第7章

\'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；andthrustingasilverspoon(privateproperty)intotheinmostrecessesofatwo-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。Corney(whohadnotbeendeadmorethanfive-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，withhardlyaraguponhisback(hereMrs。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:who(asiswellknown)

shouldbethesternestandmostinflexibleamongthemall。

WhateverwereMr。Bumble\'sintentions，however(andnodoubttheywereofthebest):itunfortunatelyhappened，ashasbeentwicebeforeremarked，thatthetablewasaroundone；consequentlyMr。

Bumble，movinghischairbylittleandlittle，soonbegantodiminishthedistancebetweenhimselfandthematron；and，continuingtotravelroundtheouteredgeofthecircle，broughthischair，intime，closetothatinwhichthematronwasseated。

Indeed，thetwochairstouched；andwhentheydidso，Mr。Bumblestopped。

Now，ifthematronhadmovedherchairtotheright，shewouldhavebeenscorchedbythefire；andiftotheleft，shemusthavefallenintoMr。Bumble\'sarms；so(beingadiscreetmatron，andnodoubtforeseeingtheseconsequencesataglance)sheremainedwhereshewas，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；where(theaccidentabatingnothingofhismerriment)helayatfulllengthuntilhislaughwasover，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！\'