallimportantparticulars，bythetestimonyofflashTobyCrackit。

Thesepreliminariesadjusted，Mr。Sikesproceededtodrinkbrandyatafuriousrate，andtoflourishthecrowbarinanalarmingmanner；yellingforth，atthesametime，mostunmusicalsnatchesofsong，mingledwithwildexecrations。Atlength，inafitofprofessionalenthusiasm，heinsisteduponproducinghisboxofhousebreakingtools:whichhehadnosoonerstumbledinwith，andopenedforthepurposeofexplainingthenatureandpropertiesofthevariousimplementsitcontained，andthepeculiarbeautiesoftheirconstruction，thanhefellovertheboxuponthefloor，andwenttosleepwherehefell。

\'Good-night，Nancy，\'saidtheJew，mufflinghimselfupasbefore。

\'Good-night。\'

Theireyesmet，andtheJewscrutinisedher，narrowly。Therewasnoflinchingaboutthegirl。ShewasastrueandearnestinthematterasTobyCrackithimselfcouldbe。

TheJewagainbadehergood-night，and，bestowingaslykickupontheprostrateformofMr。Sikeswhileherbackwasturned，gropeddownstairs。

\'Alwaystheway！\'mutteredtheJewtohimselfasheturnedhomeward。\'Theworstofthesewomenis，thataverylittlethingservestocallupsomelong-forgottenfeeling；and，thebestofthemis，thatitneverlasts。Ha！ha！Themanagainstthechild，forabagofgold！\'

Beguilingthetimewiththesepleasantreflections，Mr。Faginwendedhisway，throughmudandmire，tohisgloomyabode:wheretheDodgerwassittingup，impatientlyawaitinghisreturn。

\'IsOlivera-bed?Iwanttospeaktohim，\'washisfirstremarkastheydescendedthestairs。

\'Hoursago，\'repliedtheDodger，throwingopenadoor。\'Hereheis！\'

Theboywaslying，fastasleep，onarudebeduponthefloor；sopalewithanxiety，andsadness，andtheclosenessofhisprison，thathelookedlikedeath；notdeathasitshowsinshroudandcoffin，butintheguiseitwearswhenlifehasjustdeparted；

whenayoungandgentlespirithas，butaninstant，fledtoHeaven，andthegrossairoftheworldhasnothadtimetobreatheuponthechangingdustithallowed。

\'Notnow，\'saidtheJew，turningsoftlyaway。\'To-morrow。

To-morrow。\'

CHAPTERXX

WHEREINOLVERISDELIVEREDOVERTOMR。WILLIAMSIKES

WhenOliverawokeinthemorning，hewasagooddealsurprisedtofindthatanewpairofshoes，withstrongthicksoles，hadbeenplacedathisbedside；andthathisoldshoeshadbeenremoved。

Atfirst，hewaspleasedwiththediscovery:hopingthatitmightbetheforerunnerofhisrelease；butsuchthoughtswerequicklydispelled，onhissittingdowntobreakfastalongwiththeJew，whotoldhim，inatoneandmannerwhichincreasedhisalarm，thathewastobetakentotheresidenceofBillSikesthatnight。

\'To——to——stopthere，sir?\'askedOliver，anxiously。

\'No，no，mydear。Nottostopthere，\'repliedtheJew。\'Weshouldn\'tliketoloseyou。Don\'tbeafraid，Oliver，youshallcomebacktousagain。Ha！ha！ha！Wewon\'tbesocruelastosendyouaway，mydear。Ohno，no！\'

Theoldman，whowasstoopingoverthefiretoastingapieceofbread，lookedroundashebanteredOliverthus；andchuckledasiftoshowthatheknewhewouldstillbeverygladtogetawayifhecould。

\'Isuppose，\'saidtheJew，fixinghiseyesonOliver，\'youwanttoknowwhatyou\'regoingtoBill\'sfor——eh，mydear?\'

Olivercoloured，involuntarily，tofindthattheoldthiefhadbeenreadinghisthoughts；butboldlysaid，Yes，hedidwanttoknow。

\'Why，doyouthink?\'inquiredFagin，parryingthequestion。

\'IndeedIdon\'tknow，sir，\'repliedOliver。

\'Bah！\'saidtheJew，turningawaywithadisappointedcountenancefromacloseperusaloftheboy\'sface。\'WaittillBilltellsyou，then。\'

TheJewseemedmuchvexedbyOliver\'snotexpressinganygreatercuriosityonthesubject；butthetruthis，that，althoughOliverfeltveryanxious，hewastoomuchconfusedbytheearnestcunningofFagin\'slooks，andhisownspeculations，tomakeanyfurtherinquiriesjustthen。Hehadnootheropportunity:fortheJewremainedverysurlyandsilenttillnight:whenhepreparedtogoabroad。

\'Youmayburnacandle，\'saidtheJew，puttingoneuponthetable。\'Andhere\'sabookforyoutoread，tilltheycometofetchyou。Good-night！\'

\'Good-night！\'repliedOliver，softly。

TheJewwalkedtothedoor:lookingoverhisshoulderattheboyashewent。Suddenlystopping，hecalledhimbyhisname。

Oliverlookedup；theJew，pointingtothecandle，motionedhimtolightit。Hedidso；and，asheplacedthecandlestickuponthetable，sawthattheJewwasgazingfixedlyathim，withloweringandcontractedbrows，fromthedarkendoftheroom。

\'Takeheed，Oliver！takeheed！\'saidtheoldman，shakinghisrighthandbeforehiminawarningmanner。\'He\'saroughman，andthinksnothingofbloodwhenhisownisup。Whateverfallsout，saynothing；anddowhathebidsyou。Mind！\'Placingastrongemphasisonthelastword，hesufferedhisfeaturesgraduallytoresolvethemselvesintoaghastlygrin，and，noddinghishead，lefttheroom。

Oliverleanedhisheaduponhishandwhentheoldmandisappeared，andpondered，withatremblingheart，onthewordshehadjustheard。ThemorehethoughtoftheJew\'sadmonition，themorehewasatalosstodivineitsrealpurposeandmeaning。

HecouldthinkofnobadobjecttobeattainedbysendinghimtoSikes，whichwouldnotbeequallywellansweredbyhisremainingwithFagin；andaftermeditatingforalongtime，concludedthathehadbeenselectedtoperformsomeordinarymenialofficesforthehousebreaker，untilanotherboy，bettersuitedforhispurposecouldbeengaged。Hewastoowellaccustomedtosuffering，andhadsufferedtoomuchwherehewas，tobewailtheprospectofchangeveryseverely。Heremainedlostinthoughtforsomeminutes；andthen，withaheavysigh，snuffedthecandle，and，takingupthebookwhichtheJewhadleftwithhim，begantoread。

Heturnedovertheleaves。Carelesslyatfirst；but，lightingonapassagewhichattractedhisattention，hesoonbecameintentuponthevolume。Itwasahistoryofthelivesandtrialsofgreatcriminals；andthepagesweresoiledandthumbedwithuse。

Here，hereadofdreadfulcrimesthatmadethebloodruncold；ofsecretmurdersthathadbeencommittedbythelonelywayside；ofbodieshiddenfromtheeyeofmanindeeppitsandwells:whichwouldnotkeepthemdown，deepastheywere，buthadyieldedthemupatlast，aftermanyyears，andsomaddenedthemurdererswiththesight，thatintheirhorrortheyhadconfessedtheirguilt，andyelledforthegibbettoendtheiragony。Here，too，hereadofmenwho，lyingintheirbedsatdeadofnight，hadbeentempted(sotheysaid)andledon，bytheirownbadthoughts，tosuchdreadfulbloodshedasitmadethefleshcreep，andthelimbsquail，tothinkof。Theterribledescriptionsweresorealandvivid，thatthesallowpagesseemedtoturnredwithgore；andthewordsuponthem，tobesoundedinhisears，asiftheywerewhispered，inhollowmurmers，bythespiritsofthedead。

Inaparoxysmoffear，theboyclosedthebook，andthrustitfromhim。Then，fallinguponhisknees，heprayedHeaventosparehimfromsuchdeeds；andrathertowillthatheshoulddieatonce，thanbereservedforcrimes，sofearfulandappaling。

Bydegrees，hegrewmorecalm，andbesought，inalowandbrokenvoice，thathemightberescuedfromhispresentdangers；andthatifanyaidweretoberaisedupforapooroutcastboywhohadneverknowntheloveoffriendsorkindred，itmightcometohimnow，when，desolateanddeserted，hestoodaloneinthemidstofwickednessandguilt。

Hehadconcludedhisprayer，butstillremainedwithhisheadburiedinhishands，whenarustlingnoisearousedhim。

\'What\'sthat！\'hecried，startingup，andcatchingsightofafigurestandingbythedoor。\'Who\'sthere?\'

\'Me。Onlyme，\'repliedatremulousvoice。

Oliverraisedthecandleabovehishead:andlookedtowardsthedoor。ItwasNancy。

\'Putdownthelight，\'saidthegirl，turningawayherhead。\'Ithurtsmyeyes。\'

Oliversawthatshewasverypale，andgentlyinquiredifshewereill。Thegirlthrewherselfintoachair，withherbacktowardshim:andwrungherhands；butmadenoreply。

\'Godforgiveme！\'shecriedafterawhile，\'Ineverthoughtofthis。\'

\'Hasanythinghappened?\'askedOliver。\'CanIhelpyou?IwillifIcan。Iwill，indeed。\'

Sherockedherselftoandfro；caughtherthroat；and，utteringagurglingsound，gaspedforbreath。

\'Nancy！\'criedOliver，\'Whatisit?\'

Thegirlbeatherhandsuponherknees，andherfeetupontheground；and，suddenlystopping，drewhershawlcloseroundher:

andshiveredwithcold。

Oliverstirredthefire。Drawingherchairclosetoit，shesatthere，foralittletime，withoutspeaking；butatlengthsheraisedherhead，andlookedround。

\'Idon\'tknowwhatcomesovermesometimes，\'saidshe，affectingtobusyherselfinarrangingherdress；\'it\'sthisdampdirtyroom，Ithink。Now，Nolly，dear，areyouready?\'

\'AmItogowithyou?\'askedOliver。

\'Yes。IhavecomefromBill，\'repliedthegirl。\'Youaretogowithme。\'

\'Whatfor?\'askedOliver，recoiling。

\'Whatfor?\'echoedthegirl，raisinghereyes，andavertingthemagain，themomenttheyencounteredtheboy\'sface。\'Oh！Fornoharm。\'

\'Idon\'tbelieveit，\'saidOliver:whohadwatchedherclosely。

\'Haveityourownway，\'rejoinedthegirl，affectingtolaugh。

\'Fornogood，then。\'

Olivercouldseethathehadsomepoweroverthegirl\'sbetterfeelings，and，foraninstant，thoughtofappealingtohercompassionforhishelplessstate。But，then，thethoughtdartedacrosshismindthatitwasbarelyeleveno\'clock；andthatmanypeoplewerestillinthestreets:ofwhomsurelysomemightbefoundtogivecredencetohistale。Asthereflectionoccuredtohim，hesteppedforward:andsaid，somewhathastily，thathewasready。

Neitherhisbriefconsideration，noritspurport，waslostonhiscompanion。Sheeyedhimnarrowly，whilehespoke；andcastuponhimalookofintelligencewhichsufficientlyshowedthatsheguessedwhathadbeenpassinginhisthoughts。

\'Hush！\'saidthegirl，stoopingoverhim，andpointingtothedoorasshelookedcautiouslyround。\'Youcan\'thelpyourself。I

havetriedhardforyou，butalltonopurpose。Youarehedgedroundandround。Ifeveryouaretogetloosefromhere，thisisnotthetime。\'

Struckbytheenergyofhermanner，Oliverlookedupinherfacewithgreatsurprise。Sheseemedtospeakthetruth；hercountenancewaswhiteandagitated；andshetrembledwithveryearnestness。

\'Ihavesavedyoufrombeingill-usedonce，andIwillagain，andIdonow，\'continuedthegirlaloud；\'forthosewhowouldhavefetchedyou，ifIhadnot，wouldhavebeenfarmoreroughthanme。Ihavepromisedforyourbeingquietandsilent；ifyouarenot，youwillonlydoharmtoyourselfandmetoo，andperhapsbemydeath。Seehere！Ihaveborneallthisforyoualready，astrueasGodseesmeshowit。\'

Shepointed，hastily，tosomelividbruisesonherneckandarms；

andcontinued，withgreatrapidity:

\'Rememberthis！Anddon\'tletmesuffermoreforyou，justnow。

IfIcouldhelpyou，Iwould；butIhavenotthepower。Theydon\'tmeantoharmyou；whatevertheymakeyoudo，isnofaultofyours。Hush！Everywordfromyouisablowforme。Givemeyourhand。Makehaste！Yourhand！

ShecaughtthehandwhichOliverinstinctivelyplacedinhers，and，blowingoutthelight，drewhimafterherupthestairs。Thedoorwasopened，quickly，bysomeoneshroudedinthedarkness，andwasasquicklyclosed，whentheyhadpassedout。A

hackney-cabrioletwasinwaiting；withthesamevehemencewhichshehadexhibitedinaddressingOliver，thegirlpulledhiminwithher，anddrewthecurtainsclose。Thedriverwantednodirections，butlashedhishorseintofullspeed，withoutthedelayofaninstant。

ThegirlstillheldOliverfastbythehand，andcontinuedtopourintohisear，thewarningsandassurancesshehadalreadyimparted。Allwassoquickandhurried，thathehadscarcelytimetorecollectwherehewas，orhowhecamethere，whentocarriagestoppedatthehousetowhichtheJew\'sstepshadbeendirectedonthepreviousevening。

Foronebriefmoment，Olivercastahurriedglancealongtheemptystreet，andacryforhelphunguponhislips。Butthegirl\'svoicewasinhisear，beseechinghiminsuchtonesofagonytorememberher，thathehadnotthehearttoutterit。

Whilehehesitated，theopportunitywasgone；hewasalreadyinthehouse，andthedoorwasshut。

\'Thisway，\'saidthegirl，releasingherholdforthefirsttime。

\'Bill！\'

\'Hallo！\'repliedSikes:appearingattheheadofthestairs，withacandle。\'Oh！That\'sthetimeofday。Comeon！\'

Thiswasaverystrongexpressionofapprobation，anuncommonlyheartywelcome，fromapersonofMr。Sikes\'temperament。Nancy，appearingmuchgratifiedthereby，salutedhimcordially。

\'Bull\'s-eye\'sgonehomewithTom，\'observedSikes，ashelightedthemup。\'He\'dhavebeenintheway。\'

\'That\'sright，\'rejoinedNancy。

\'Soyou\'vegotthekid，\'saidSikeswhentheyhadallreachedtheroom:closingthedoorashespoke。

\'Yes，hereheis，\'repliedNancy。

\'Didhecomequiet?\'inquiredSikes。

\'Likealamb，\'rejoinedNancy。

\'I\'mgladtohearit，\'saidSikes，lookinggrimlyatOliver；\'forthesakeofhisyoungcarcase:aswouldotherwayshavesufferedforit。Comehere，young\'un；andletmereadyoualectur\'，whichisaswellgotoveratonce。\'

Thusaddressinghisnewpupil，Mr。SikespulledoffOliver\'scapandthrewitintoacorner；andthen，takinghimbytheshoulder，sathimselfdownbythetable，andstoodtheboyinfrontofhim。

\'Now，first:doyouknowwotthisis?\'inquiredSikes，takingupapocket-pistolwhichlayonthetable。

Oliverrepliedintheaffirmative。

\'Well，then，lookhere，\'continuedSikes。\'Thisispowder；that\'ere\'sabullet；andthisisalittlebitofaoldhatforwaddin\'。\'

Olivermurmuredhiscomprehensionofthedifferentbodiesreferredto；andMr。Sikesproceededtoloadthepistol，withgreatnicetyanddeliberation。

\'Nowit\'sloaded，\'saidMr。Sikes，whenhehadfinished。

\'Yes，Iseeitis，sir，\'repliedOliver。

\'Well，\'saidtherobber，graspingOliver\'swrist，andputtingthebarrelsoclosetohistemplethattheytouched；atwhichmomenttheboycouldnotrepressastart；\'ifyouspeakawordwhenyou\'reouto\'doorswithme，exceptwhenIspeaktoyou，thatloadingwillbeinyourheadwithoutnotice。So，ifyouDOmakeupyourmindtospeakwithoutleave，sayyourprayersfirst。\'

Havingbestowedascowlupontheobjectofthiswarning，toincreaseitseffect，Mr。Sikescontinued。

\'AsnearasIknow，thereisn\'tanybodyaswouldbeaskingveryparticklerarteryou，ifyouWASdisposedof；soIneedn\'ttakethisdevil-and-alloftroubletoexplainmatterstoyou，ifitwarn\'tforyouowngood。D\'yehearme?\'

\'Theshortandthelongofwhatyoumean，\'saidNancy:speakingveryemphatically，andslightlyfrowningatOliverasiftobespeakhisseriousattentiontoherwords:\'is，thatifyou\'recrossedbyhiminthisjobyouhaveonhand，you\'llpreventhisevertellingtalesafterwards，byshootinghimthroughthehead，andwilltakeyourchanceofswingingforit，asyoudoforagreatmanyotherthingsinthewayofbusiness，everymonthofyourlife。\'

\'That\'sit！\'observedMr。Sikes，approvingly；\'womencanalwaysputthingsinfewestwords——Exceptwhenit\'sblowingup；andthentheylengthensitout。Andnowthathe\'sthoroughlyuptoit，let\'shavesomesupper，andgetasnoozebeforestarting。\'

Inpursuanceofthisrequest，Nancyquicklylaidthecloth；

disappearingforafewminutes，shepresentlyreturnedwithapotofporterandadishofsheep\'sheads:whichgaveoccasiontoseveralpleasantwitticismsonthepartofMr。Sikes，foundeduponthesingularcoincidenceof\'jemmies\'beingacanname，commontothem，andalsotoaningeniousimplementmuchusedinhisprofession。Indeed，theworthygentleman，stimulatedperhapsbytheimmediateprospectofbeingonactiveservice，wasingreatspiritsandgoodhumour；inproofwhereof，itmaybehereremarked，thathehumourouslydrankallthebeeratadraught，anddidnotutter，onaroughcalculation，morethanfour-scoreoathsduringthewholeprogressofthemeal。

Supperbeingended——itmaybeeasilyconceivedthatOliverhadnogreatappetiteforit——Mr。Sikesdisposedofacoupleofglassesofspiritsandwater，andthrewhimselfonthebed；orderingNancy，withmanyimprecationsincaseoffailure，tocallhimatfiveprecisely。Oliverstretchedhimselfinhisclothes，bycommandofthesameauthority，onamattressuponthefloor；andthegirl，mendingthefire，satbeforeit，inreadinesstorousethemattheappointedtime。

ForalongtimeOliverlayawake，thinkingitnotimpossiblethatNancymightseekthatopportunityofwhisperingsomefurtheradvice；butthegirlsatbroodingoverthefire，withoutmoving，savenowandthentotrimthelight。Wearywithwatchingandanxiety，heatlengthfellasleep。

Whenheawoke，thetablewascoveredwithtea-things，andSikeswasthrustingvariousarticlesintothepocketsofhisgreat-coat，whichhungoverthebackofachair。Nancywasbusilyengagedinpreparingbreakfast。Itwasnotyetdaylight；

forthecandlewasstillburning，anditwasquitedarkoutside。

Asharprain，too，wasbeatingagainstthewindow-panes；andtheskylookedblackandcloudy。

\'Now，then！\'growledSikes，asOliverstartedup；\'half-pastfive！Looksharp，oryou\'llgetnobreakfast；forit\'slateasitis。\'

Oliverwasnotlonginmakinghistoilet；havingtakensomebreakfast，herepliedtoasurlyinquiryfromSikes，bysayingthathewasquiteready。

Nancy，scarcelylookingattheboy，threwhimahandkerchieftotieroundhisthroat；Sikesgavehimalargeroughcapetobuttonoverhisshoulders。Thusattired，hegavehishandtotherobber，who，merelypausingtoshowhimwithamenacinggesturethathehadthatsamepistolinaside-pocketofhisgreat-coat，claspeditfirmlyinhis，and，exchangingafarewellwithNancy，ledhimaway。

Oliverturned，foraninstant，whentheyreachedthedoor，inthehopeofmeetingalookfromthegirl。Butshehadresumedheroldseatinfrontofthefire，andsat，perfectlymotionlessbeforeit。

CHAPTERXXI

THEEXPEDITION

Itwasacheerlessmorningwhentheygotintothestreet；blowingandraininghard；andthecloudslookingdullandstormy。Thenighthadbeenverywet:largepoolsofwaterhadcollectedintheroad:andthekennelswereoverflowing。Therewasafaintglimmeringofthecomingdayinthesky；butitratheraggrevatedthanrelievedthegloomofthescene:thesombrelightonlyservingtopalethatwhichthestreetlampsafforded，withoutsheddinganywarmerorbrightertintsuponthewethouse-tops，anddrearystreets。Thereappearedtobenobodystirringinthatquarterofthetown；thewindowsofthehouseswereallcloselyshut；andthestreetsthroughwhichtheypassed，werenoiselessandempty。

BythetimetheyhadturnedintotheBethnalGreenRoad，thedayhadfairlybeguntobreak。Manyofthelampswerealreadyextinguished；afewcountrywaggonswereslowlytoilingon，towardsLondon；nowandthen，astage-coach，coveredwithmud，rattledbrisklyby:thedriverbestowing，ashepassed，andadmonitorylashupontheheavywaggonerwho，bykeepingonthewrongsideoftheroad，hadendangeredhisarrivingattheoffice，aquarterofaminuteafterhistime。Thepublic-houses，withgas-lightsburninginside，werealreadyopen。Bydegrees，othershopsbegantobeunclosed，andafewscatteredpeopleweremetwith。Then，camestragglinggroupsoflabourersgoingtotheirwork；then，menandwomenwithfish-basketsontheirheads；

donkey-cartsladenwithvegetables；chaise-cartsfilledwithlive-stockorwholecarcassesofmeat；milk-womenwithpails；anunbrokenconcourseofpeople，trudgingoutwithvarioussuppliestotheeasternsuburbsofthetown。AstheyapproachedtheCity，thenoiseandtrafficgraduallyincreased；whentheythreadedthestreetsbetweenShoreditchandSmithfield，ithadswelledintoaroarofsoundandbustle。Itwasaslightasitwaslikelytobe，tillnightcameonagain，andthebusymorningofhalftheLondonpopulationhadbegun。

TurningdownSunStreetandCrownStreet，andcrossingFinsburysquare，Mr。Sikesstruck，bywayofChiswellStreet，intoBarbican:thenceintoLongLane，andsointoSmithfield；fromwhichlatterplacearoseatumultofdiscordantsoundsthatfilledOliverTwistwithamazement。

Itwasmarket-morning。Thegroundwascovered，nearlyankle-deep，withfilthandmire；athicksteam，perpetuallyrisingfromthereekingbodiesofthecattle，andminglingwiththefog，whichseemdtorestuponthechimney-tops，hungheavilyabove。Allthepensinthecentreofthelargearea，andasmanytemporarypensascouldbecrowdedintothevacantspace，werefilledwithsheep；tieduptopostsbytheguttersidewerelonglinesofbeastsandoxen，threeorfourdeep。Countrymen，butchers，drovers，hawkers，boys，thieves，idlers，andvagabondsofeverylowgrade，weremingledtogetherinamass；thewhistlingofdrovers，thebarkingdogs，thebellowingandplungingoftheoxen，thebleatingofsheep，thegruntingandsqueakingofpigs，thecriesofhawkers，theshouts，oaths，andquarrellingonallsides；theringingofbellsandroarofvoices，thatissuedfromeverypublic-house；thecrowding，pushing，driving，beating，whoopingandyelling；thehideousanddiscordantdimthatresoundedfromeverycornerofthemarket；

andtheunwashed，unshaven，squalid，anddirtyfiguesconstantlyrunningtoandfro，andburstinginandoutofthethrong；

rendereditastunningandbewilderingscene，whichquiteconfoundedthesenses。

Mr。Sikes，draggingOliverafterhim，elbowedhiswaythroughthethickestofthecrowd，andbestowedverylittleattentiononthenumeroussightsandsounds，whichsoastonishedtheboy。Henodded，twiceorthrice，toapassingfriend；and，resistingasmanyinvitationstotakeamorningdram，pressedsteadilyonward，untiltheywereclearoftheturmoil，andhadmadetheirwaythroughHosierLaneintoHolborn。

\'Now，young\'un！\'saidSikes，lookingupattheclockofSt。

Andrew\'sChurch，\'harduponseven！youmuststepout。Come，don\'tlagbehindalready，Lazy-legs！\'

Mr。Sikesaccompaniedthisspeechwithajerkathislittlecompanion\'swrist；Oliver，quickeninghispaceintoakindoftrotbetweenafastwalkandarun，keptupwiththerapidstridesofthehouse-breakeraswellashecould。

Theyheldtheircourseatthisrate，untiltheyhadpassedHydeParkcorner，andwereontheirwaytoKensington:whenSikesrelaxedhispace，untilanemptycartwhichwasatsomelittledistancebehind，cameup。Seeing\'Hounslow\'writtenonit，heaskedthedriverwithasmuchcivilityashecouldassume，ifhewouldgivethemaliftasfarasIsleworth。

\'Jumpup，\'saidtheman。\'Isthatyourboy?\'

\'Yes；he\'smyboy，\'repliedSikes，lookinghardatOliver，andputtinghishandabstractedlyintothepocketwherethepistolwas。

\'Yourfatherwalksrathertooquickforyou，don\'the，myman?\'

inquiredthedriver:seeingthatOliverwasoutofbreath。

\'Notabitofit，\'repliedSikes，interposing。\'He\'susedtoit。

Here，takeholdofmyhand，Ned。Inwithyou！\'

ThusaddressingOliver，hehelpedhimintothecart；andthedriver，pointingtoaheapofsacks，toldhimtoliedownthere，andresthimself。

Astheypassedthedifferentmile-stones，Oliverwondered，moreandmore，wherehiscompanionmeanttotakehim。Kensington，Hammersmith，Chiswick，KewBridge，Brentford，wereallpassed；

andyettheywentonassteadilyasiftheyhadonlyjustbeguntheirjourney。Atlength，theycametoapublic-housecalledtheCoachandHorses；alittlewaybeyondwhich，anotherroadappearedtorunoff。Andhere，thecartstopped。

Sikesdismountedwithgreatprecipitation，holdingOliverbythehandallthewhile；andliftinghimdowndirectly，bestowedafuriouslookuponhim，andrappedtheside-pocketwithhisfist，inasignificantmanner。

\'Good-bye，boy，\'saidtheman。

\'He\'ssulky，\'repliedSikes，givinghimashake；\'he\'ssulky。A

youngdog！Don\'tmindhim。\'

\'NotI！\'rejoinedtheother，gettingintohiscart。\'It\'safineday，afterall。\'Andhedroveaway。

Sikeswaiteduntilhehadfairlygone；andthen，tellingOliverhemightlookabouthimifhewanted，onceagainledhimonwardonhisjourney。

Theyturnedroundtotheleft，ashortwaypastthepublic-house；

andthen，takingaright-handroad，walkedonforalongtime:

passingmanylargegardensandgentlemen\'shousesonbothsidesoftheway，andstoppingfornothingbutalittlebeer，untiltheyreachedatown。Hereagainstthewallofahouse，Oliversawwrittenupinprettylargeletters，\'Hampton。\'Theylingeredabout，inthefields，forsomehours。Atlengththeycamebackintothetown；and，turningintoanoldpublic-housewithadefacedsign-board，orderedsomedinnerbythekitchenfire。

Thekitchenwasanold，low-roofedroom；withagreatbeamacrossthemiddleoftheceiling，andbenches，withhighbackstothem，bythefire；onwhichwereseatedseveralroughmeninsmock-frocks，drinkingandsmoking。TheytooknonoticeofOliver；andverylittleofSikes；and，asSikestookverylittlenoticeofthe，heandhisyoungcomradesatinacornerbythemselves，withoutbeingmuchtroubledbytheircompany。

Theyhadsomecoldmeatfordinner，andsatsolongafterit，whileMr。Sikesindulgedhimselfwiththreeorfourpipes，thatOliverbegantofeelquitecertaintheywerenotgoinganyfurther。Beingmuchtiredwiththewalk，andgettingupsoearly，hedozedalittleatfirst；then，quiteoverpoweredbyfatigueandthefumesofthetobacco，fellasleep。

ItwasquitedarkwhenhewasawakenedbyapushfromSikes。

Rousinghimselfsufficientlytositupandlookabouthim，hefoundthatworthyinclosefellowshipandcommunicationwithalabouringman，overapintofale。

\'So，you\'regoingontoLowerHalliford，areyou?\'inquiredSikes。

\'Yes，Iam，\'repliedtheman，whoseemedalittletheworse——orbetter，asthecasemightbe——fordrinking；\'andnotslowaboutitneither。Myhorsehasn\'tgotaloadbehindhimgoingback，ashehadcomingupinthemornin\'；andhewon\'tbelonga-doingofit。Here\'slucktohim。Ecod！he\'sagood\'un！\'

\'Couldyougivemyboyandmealiftasfarasthere?\'demandedSikes，pushingthealetowardshisnewfriend。

\'Ifyou\'regoingdirectly，Ican，\'repliedtheman，lookingoutofthepot。\'AreyougoingtoHalliford?\'

\'GoingontoShepperton，\'repliedSikes。

\'I\'myourman，asfarasIgo，\'repliedtheother。\'Isallpaid，Becky?\'

\'Yes，theothergentleman\'spaid，\'repliedthegirl。

\'Isay！\'saidtheman，withtipsygravity；\'thatwon\'tdo，youknow。\'

\'Whynot?\'rejoinedSikes。\'You\'rea-goingtoaccommodateus，andwot\'stopreventmystandingtreatforapintorso，inreturn?\'

Thestrangerreflecteduponthisargument，withaveryprofoundface；havingdoneso，heseizedSikesbythehand:anddeclaredhewasarealgoodfellow。TowhichMr。Sikesreplied，hewasjoking；as，ifhehadbeensober，therewouldhavebeenstrongreasontosupposehewas。

Aftertheexchangeofafewmorecompliments，theybadethecompanygood-night，andwentout；thegirlgatheringupthepotsandglassesastheydidso，andloungingouttothedoor，withherhandsfull，toseethepartystart。

Thehorse，whosehealthhadbeendrunkinhisabsence，wasstandingoutside:readyharnessedtothecart。OliverandSikesgotinwithoutanyfurtherceremony；andthemantowhomhebelonged，havinglingeredforaminuteortwo\'tobearhimup，\'

andtodefythehostlerandtheworldtoproducehisequal，mountedalso。Then，thehostlerwastoldtogivethehorsehishead；and，hisheadbeinggivenhim，hemadeaveryunpleasantuseofit:tossingitintotheairwithgreatdisdain，andrunningintotheparlourwindowsovertheway；afterperformingthosefeats，andsupportinghimselfforashorttimeonhishind-legs，hestartedoffatgreatspeed，andrattledoutofthetownrightgallantly。

Thenightwasverydark。Adampmistrosefromtheriver，andthemarshygroundabout；andspreaditselfoverthedrearyfields。Itwaspiercingcold，too；allwasgloomyandblack。

Notawordwasspoken；forthedriverhadgrownsleepy；andSikeswasinnomoodtoleadhimintoconversation。Oliversathuddledtogether，inacornerofthecart；bewilderedwithalarmandapprehension；andfiguringstrangeobjectsinthegaunttrees，whosebrancheswavedgrimlytoandfro，asifinsomefantasticjoyatthedesolationofthescene。

AstheypassedSunburyChurch，theclockstruckseven。Therewasalightintheferry-housewindowopposite:whichstreamedacrosstheroad，andthrewintomoresombreshadowadarkyew-treewithgravesbeneathit。Therewasadullsoundoffallingwaternotfaroff；andtheleavesoftheoldtreestirredgentlyinthenightwind。Itseemedlikequietmusicforthereposeofthedead。

Sunburywaspassedthrough，andtheycameagainintothelonelyroad。Twoorthreemilesmore，andthecartstopped。Sikesalighted，tookOliverbythehand，andtheyonceagainwalkedon。

TheyturnedintonohouseatShepperton，asthewearyboyhadexpected；butstillkeptwalkingon，inmudanddarkness，throughgloomylanesandovercoldopenwastes，untiltheycamewithinsightofthelightsofatownatnogreatdistance。Onlookingintentlyforward，Oliversawthatthewaterwasjustbelowthem，andthattheywerecomingtothefootofabridge。

Sikeskeptstraighton，untiltheywerecloseuponthebridge；

thenturnedsuddenlydownabankupontheleft。

\'Thewater！\'thoughtOliver，turningsickwithfear。\'Hehasbroughtmetothislonelyplacetomurderme！\'

Hewasabouttothrowhimselfontheground，andmakeonestruggleforhisyounglife，whenhesawthattheystoodbeforeasolitaryhouse:allruinousanddecayed。Therewasawindowoneachsideofthedilapidatedentrance；andonestoryabove；butnolightwasvisible。Thehousewasdark，dismantled:andtheallappearance，uninhabited。

Sikes，withOliver\'shandstillinhis，softlyapproachedthelowporch，andraisedthelatch。Thedooryieldedtothepressure，andtheypassedintogether。

CHAPTERXXII

THEBURGLARY

\'Hallo！\'criedaloud，hoarsevoice，assoonastheysetfootinthepassage。

\'Don\'tmakesucharow，\'saidSikes，boltingthedoor。\'Showaglim，Toby。\'

\'Aha！mypal！\'criedthesamevoice。\'Aglim，Barney，aglim！

Showthegentlemanin，Barney；wakeupfirst，ifconvenient。\'

Thespeakerappearedtothrowaboot-jack，orsomesucharticle，atthepersonheaddressed，torousehimfromhisslumbers:forthenoiseofawoodenbody，fallingviolently，washeard；andthenanindistinctmuttering，asofamanbetweensleepandawake。

\'Doyouhear?\'criedthesamevoice。\'There\'sBillSikesinthepassagewithnobodytodotheciviltohim；andyousleepingthere，asifyoutooklaudanumwithyourmeals，andnothingstronger。Areyouanyfreshernow，ordoyouwanttheironcandlesticktowakeyouthoroughly?\'

Apairofslipshodfeetshuffled，hastily，acrossthebareflooroftheroom，asthisinterrogatorywasput；andthereissued，fromadoorontherighthand；first，afeeblecandle:andnext，theformofthesameindividualwhohasbeenheretoforedescribedaslabouringundertheinfirmityofspeakingthroughhisnose，andofficiatingaswaiteratthepublic-houseonSaffronHill。

\'BisterSikes！\'exclaimedBarney，withrealorcounterfeitjoy；

\'cubid，sir；cubid。\'

\'Here！yougetonfirst，\'saidSikes，puttingOliverinfrontofhim。\'Quicker！orIshalltreaduponyourheels。\'

Mutteringacurseuponhistardiness，SikespushedOliverbeforehim；andtheyenteredalowdarkroomwithasmokyfire，twoorthreebrokenchairs，atable，andaveryoldcouch:onwhich，withhislegsmuchhigherthanhishead，amanwasreposingatfulllength，smokingalongclaypipe。Hewasdressedinasmartly-cutsnuff-colouredcoat，withlargebrassbuttons；anorangeneckerchief；acoarse，staring，shawl-patternwaistcoat；

anddrabbreeches。Mr。Crackit(forheitwas)hadnoverygreatquantityofhair，eitheruponhisheadorface；butwhathehad，wasofareddishdye，andtorturedintolongcorkscrewcurls，throughwhichheoccasionallythrustsomeverydirtyfingers，ornamentedwithlargecommonrings。Hewasatrifleabovethemiddlesize，andapparentlyratherweakinthelegs；butthiscircumstancebynomeansdetractedfromhisownadmirationofhistop-boots，whichhecontemplated，intheirelevatedsituation，withlivelysatisfaction。

\'Bill，myboy！\'saidthisfigure，turninghisheadtowardsthedoor，\'I\'mgladtoseeyou。Iwasalmostafraidyou\'dgivenitup:inwhichcaseIshouldhavemadeapersonalwentur。Hallo！\'

Utteringthisexclamationinatoneofgreatsurprise，ashiseyesrestedonOliver，Mr。TobyCrackitbroughthimselfintoasittingposture，anddemandedwhothatwas。

\'Theboy。Onlytheboy！\'repliedSikes，drawingachairtowardsthefire。

\'WudofBisterFagid\'slads，\'exclaimedBarney，withagrin。

\'Fagin\'s，eh！\'exclaimedToby，lookingatOliver。\'Wotaninwalableboythat\'llmake，fortheoldladies\'pocketsinchapels！Hismugisafortin\'tohim。\'

\'There——there\'senoughofthat，\'interposedSikes，impatiently；

andstoopingoverhisrecumbantfriend，hewhisperedafewwordsinhisear:atwhichMr。Crackitlaughedimmensely，andhonouredOliverwithalongstareofastonishment。

\'Now，\'saidSikes，asheresumedhisseat，\'ifyou\'llgiveussomethingtoeatanddrinkwhilewe\'rewaiting，you\'llputsomeheartinus；orinme，atallevents。Sitdownbythefire，younker，andrestyourself；foryou\'llhavetogooutwithusagainto-night，thoughnotveryfaroff。\'

OliverlookedatSikes，inmuteandtimidwonder；anddrawingastooltothefire，satwithhisachingheaduponhishands，scarecelyknowingwherehewas，orwhatwaspassingaroundhim。

\'Here，\'saidToby，astheyoungJewplacedsomefragmentsoffood，andabottleuponthetable，\'Successtothecrack！\'Herosetohonourthetoast；and，carefullydepositinghisemptypipeinacorner，advancedtothetable，filledaglasswithspirits，anddrankoffitscontents。Mr。Sikesdidthesame。

\'Adrainfortheboy，\'saidToby，half-fillingawine-glass。

\'Downwithit，innocence。\'

\'Indeed，\'saidOliver，lookingpiteouslyupintotheman\'sface；

\'indeed，I——\'

\'Downwithit！\'echoedToby。\'DoyouthinkIdon\'tknowwhat\'sgoodforyou?Tellhimtodrinkit，Bill。\'

\'Hehadbetter！\'saidSikesclappinghishanduponhispocket。

\'Burnmybody，ifheisn\'tmoretroublethanawholefamilyofDodgers。Drinkit，youperwerseimp；drinkit！\'

Frightenedbythemenacinggesturesofthetwomen，Oliverhastilyswallowedthecontentsoftheglass，andimmediatelyfellintoaviolentfitofcoughing:whichdelightedTobyCrackitandBarney，andevendrewasmilefromthesurlyMr。Sikes。

Thisdone，andSikeshavingsatisfiedhisappetite(Olivercouldeatnothingbutasmallcrustofbreadwhichtheymadehimswallow)，thetwomenlaidthemselvesdownonchairsforashortnap。Oliverretainedhisstoolbythefire；Barneywrappedinablanket，stretchedhimselfonthefloor:closeoutsidethefender。

Theyslept，orappearedtosleep，forsometime；nobodystirringbutBarney，whoroseonceortwicetothrowcoalsonthefire。

Oliverfellintoaheavydoze:imagininghimselfstrayingalongthegloomylanes，orwanderingaboutthedarkchurchyard，orretracingsomeoneorotherofthescenesofthepastday:whenhewasrousedbyTobyCrackitjumpingupanddeclaringitwashalf-pastone。

Inaninstant，theothertwowereontheirlegs，andallwereactivelyengagedinbusypreparation。Sikesandhiscompanionenvelopedtheirnecksandchinsinlargedarkshawls，anddrewontheirgreat-coats；Barney，openingacupboard，broughtforthseveralarticles，whichhehastilycrammedintothepockets。

\'Barkersforme，Barney，\'saidTobyCrackit。

\'Heretheyare，\'repliedBarney，producingapairofpistols。

\'Youloadedthemyourself。\'

\'Allright！\'repliedToby，stowingthemaway。\'Thepersuaders?\'

\'I\'vegot\'em，\'repliedSikes。

\'Crape，keys，centre-bits，darkies——nothingforgotten?\'inquiredToby:fasteningasmallcrowbartoaloopinsidetheskirtofhiscoat。

\'Allright，\'rejoinedhiscompanion。\'Bringthembitsoftimber，Barney。That\'sthetimeofday。\'

Withthesewords，hetookathickstickfromBarney\'shands，who，havingdeliveredanothertoToby，busiedhimselfinfasteningonOliver\'scape。

\'Nowthen！\'saidSikes，holdingouthishand。

Oliver:whowascompletelystupifiedbytheunwontedexercise，andtheair，andthedrinkwhichhadbeenforceduponhim:puthishandmechanicallyintothatwhichSikesextendedforthepurpose。

\'Takehisotherhand，Toby，\'saidSikes。\'Lookout，Barney。\'

Themanwenttothedoor，andreturnedtoannouncethatallwasquiet。ThetworobbersissuedforthwithOliverbetweenthem。

Barney，havingmadeallfast，rolledhimselfupasbefore，andwassoonasleepagain。

Itwasnowintenselydark。Thefogwasmuchheavierthanithadbeenintheearlypartofthenight；andtheatmospherewassodamp，that，althoughnorainfell，Oliver\'shairandeyebrows，withinafewminutesafterleavingthehouse，hadbecomestiffwiththehalf-frozenmoisturethatwasfloatingabout。Theycrossedthebridge，andkeptontowardsthelightswhichhehadseenbefore。Theywereatnogreatdistanceoff；and，astheywalkedprettybriskly，theysoonarrivedatChertsey。

\'Slapthroughthetown，\'whisperedSikes；\'there\'llbenobodyintheway，to-night，toseeus。\'

Tobyacquiesced；andtheyhurriedthroughthemainstreetofthelittletown，whichatthatlatehourwaswhollydeserted。Adimlightshoneatintervalsfromsomebed-roomwindow；andthehoarsebarkingofdogsoccasionallybrokethesilenceofthenight。Buttherewasnobodyabroad。Theyhadclearedthetown，asthechurch-bellstrucktwo。

Quickeningtheirpace，theyturneduparoaduponthelefthand。

Afterwalkingaboutaquarterofamile，theystoppedbeforeadetachedhousesurroundedbyawall:tothetopofwhich，TobyCrackit，scarcelypausingtotakebreath，climbedinatwinkling。

\'Theboynext，\'saidToby。\'Hoisthimup；I\'llcatchholdofhim。\'

BeforeOliverhadtimetolookround，Sikeshadcaughthimunderthearms；andinthreeorfoursecondsheandTobywerelyingonthegrassontheotherside。Sikesfolloweddirectly。Andtheystolecautiouslytowardsthehouse。

Andnow，forthefirsttime，Oliver，well-nighmadwithgriefandterror，sawthathousebreakingandrobbery，ifnotmurder，weretheobjectsoftheexpedition。Heclaspedhishandstogether，andinvoluntarilyutteredasubduedexclamationofhorror。A

mistcamebeforehiseyes；thecoldsweatstooduponhisashyface；hislimbsfailedhim；andhesankuponhisknees。

\'Getup！\'murmuredSikes，tremblingwithrage，anddrawingthepistolfromhispocket；\'Getup，orI\'llstrewyourbrainsuponthegrass。\'

\'Oh！forGod\'ssakeletmego！\'criedOliver；\'letmerunawayanddieinthefields。IwillnevercomenearLondon；never，never！Oh！prayhavemercyonme，anddonotmakemesteal。FortheloveofallthebrightAngelsthatrestinHeaven，havemercyuponme！\'

Themantowhomthisappealwasmade，sworeadreadfuloath，andhadcockedthepistol，whenToby，strikingitfromhisgrasp，placedhishandupontheboy\'smouth，anddraggedhimtothehouse。

\'Hush！\'criedtheman；\'itwon\'tanswerhere。Sayanotherword，andI\'lldoyourbusinessmyselfwithacrackonthehead。Thatmakesnonoise，andisquiteascertain，andmoregenteel。Here，Bill，wrenchtheshutteropen。He\'sgameenoughnow，I\'llengage。I\'veseenolderhandsofhisagetookthesameway，foraminuteortwo，onacoldnight。\'

Sikes，invokingterrificimprecationsuponFagin\'sheadforsendingOliveronsuchanerrand，pliedthecrowbarvigorously，butwithlittlenoise。Aftersomedelay，andsomeassistancefromToby，theshuttertowhichhehadreferred，swungopenonitshinges。

Itwasalittlelatticewindow，aboutfivefeetandahalfabovetheground，atthebackofthehouse:whichbelongedtoascullery，orsmallbrewing-place，attheendofthepassage。Theaperturewassosmall，thattheinmateshadprobablynotthoughtitworthwhiletodefenditmoresecurely；butitwaslargeenoughtoadmitaboyofOliver\'ssize，nevertheless。AverybriefexerciseofMr。Sike\'sart，sufficedtoovercomethefasteningofthelattice；anditsoonstoodwideopenalso。

\'Nowlisten，youyounglimb，\'whisperedSikes，drawingadarklanternfromhispocket，andthrowingtheglarefullonOliver\'sface；\'I\'magoingtoputyouthroughthere。Takethislight；gosoftlyupthestepsstraightaforeyou，andalongthelittlehall，tothestreetdoor；unfastenit，andletusin。\'

\'There\'saboltatthetop，youwon\'tbeabletoreach，\'

interposedToby。\'Standupononeofthehallchairs。Therearethreethere，Bill，withajollylargeblueunicornandgoldpitchforkon\'em:whichistheoldlady\'sarms。\'

\'Keepquiet，can\'tyou?\'repliedSikes，withathreateninglook。