第8章

\'Whatisallthis?\'criedthegirlinvoluntarily。

\'Whatisit?\'pursuedFagin，madwithrage。\'Whentheboy\'sworthhundredsofpoundstome，amItolosewhatchancethrewmeinthewayofgettingsafely，throughthewhimsofadrunkengangthatIcouldwhistleawaythelivesof！Andmebound，too，toaborndevilthatonlywantsthewill，andhasthepowerto，to——\'

Pantingforbreath，theoldmanstammeredforaword；andinthatinstantcheckedthetorrentofhiswrath，andchangedhiswholedemeanour。Amomentbefore，hisclenchedhandshadgraspedtheair；hiseyeshaddilated；andhisfacegrownlividwithpassion；

butnow，heshrunkintoachair，and，coweringtogether，trembledwiththeapprehensionofhavinghimselfdisclosedsomehiddenvillainy。Afterashortsilence，heventuredtolookroundathiscompanion。Heappearedsomewhatreassured，onbeholdingherinthesamelistlessattitudefromwhichhehadfirstrousedher。

\'Nancy，dear！\'croakedtheJew，inhisusualvoice。\'Didyoumindme，dear?\'

\'Don\'tworrymenow，Fagin！\'repliedthegirl，raisingherheadlanguidly。\'IfBillhasnotdoneitthistime，hewillanother。

Hehasdonemanyagoodjobforyou，andwilldomanymorewhenhecan；andwhenhecan\'thewon\'t；sonomoreaboutthat。\'

\'Regardingthisboy，mydear?\'saidtheJew，rubbingthepalmsofhishandsnervouslytogether。

\'Theboymusttakehischancewiththerest，\'interruptedNancy，hastily；\'andIsayagain，Ihopeheisdead，andoutofharm\'sway，andoutofyours，——thatis，ifBillcomestonoharm。AndifTobygotclearoff，Bill\'sprettysuretobesafe；forBill\'sworthtwoofTobyanytime。\'

\'AndaboutwhatIwassaying，mydear?\'observedtheJew，keepinghisglisteningeyesteadilyuponher。

\'Yourmustsayitalloveragain，ifit\'sanythingyouwantmetodo，\'rejoinedNancy；\'andifitis，youhadbetterwaittillto-morrow。Youputmeupforaminute；butnowI\'mstupidagain。\'

Faginputseveralotherquestions:allwiththesamedriftofascertainingwhetherthegirlhadprofitedbyhisunguardedhints；but，sheansweredthemsoreadily，andwaswithalsoutterlyunmovedbyhissearchinglooks，thathisoriginalimpressionofherbeingmorethanatrifleinliquor，wasconfirmed。Nancy，indeed，wasnotexemptfromafailingwhichwasverycommonamongtheJew\'sfemalepupils；andinwhich，intheirtendereryears，theywereratherencouragedthanchecked。

Herdisorderedappearance，andawholesaleperfumeofGenevawhichpervadedtheapartment，affordedstongconfirmatoryevidenceofthejusticeoftheJew\'ssupposition；andwhen，afterindulginginthetemporarydisplayofviolenceabovedescribed，shesubsided，firstintodullness，andafterwardsintoacompoundoffeelings:undertheinfluenceofwhichsheshedtearsoneminute，andinthenextgaveutterancetovariousexclamationsof\'Neversaydie！\'anddiverscalculationsastowhatmightbetheamountoftheoddssolongasaladyorgentlemanwashappy，Mr。

Fagin，whohadhadconsiderableexperienceofsuchmattersinhistime，saw，withgreatsatisfaction，thatshewasveryfargoneindeed。

Havingeasedhismindbythisdiscovery；andhavingaccomplishedhistwofoldobjectofimpartingtothegirlwhathehad，thatnight，heard，andofascertaining，withhisowneyes，thatSikeshadnotreturned，Mr。Faginagainturnedhisfacehomeward:

leavinghisyoungfriendasleep，withherheaduponthetable。

Itwaswithinanhourofmidnight。Theweatherbeingdark，andpiercingcold，hehadnogreattemptationtoloiter。Thesharpwindthatscouredthestreets，seemedtohaveclearedthemofpassengers，asofdustandmud，forfewpeoplewereabroad，andtheyweretoallappearancehasteningfasthome。ItblewfromtherightquarterfortheJew，however，andstraightbeforeithewent:trembling，andshivering，aseveryfreshgustdrovehimrudelyonhisway。

Hehadreachedthecornerofhisownstreet，andwasalreadyfumblinginhispocketforthedoor-key，whenadarkfigureemergedfromaprojectingentrancewhichlayindeepshadow，and，crossingtheroad，glideduptohimunperceived。

\'Fagin！\'whisperedavoiceclosetohisear。

\'Ah！\'saidtheJew，turningquicklyround，\'isthat——\'

\'Yes！\'interruptedthestranger。\'Ihavebeenlingeringherethesetwohours。Wherethedevilhaveyoubeen?\'

\'Onyourbusiness，mydear，\'repliedtheJew，glancinguneasilyathiscompanion，andslackeninghispaceashespoke。\'Onyourbusinessallnight。\'

\'Oh，ofcourse！\'saidthestranger，withasneer。\'Well；andwhat\'scomeofit?\'

\'Nothinggood，\'saidtheJew。

\'Nothingbad，Ihope?\'saidthestranger，stoppingshort，andturningastartledlookonhiscompanion。

TheJewshookhishead，andwasabouttoreply，whenthestranger，interruptinghim，motionedtothehouse，beforewhichtheyhadbythistimearrived:remarking，thathehadbettersaywhathehadgottosay，undercover:forhisbloodwaschilledwithstandingaboutsolong，andthewindblewthroughhim。

Faginlookedasifhecouldhavewillinglyexcusedhimselffromtakinghomeavisitoratthatunseasonablehour；and，indeed，mutteredsomethingabouthavingnofire；buthiscompanionrepeatinghisrequestinaperemptorymanner，heunlockedthedoor，andrequestedhimtocloseitsoftly，whilehegotalight。

\'It\'sasdarkasthegrave，\'saidtheman，gropingforwardafewsteps。\'Makehaste！\'

\'Shutthedoor，\'whisperedFaginfromtheendofthepassage。Ashespoke，itclosedwithaloudnoise。

\'Thatwasn\'tmydoing，\'saidtheotherman，feelinghisway。\'Thewindblewitto，oritshutofitsownaccord:oneortheother。

Looksharpwiththelight，orIshallknockmybrainsoutagainstsomethinginthisconfoundedhole。\'

Faginstealthilydescendedthekitchenstairs。Afterashortabsence，hereturnedwithalightedcandle，andtheintelligencethatTobyCrackitwasasleepinthebackroombelow，andthattheboyswereinthefrontone。Beckoningthemantofollowhim，heledthewayupstairs。

\'Wecansaythefewwordswe\'vegottosayinhere，mydear，\'

saidtheJew，throwingopenadooronthefirstfloor；\'andasthereareholesintheshutters，andwenevershowlightstoourneighbours，we\'llsetthecandleonthestairs。There！\'

Withthosewords，theJew，stoopingdown，placedthecandleonanupperflightofstairs，exactlyoppositetotheroomdoor。Thisdone，heledthewayintotheapartment；whichwasdestituteofallmovablessaveabrokenarm-chair，andanoldcouchorsofawithoutcovering，whichstoodbehindthedoor。Uponthispieceoffurniture，thestrangersathimselfwiththeairofawearyman；andtheJew，drawingupthearm-chairopposite，theysatfacetoface。Itwasnotquitedark；thedoorwaspartiallyopen；andthecandleoutside，threwafeeblereflectionontheoppositewall。

Theyconversedforsometimeinwhispers。Thoughnothingoftheconversationwasdistinguishablebeyondafewdisjointedwordshereandthere，alistenermighteasilyhaveperceivedthatFaginappearedtobedefendinghimselfagainstsomeremarksofthestranger；andthatthelatterwasinastateofconsiderableirritation。Theymighthavebeentalking，thus，foraquarterofanhourormore，whenMonks——bywhichnametheJewhaddesignatedthestrangemanseveraltimesinthecourseoftheircolloquy——said，raisinghisvoicealittle，\'Itellyouagain，itwasbadlyplanned。Whynothavekepthimhereamongtherest，andmadeasneaking，snivellingpickpocketofhimatonce?\'

\'Onlyhearhim！\'exclaimedtheJew，shrugginghisshoulders。

\'Why，doyoumeantosayyoucouldn\'thavedoneit，ifyouhadchosen?\'demandedMonks，sternly。\'Haven\'tyoudoneit，withotherboys，scoresoftimes?Ifyouhadhadpatienceforatwelvemonth，atmost，couldn\'tyouhavegothimconvicted，andsentsafelyoutofthekingdom；perhapsforlife?\'

\'Whoseturnwouldthathaveserved，mydear?\'inquiredtheJewhumbly。

\'Mine，\'repliedMonks。

\'Butnotmine，\'saidtheJew，submissively。\'Hemighthavebecomeofusetome。Whentherearetwopartiestoabargain，itisonlyreasonablethattheinterestsofbothshouldbeconsulted；isit，mygoodfriend?\'

\'Whatthen?\'demandedMonks。

\'Isawitwasnoteasytotrainhimtothebusiness，\'repliedtheJew；\'hewasnotlikeotherboysinthesamecircumstances。\'

\'Cursehim，no！\'mutteredtheman，\'orhewouldhavebeenathief，longago。\'

\'Ihadnoholduponhimtomakehimworse，\'pursuedtheJew，anxiouslywatchingthecountenanceofhiscompanion。\'Hishandwasnotin。Ihadnothingtofrightenhimwith；whichwealwaysmusthaveinthebeginning，orwelabourinvain。WhatcouldI

do?SendhimoutwiththeDodgerandCharley?Wehadenoughofthat，atfirst，mydear；Itrembledforusall。\'

\'THATwasnotmydoing，\'observedMonks。

\'No，no，mydear！\'renewedtheJew。\'AndIdon\'tquarrelwithitnow；because，ifithadneverhappened，youmightneverhaveclappedeyesontheboytonoticehim，andsoledtothediscoverythatitwashimyouwerelookingfor。Well！Igothimbackforyoubymeansofthegirl；andthenSHEbeginstofavourhim。\'

\'Throttlethegirl！\'saidMonks，impatiently。

\'Why，wecan\'taffordtodothatjustnow，mydear，\'repliedtheJew，smiling；\'and，besides，thatsortofthingisnotinourway；or，oneofthesedays，Imightbegladtohaveitdone。I

knowwhatthesegirlsare，Monks，well。Assoonastheboybeginstoharden，she\'llcarenomoreforhim，thanforablockofwood。Youwanthimmadeathief。Ifheisalive，Icanmakehimonefromthistime；and，if——if——\'saidtheJew，drawingnearertotheother，——\'it\'snotlikely，mind，——butiftheworstcomestotheworst，andheisdead——\'

\'It\'snofaultofmineifheis！\'interposedtheotherman，withalookofterror，andclaspingtheJew\'sarmwithtremblinghands。\'Mindthat。Fagin！Ihadnohandinit。Anythingbuthisdeath，Itoldyoufromthefirst。Iwon\'tshedblood；it\'salwaysfoundout，andhauntsamanbesides。Iftheyshothimdead，Iwasnotthecause；doyouhearme?Firethisinfernalden！What\'sthat?\'

\'What！\'criedtheJew，graspingthecowardroundthebody，withbotharms，ashesprungtohisfeet。\'Where?\'

\'Yonder！repliedtheman，glaringattheoppositewall。\'Theshadow！Isawtheshadowofawoman，inacloakandbonnet，passalongthewainscotlikeabreath！\'

TheJewreleasedhishold，andtheyrushedtumultuouslyfromtheroom。Thecandle，wastedbythedraught，wasstandingwhereithadbeenplaced。Itshowedthemonlytheemptystaircase，andtheirownwhitefaces。Theylistenedintently:aprofoundsilencereignedthroughoutthehouse。

\'It\'syourfancy，\'saidtheJew，takingupthelightandturningtohiscompanion。

\'I\'llswearIsawit！\'repliedMonks，trembling。\'ItwasbendingforwardwhenIsawitfirst；andwhenIspoke，itdartedaway。\'

TheJewglancedcontemptuouslyatthepalefaceofhisassociate，and，tellinghimhecouldfollow，ifhepleased，ascendedthestairs。Theylookedintoalltherooms；theywerecold，bare，andempty。Theydescendedintothepassage，andthenceintothecellarsbelow。Thegreendamphunguponthelowwalls；thetracksofthesnailandslugglistenedinthelightofthecandle；butallwasstillasdeath。

\'Whatdoyouthinknow?\'saidtheJew，whentheyhadregainedthepassage。\'Besidesourselves，there\'snotacreatureinthehouseexceptTobyandtheboys；andthey\'resafeenough。Seehere！\'

Asaproofofthefact，theJewdrewforthtwokeysfromhispocket；andexplained，thatwhenhefirstwentdownstairs，hehadlockedthemin，topreventanyintrusionontheconference。

ThisaccumulatedtestimonyeffectuallystaggeredMr。Monks。Hisprotestationshadgraduallybecomelessandlessvehementastheyproceededintheirsearchwithoutmakinganydiscovery；and，now，hegaveventtoseveralverygrimlaughs，andconfesseditcouldonlyhavebeenhisexcitedimagination。Hedeclinedanyrenewaloftheconversation，however，forthatnight:suddenlyrememberingthatitwaspastoneo\'clock。Andsotheamiablecoupleparted。

CHAPTERXXVII

ATONESFORTHEUNPOLITENESSOFAFORMERCHAPTER；WHICHDESERTEDA

LADY，MOSTUNCEREMONIOUSLY

Asitwouldbe，bynomeans，seemlyinahumbleauthortokeepsomightyapersonageasabeadlewaiting，withhisbacktothefire，andtheskirtsofhiscoatgatheredupunderhisarms，untilsuchtimeasitmightsuithispleasuretorelievehim；andasitwouldstilllessbecomehisstation，orhisgallentrytoinvolveinthesameneglectaladyonwhomthatbeadlehadlookedwithaneyeoftendernessandaffection，andinwhoseearhehadwhisperedsweetwords，which，comingfromsuchaquarter，mightwellthrillthebosomofmaidormatronofwhatsoeverdegree；thehistorianwhosepentracesthesewords——trustingthatheknowshisplace，andthatheentertainsabecomingreverenceforthoseuponearthtowhomhighandimportantauthorityisdelegated——hastenstopaythemthatrespectwhichtheirpositiondemands，andtotreatthemwithallthatduteousceremonywhichtheirexaltedrank，and(byconsequence)greatvirtues，imperativelyclaimathishands。Towardsthisend，indeed，hehadpurposedtointroduce，inthisplace，adissertationtouchingthedivinerightofbeadles，andelucidativeoftheposition，thatabeadlecandonowrong:whichcouldnotfailtohavebeenbothpleasurableandprofitabletotheright-mindedreaderbutwhichheisunfortunatelycompelled，bywantoftimeandspace，topostponetosomemoreconvenientandfittingopportunity；onthearrivalofwhich，hewillbepreparedtoshow，thatabeadleproperlyconstituted:thatistosay，aparochialbeadle，attachedtoaparochailworkhouse，andattendinginhisofficialcapacitytheparochialchurch:is，inrightandvirtueofhisoffice，possessedofalltheexcellencesandbestqualitiesofhumanity；andthattononeofthoseexcellences，canmerecompanies\'beadles，orcourt-of-lawbeadles，orevenchapel-of-easebeadles(savethelast，andtheyinaverylowlyandinferiordegree)，laytheremotestsustainableclaim。

Mr。Bumblehadre-countedtheteaspoons，re-weighedthesugar-tongs，madeacloserinspectionofthemilk-pot，andascertainedtoanicetytheexactconditionofthefurniture，downtotheveryhorse-hairseatsofthechairs；andhadrepeatedeachprocessfullhalfadozentimes；beforehebegantothinkthatitwastimeforMrs。Corneytoreturn。Thinkingbegetsthinking；astherewerenosoundsofMrs。Corney\'sapproach，itoccuredtoMr。Bumblethatitwouldbeaninnocentandvirtuouswayofspendingthetime，ifhewerefurthertoallayhiscuriousitybyacursoryglanceattheinteriorofMrs。Corney\'schestofdrawers。

Havinglistenedatthekeyhole，toassurehimselfthatnobodywasapproachingthechamber，Mr。Bumble，beginningatthebottom，proceededtomakehimselfacquaintedwiththecontentsofthethreelongdrawers:which，beingfilledwithvariousgarmentsofgoodfashionandtexture，carefullypreservedbetweentwolayersofoldnewspapers，speckledwithdriedlavender:seemedtoyieldhimexceedingsatisfaction。Arriving，incourseoftime，attheright-handcornerdrawer(inwhichwasthekey)，andbeholdingthereinasmallpadlockedbox，which，beingshaken，gaveforthapleasantsound，asofthechinkingofcoin，Mr。Bumblereturnedwithastatelywalktothefireplace；and，resuminghisoldattitude，said，withagraveanddeterminedair，\'I\'lldoit！\'

Hefollowedupthisremarkabledeclaration，byshakinghisheadinawaggishmannerfortenminutes，asthoughhewereremonstratingwithhimselfforbeingsuchapleasantdog；andthen，hetookaviewofhislegsinprofile，withmuchseemingpleasureandinterest。

Hewasstillplacidlyengagedinthislattersurvey，whenMrs。

Corney，hurryingintotheroom，threwherself，inabreathlessstate，onachairbythefireside，andcoveringhereyeswithonehand，placedtheotheroverherheart，andgaspedforbreath。

\'Mrs。Corney，\'saidMr。Bumble，stoopingoverthematron，\'whatisthis，ma\'am?Hasanythinghappened，ma\'am?Prayanswerme:

I\'mon——on——\'Mr。Bumble，inhisalarm，couldnotimmediatelythinkoftheword\'tenterhooks，\'sohesaid\'brokenbottles。\'

\'Oh，Mr。Bumble！\'criedthelady，\'Ihavebeensodreadfullyputout！\'

\'Putout，ma\'am！\'exclaimedMr。Bumble；\'whohasdaredto——?I

know！\'saidMr。Bumble，checkinghimself，withnativemajesty，\'thisisthemwiciouspaupers！\'

\'It\'sdreadfultothinkof！\'saidthelady，shuddering。

\'ThenDON\'Tthinkofit，ma\'am，\'rejoinedMr。Bumble。

\'Ican\'thelpit，\'whimperedthelady。

\'Thentakesomething，ma\'am，\'saidMr。Bumblesoothingly。\'A

littleofthewine?\'

\'Notfortheworld！\'repliedMrs。Corney。\'Icouldn\'t，——oh！Thetopshelfintheright-handcorner——oh！\'Utteringthesewords，thegoodladypointed，distractedly，tothecupboard，andunderwentaconvulsionfrominternalspasms。Mr。Bumblerushedtothecloset；and，snatchingapintgreen-glassbottlefromtheshelfthusincoherentlyindicated，filledatea-cupwithitscontents，andheldittothelady\'slips。

\'I\'mbetternow，\'saidMrs。Corney，fallingback，afterdrinkinghalfofit。

Mr。Bumbleraisedhiseyespiouslytotheceilinginthankfulness；and，bringingthemdownagaintothebrimofthecup，liftedittohisnose。

\'Peppermint，\'exclaimedMrs。Corney，inafaintvoice，smilinggentlyonthebeadleasshespoke。\'Tryit！There\'salittle——alittlesomethingelseinit。\'

Mr。Bumbletastedthemedicinewithadoubtfullook；smackedhislips；tookanothertaste；andputthecupdownempty。

\'It\'sverycomforting，\'saidMrs。Corney。

\'Verymuchsoindeed，ma\'am，\'saidthebeadle。Ashespoke，hedrewachairbesidethematron，andtenderlyinquiredwhathadhappenedtodistressher。

\'Nothing，\'repliedMrs。Corney。\'Iamafoolish，excitable，weakcreetur。\'

\'Notweak，ma\'am，\'retortedMr。Bumble，drawinghischairalittlecloser。\'Areyouaweakcreetur，Mrs。Corney?\'

\'Weareallweakcreeturs，\'saidMrs。Corney，layingdownageneralprinciple。

\'Soweare，\'saidthebeadle。

Nothingwassaidoneitherside，foraminuteortwoafterwards。

Bytheexpirationofthattime，Mr。BumblehadillustratedthepositionbyremovinghisleftarmfromthebackofMrs。Corney\'schair，whereithadpreviouslyrested，toMrs。Corney\'saprong-string，roundwhichisgraduallybecameentwined。

\'Weareallweakcreeturs，\'saidMr。Bumble。

Mrs。Corneysighed。

\'Don\'tsigh，Mrs。Corney，\'saidMr。Bumble。

\'Ican\'thelpit，\'saidMrs。Corney。Andshesighedagain。

\'Thisisaverycomfortableroom，ma\'am，\'saidMr。Bumblelookinground。\'Anotherroom，andthis，ma\'am，wouldbeacompletething。\'

\'Itwouldbetoomuchforone，\'murmuredthelady。

\'Butnotfortwo，ma\'am，\'rejoinedMr。Bumble，insoftaccents。

\'Eh，Mrs。Corney?\'

Mrs。Corneydroopedherhead，whenthebeadlesaidthis；thebeadledroopedhis，togetaviewofMrs。Corney\'sface。Mrs。

Corney，withgreatpropriety，turnedherheadaway，andreleasedherhandtogetatherpocket-handkerchief；butinsensiblyreplaceditinthatofMr。Bumble。

\'Theboardallowsyoucoals，don\'tthey，Mrs。Corney?\'inquiredthebeadle，affectionatelypressingherhand。

\'Andcandles，\'repliedMrs。Corney，slightlyreturningthepressure。

\'Coals，candles，andhouse-rentfree，\'saidMr。Bumble。\'Oh，Mrs。Corney，whatanAngelyouare！\'

Theladywasnotproofagainstthisburstoffeeling。ShesankintoMr。Bumble\'sarms；andthatgentlemaninhisagitation，imprintedapassionatekissuponherchastenose。

\'Suchporochialperfection！\'exclaimedMr。Bumble，rapturously。

\'YouknowthatMr。Sloutisworseto-night，myfascinator?\'

\'Yes，\'repliedMrs。Corney，bashfully。

\'Hecan\'tliveaweek，thedoctorsays，\'pursuedMr。Bumble。\'Heisthemasterofthisestablishment；hisdeathwillcauseawacancy；thatwacancymustbefilledup。Oh，Mrs。Corney，whataprospectthisopens！Whataopportunityforajiningofheartsandhousekeepings！\'

Mrs。Corneysobbed。

\'Thelittleword?\'saidMr。Bumble，bendingoverthebashfulbeauty。\'Theonelittle，little，littleword，myblessedCorney?\'

\'Ye——ye——yes！\'sighedoutthematron。

\'Onemore，\'pursuedthebeadle；\'composeyourdarlingfeelingsforonlyonemore。Whenisittocomeoff?\'

Mrs。Corneytwiceessayedtospeak:andtwicefailed。Atlengthsummoningupcourage，shethrewherarmsaroundMr。Bumble\'sneck，andsaid，itmightbeassoonaseverhepleased，andthathewas\'airresistibleduck。\'

Mattersbeingthusamicablyandsatisfactorilyarranged，thecontractwassolemnlyratifiedinanotherteacupfulofthepeppermintmixture；whichwasrenderedthemorenecessary，bytheflutterandagitationofthelady\'sspirits。Whileitwasbeingdisposedof，sheacquaintedMr。Bumblewiththeoldwoman\'sdecease。

\'Verygood，\'saidthatgentleman，sippinghispeppermint；\'I\'llcallatSowerberry\'sasIgohome，andtellhimtosendto-morrowmorning。Wasitthatasfrightenedyou，love?\'

\'Itwasn\'tanythingparticular，dear，\'saidtheladyevasively。

\'Itmusthavebeensomething，love，\'urgedMr。Bumble。\'Won\'tyoutellyourownB。?\'

\'Notnow，\'rejoinedthelady；\'oneofthesedays。Afterwe\'remarried，dear。\'

\'Afterwe\'remarried！\'exclaimedMr。Bumble。\'Itwasn\'tanyimpudencefromanyofthemmalepaupersas——\'

\'No，no，love！\'interposedthelady，hastily。

\'IfIthoughtitwas，\'continuedMr。Bumble；\'ifIthoughtasanyoneof\'emhaddaredtolifthiswulgareyestothatlovelycountenance——\'

\'Theywouldn\'thavedaredtodoit，love，\'respondedthelady。

\'Theyhadbetternot！\'saidMr。Bumble，clenchinghisfist。\'Letmeseeanyman，porochialorextra-porochial，aswouldpresumetodoit；andIcantellhimthathewouldn\'tdoitasecondtime！\'

Unembellishedbyanyviolenceofgesticulation，thismighthaveseemednoveryhighcomplimenttothelady\'scharms；but，asMr。

Bumbleaccompaniedthethreatwithmanywarlikegestures，shewasmuchtouchedwiththisproofofhisdevotion，andprotested，withgreatadmiration，thathewasindeedadove。

Thedovethenturneduphiscoat-collar，andputonhiscockedhat；and，havingexchangedalongandaffectionateembracewithhisfuturepartner，onceagainbravedthecoldwindofthenight:

merelypausing，forafewminutes，inthemalepaupers\'ward，toabusethemalittle，withtheviewofsatisfyinghimselfthathecouldfilltheofficeofworkhouse-masterwithneedfulacerbity。

Assuredofhisqualifications，Mr。Bumbleleftthebuildingwithalightheart，andbrightvisionsofhisfuturepromotion:whichservedtooccupyhisminduntilhereachedtheshopoftheundertaker。

Now，Mr。andMrs。Sowerberryhavinggoneouttoteaandsupper:

andNoahClaypolenotbeingatanytimedisposedtotakeuponhimselfagreateramountofphysicalexertionthanisnecessarytoaconvenientperformanceofthetwofunctionsofeatinganddrinking，theshopwasnotclosed，althoughitwaspasttheusualhourofshutting-up。Mr。Bumbletappedwithhiscaneonthecounterseveraltimes；but，attractingnoattention，andbeholdingalightshiningthroughtheglass-windowofthelittleparlouratthebackoftheshop，hemadeboldtopeepinandseewhatwasgoingforward；andwhenhesawwhatwasgoingforward，hewasnotalittlesurprised。

Theclothwaslaidforsupper；thetablewascoveredwithbreadandbutter，platesandglasses；aporter-potandawine-bottle。

Attheupperendofthetable，Mr。NoahClaypolelollednegligentlyinaneasy-chair，withhislegsthrownoveroneofthearms:anopenclasp-knifeinonehand，andamassofbutteredbreadintheother。ClosebesidehimstoodCharlotte，openingoystersfromabarrel:whichMr。Claypolecondescendedtoswallow，withremarkableavidity。Amorethanordinaryrednessintheregionoftheyounggentleman\'snose，andakindoffixedwinkinhisrighteye，denotedthathewasinaslightdegreeintoxicated；thesesymptomswereconfirmedbytheintenserelishwithwhichhetookhisoysters，forwhichnothingbutastrongappreciationoftheircoolingproperties，incasesofinternalfever，couldhavesufficientlyaccounted。

\'Here\'sadeliciousfatone，Noah，dear！\'saidCharlotte；\'tryhim，do；onlythisone。\'

\'Whatadeliciousthingisaoyster！\'remarkedMr。Claypole，afterhehadswallowedit。\'Whatapityitis，anumberof\'emshouldevermakeyoufeeluncomfortable；isn\'tit，Charlotte?\'

\'It\'squiteacruelty，\'saidCharlotte。

\'Soitis，\'acquiescedMr。Claypole。\'An\'tyerfondofoysters?\'

\'Notovermuch，\'repliedCharlotte。\'Iliketoseeyoueat\'em，Noahdear，betterthaneating\'emmyself。\'

\'Lor！\'saidNoah，reflectively；\'howqueer！\'

\'Haveanother，\'saidCharlotte。\'Here\'sonewithsuchabeautiful，delicatebeard！\'

\'Ican\'tmanageanymore，\'saidNoah。\'I\'mverysorry。Comehere，Charlotte，andI\'llkissyer。\'

\'What！\'saidMr。Bumble，burstingintotheroom。\'Saythatagain，sir。\'

Charlotteutteredascream，andhidherfaceinherapron。Mr。

Claypole，withoutmakinganyfurtherchangeinhispositionthansufferinghislegstoreachtheground，gazedatthebeadleindrunkenterror。

\'Sayitagain，youwile，owdaciousfellow！\'saidMr。Bumble。\'Howdareyoumentionsuchathing，sir?Andhowdareyouencouragehim，youinsolentminx?Kissher！\'exclaimedMr。Bumble，instrongindignation。\'Faugh！\'

\'Ididn\'tmeantodoit！\'saidNoah，blubbering。\'She\'salwaysa-kissingofme，whetherIlikeit，ornot。\'

\'Oh，Noah，\'criedCharlotte，reproachfully。

\'Yerare；yerknowyerare！\'retortedNoah。\'She\'salwaysa-doin\'ofit，Mr。Bumble，sir；shechucksmeunderthechin，please，sir；andmakesallmanneroflove！\'

\'Silence！\'criedMr。Bumble，sternly。\'Takeyourselfdownstairs，ma\'am。Noah，youshutuptheshop；sayanotherwordtillyourmastercomeshome，atyourperil；and，whenhedoescomehome，tellhimthatMr。Bumblesaidhewastosendaoldwoman\'sshellafterbreakfastto-morrowmorning。Doyouhearsir?Kissing！\'

criedMr。Bumble，holdinguphishands。\'Thesinandwickednessofthelowerordersinthisporochialdistrictisfrightful！IfParliamentdon\'ttaketheirabominablecoursesunderconsideration，thiscountry\'sruined，andthecharacterofthepeasantrygoneforever！\'Withthesewords，thebeadlestrode，withaloftyandgloomyair，fromtheundertaker\'spremises。

Andnowthatwehaveaccompaniedhimsofaronhisroadhome，andhavemadeallnecessarypreparationsfortheoldwoman\'sfuneral，letussetonfootafewinquiresafteryoungOliverTwist，andascertainwhetherhebestilllyingintheditchwhereTobyCrackitlefthim。

CHAPTERXXVIII

LOOKSAFTEROLIVER，ANDPROCEEDSWITHHISADVENTURES

\'Wolvestearyourthroats！\'mutteredSikes，grindinghisteeth。

\'IwishIwasamongsomeofyou；you\'dhowlthehoarserforit。\'

AsSikesgrowledforththisimprecation，withthemostdesperateferocitythathisdesperatenaturewascapableof，herestedthebodyofthewoundedboyacrosshisbendedknee；andturnedhishead，foraninstant，tolookbackathispursuers。

Therewaslittletobemadeout，inthemistanddarkness；buttheloudshoutingofmenvibratedthroughtheair，andthebarkingoftheneighbouringdogs，rousedbythesoundofthealarmbell，resoundedineverydirection。

\'Stop，youwhite-liveredhound！\'criedtherobber，shoutingafterTobyCrackit，who，makingthebestuseofhislonglegs，wasalreadyahead。\'Stop！\'

Therepetitionoftheword，broughtTobytoadeadstand-still。

Forhewasnotquitesatisfiedthathewasbeyondtherangeofpistol-shot；andSikeswasinnomoodtobeplayedwith。

\'Bearahandwiththeboy，\'criedSikes，beckoningfuriouslytohisconfederate。\'Comeback！\'

Tobymadeashowofreturning；butventured，inalowvoice，brokenforwantofbreath，tointimateconsiderablereluctanceashecameslowlyalong。

\'Quicker！\'criedSikes，layingtheboyinadryditchathisfeet，anddrawingapistolfromhispocket。\'Don\'tplaybootywithme。\'

Atthismomentthenoisegrewlouder。Sikes，againlookinground，coulddiscernthatthemenwhohadgivenchasewerealreadyclimbingthegateofthefieldinwhichhestood；andthatacoupleofdogsweresomepacesinadvanceofthem。

\'It\'sallup，Bill！\'criedToby；\'dropthekid，andshow\'emyourheels。\'Withthispartingadvice，Mr。Crackit，preferringthechanceofbeingshotbyhisfriend，tothecertaintyofbeingtakenbyhisenemies，fairlyturnedtail，anddartedoffatfullspeed。Sikesclenchedhisteeth；tookonelookaround；threwovertheprostrateformofOliver，thecapeinwhichhehadbeenhurriedlymuffled；ranalongthefrontofthehedge，asiftodistracttheattentionofthosebehind，fromthespotwheretheboylay；paused，forasecond，beforeanotherhedgewhichmetitatrightangles；andwhirlinghispistolhighintotheair，cleareditatabound，andwasgone。

\'Ho，ho，there！\'criedatremulousvoiceintherear。\'Pincher！

Neptune！Comehere，comehere！\'

Thedogs，who，incommonwiththeirmasters，seemedtohavenoparticularrelishforthesportinwhichtheywereengaged，readilyansweredtothecommand。Threemen，whohadbythistimeadvancedsomedistanceintothefield，stoppedtotakecounseltogether。

\'Myadvice，or，leastways，Ishouldsay，myORDERS，is，\'saidthefattestmanoftheparty，\'thatwe\'mediatelygohomeagain。\'

\'IamagreeabletoanythingwhichisagreeabletoMr。Giles，\'

saidashorterman；whowasbynomeansofaslimfigure，andwhowasverypaleintheface，andverypolite:asfrightenedmenfrequentlyare。

\'Ishouldn\'twishtoappearill-mannered，gentlemen，\'saidthethird，whohadcalledthedogsback，\'Mr。Gilesoughttoknow。\'

\'Certainly，\'repliedtheshorterman；\'andwhateverMr。Gilessays，itisn\'tourplacetocontradicthim。No，no，Iknowmysitiwation！Thankmystars，Iknowmysitiwation。\'Totellthetruth，thelittlemanDIDseemtoknowhissituation，andtoknowperfectlywellthatitwasbynomeansadesirableone；forhisteethchatteredinhisheadashespoke。

\'Youareafraid，Brittles，\'saidMr。Giles。

\'Ian\'t，\'saidBrittles。

\'Youare，\'saidGiles。

\'You\'reafalsehood，Mr。Giles，\'saidBrittles。

\'You\'realie，Brittles，\'saidMr。Giles。

Now，thesefourretortsarosefromMr。Giles\'staunt；andMr。

Giles\'staunthadarisenfromhisindignationathavingtheresponsibilityofgoinghomeagain，imposeduponhimselfundercoverofacompliment。Thethirdmanbroughtthedisputetoaclose，mostphilosophically。

\'I\'lltellyouwhatitis，gentlemen，\'saidhe，\'we\'reallafraid。\'

\'Speakforyourself，sir，\'saidMr。Giles，whowasthepalestoftheparty。

\'SoIdo，\'repliedtheman。\'It\'snaturalandpropertobeafraid，undersuchcircumstances。Iam。\'

\'SoamI，\'saidBrittles；\'onlythere\'snocalltotellamanheis，sobounceably。\'

ThesefrankadmissionssoftenedMr。Giles，whoatonceownedthatHEwasafraid；uponwhich，theyallthreefacedabout，andranbackagainwiththecompletestunanimity，untilMr。Giles(whohadtheshortestwindoftheparty，aswasencumberedwithapitchfork)mosthandsomelyinsistedonstopping，tomakeanapologyforhishastinessofspeech。

\'Butit\'swonderful，\'saidMr。Giles，whenhehadexplained，\'whatamanwilldo，whenhisbloodisup。Ishouldhavecommittedmurder——IknowIshould——ifwe\'dcaughtoneofthemrascals。\'

Astheothertwowereimpressedwithasimilarpresentiment；andastheirblood，likehis，hadallgonedownagain；somespeculationensueduponthecauseofthissuddenchangeintheirtemperament。

\'Iknowwhatitwas，\'saidMr。Giles；\'itwasthegate。\'

\'Ishouldn\'twonderifitwas，\'exclaimedBrittles，catchingattheidea。

\'Youmaydependuponit，\'saidGiles，\'thatthatgatestoppedtheflowoftheexcitement。Ifeltallminesuddenlygoingaway，asIwasclimbingoverit。\'

Byaremarkablecoincidence，theothertwohadbeenvisitedwiththesameunpleasantsensationatthatprecisemoment。Itwasquiteobvious，therefore，thatitwasthegate；especiallyastherewasnodoubtregardingthetimeatwhichthechangehadtakenplace，becauseallthreerememberedthattheyhadcomeinsightoftherobbersattheinstantofitsoccurance。

Thisdialoguewasheldbetweenthetwomenwhohadsurprisedtheburglars，andatravellingtinkerwhohadbeensleepinginanouthouse，andwhohadbeenroused，togetherwithhistwomongrelcurs，tojoininthepursuit。Mr。Gilesactedinthedoublecapacityofbutlerandstewardtotheoldladyofthemansion；

Brittleswasaladofall-work:who，havingenteredherserviceamerechild，wastreatedasapromisingyoungboystill，thoughhewassomethingpastthirty。

Encouragingeachotherwithsuchconverseasthis；but，keepingveryclosetogether，notwithstanding，andlookingapprehensivelyround，wheneverafreshgustrattledthroughtheboughs；thethreemenhurriedbacktoatree，behindwhichtheyhadlefttheirlantern，lestitslightshouldinformthethievesinwhatdirectiontofire。Catchingupthelight，theymadethebestoftheirwayhome，atagoodroundtrot；andlongaftertheirduskyformshadceasedtobediscernible，thelightmighthavebeenseentwinklinganddancinginthedistance，likesomeexhalationofthedampandgloomyatmospherethroughwhichitwasswiftlyborne。

Theairgrewcolder，asdaycameslowlyon；andthemistrolledalongthegroundlikeadensecloudofsmoke。Thegrasswaswet；

thepathways，andlowplaces，wereallmireandwater；thedampbreathofanunwholesomewindwentlanguidlyby，withahollowmoaning。Still，OliverlaymotionlessandinsensibleonthespotwhereSikeshadlefthim。

Morningdrewonapace。Theairbecomemoresharpandpiercing，asitsfirstdullhue——thedeathofnight，ratherthanthebirthofday——glimmeredfaintlyinthesky。Theobjectswhichhadlookeddimandterribleinthedarkness，grewmoreandmoredefined，andgraduallyresolvedintotheirfamiliarshapes。Theraincamedown，thickandfast，andpatterednoisilyamongtheleaflessbushes。But，Oliverfeltitnot，asitbeatagainsthim；forhestilllaystretched，helplessandunconscious，onhisbedofclay。

Atlength，alowcryofpainbrokethestillnessthatprevailed；

andutteringit，theboyawoke。Hisleftarm，rudelybandagedinashawl，hungheavyanduselessathisside；thebandagewassaturatedwithblood。Hewassoweak，thathecouldscarcelyraisehimselfintoasittingposture；whenhehaddoneso，helookedfeeblyroundforhelp，andgroanedwithpain。Tremblingineveryjoint，fromcoldandexhaustion，hemadeanefforttostandupright；but，shudderingfromheadtofoot，fellprostrateontheground。

Afterashortreturnofthestuporinwhichhehadbeensolongplunged，Oliver:urgedbyacreepingsicknessathisheart，whichseemedtowarnhimthatifhelaythere，hemustsurelydie:gotuponhisfeet，andessayedtowalk。Hisheadwasdizzy，andhestaggeredtoandfromlikeadrunkenman。Buthekeptup，nevertheless，and，withhisheaddroopinglanguidlyonhisbreast，wentstumblingonward，heknewnotwhither。

Andnow，hostsofbewilderingandconfusedideascamecrowdingonhismind。HeseemedtobestillwalkingbetweenSikesandCrackit，whowereangrilydisputing——fortheverywordstheysaid，soundedinhisears；andwhenhecaughthisownattention，asitwere，bymakingsomeviolentefforttosavehimselffromfalling，hefoundthathewastalkingtothem。Then，hewasalonewithSikes，ploddingonasonthepreviousday；andasshadowypeoplepassedthem，hefelttherobber\'sgraspuponhiswrist。

Suddenly，hestartedbackatthereportoffirearms；thereroseintotheair，loudcriesandshouts；lightsgleamedbeforehiseyes；allwasnoiseandtumult，assomeunseenhandborehimhurriedlyaway。Throughalltheserapidvisions，thererananundefined，uneasyconsciousofpain，whichweariedandtormentedhimincessantly。

Thushestaggeredon，creeping，almostmechanically，betweenthebarsofgates，orthroughhedge-gapsastheycameinhisway，untilhereachedaroad。Heretherainbegantofallsoheavily，thatitrousedhim。

Helookedabout，andsawthatatnogreatdistancetherewasahouse，whichperhapshecouldreach。Pityinghiscondition，theymighthavecompassiononhim；andiftheydidnot，itwouldbebetter，hethought，todienearhumanbeings，thaninthelonelyopenfields。Hesummonedupallhisstrengthforonelasttrial，andbenthisfalteringstepstowardsit。

Ashedrewnearertothishouse，afeelingcomeoverhimthathehadseenitbefore。Herememberednothingofitsdetails；buttheshapeandaspectofthebuildingseemedfamiliartohim。

Thatgardenwall！Onthegrassinside，hehadfallenonhiskneeslastnight，andprayedthetwomen\'smercy。Itwastheveryhousetheyhadattemptedtorob。

Oliverfeltsuchfearcomeoverhimwhenherecognisedtheplace，that，fortheinstant，heforgottheagonyofhiswound，andthoughtonlyofflight。Flight！Hecouldscarcelystand:andifhewereinfullpossessionofallthebestpowersofhisslightandyouthfulframe，whithercouldhefly?Hepushedagainstthegarden-gate；itwasunlocked，andswungopenonitshinges。Hetotteredacrossthelawn；climbedthesteps；knockedfaintlyatthedoor；and，hiswholestrengthfailinghim，sunkdownagainstoneofthepillarsofthelittleportico。

Ithappenedthataboutthistime，Mr。Giles，Brittles，andthetinker，wererecruitingthemselves，afterthefatiguesandterrorsofthenight，withteaandsundries，inthekitchen。NotthatitwasMr。Giles\'shabittoadmittotoogreatfamiliaritythehumblerservants:towardswhomitwasratherhiswonttodeporthimselfwithaloftyaffability，which，whileitgratified，couldnotfailtoremindthemofhissuperiorpositioninsociety。But，death，fires，andburglary，makeallmenequals；soMr。Gilessatwithhislegsstretchedoutbeforethekitchenfender，leaninghisleftarmonthetable，while，withhisright，heillustratedacircumstantialandminuteaccountoftherobbery，towhichhisbearers(butespeciallythecookandhousemaid，whowereoftheparty)listenedwithbreathlessinterest。

\'Itwasabouthalf-pasttow，\'saidMr。Giles，\'orIwouldn\'tswearthatitmightn\'thavebeenalittlenearerthree，whenI

wokeup，and，turningroundinmybed，asitmightbeso，(hereMr。Gilesturnedroundinhischair，andpulledthecornerofthetable-clothoverhimtoimitatebed-clothes，)IfanciedIheerdanoise。\'

Atthispointofthenarrativethecookturnedpale，andaskedthehousemaidtoshutthedoor:whoaskedBrittles，whoaskedthetinker，whopretendednottohear。

\'——Heerdanoise，\'continuedMr。Giles。\'Isays，atfirst，“Thisisillusion“；andwascomposingmyselfofftosleep，whenIheerdthenoiseagain，distinct。\'

\'Whatsortofanoise?\'askedthecook。

\'Akindofabustingnoise，\'repliedMr。Giles，lookingroundhim。

\'Morelikethenoiseofpowderingaironbaronanutmeg-grater，\'

suggestedBrittles。

\'Itwas，whenyouHEERDit，sir，\'rejoinedMr。Giles；\'but，atthistime，ithadabustingsound。Iturneddowntheclothes\'；

continuedGiles，rollingbackthetable-cloth，\'satupinbed；

andlistened。\'

Thecookandhousemaidsimultaneouslyejaculated\'Lor！\'anddrewtheirchairsclosertogether。

\'Iheerditnow，quiteapparent，\'resumedMr。Giles。\'“Somebody，“

Isays，“isforcingofadoor，orwindow；what\'stobedone?

I\'llcallupthatpoorlad，Brittles，andsavehimfrombeingmurderedinhisbed；orhisthroat，“Isays，“maybecutfromhisrighteartohisleft，withouthiseverknowingit。”\'

Here，alleyeswereturneduponBrittles，whofixedhisuponthespeaker，andstaredathim，withhismouthwideopen，andhisfaceexpressiveofthemostunmitigatedhorror。

\'Itossedofftheclothes，\'saidGiles，throwingawaythetable-cloth，andlookingveryhardatthecookandhousemaid，\'gotsoftlyoutofbed；drewonapairof——\'

\'Ladiespresent，Mr。Giles，\'murmuredthetinker。

\'——OfSHOES，sir，\'saidGiles，turninguponhim，andlayinggreatemphasisontheword；\'seizedtheloadedpistolthatalwaysgoesupstairswiththeplate-basket；andwalkedontiptoestohisroom。“Brittles，“Isays，whenIhadwokehim，“don\'tbefrightened！“\'

\'Soyoudid，\'observedBrittles，inalowvoice。

\'“We\'redeadmen，Ithink，Brittles，“Isays，\'continuedGiles；

\'“butdon\'tbefrightened。”\'

\'WAShefrightened?\'askedthecook。

\'Notabitofit，\'repliedMr。Giles。\'Hewasasfirm——ah！

prettynearasfirmasIwas。\'

\'Ishouldhavediedatonce，I\'msure，ifithadbeenme，\'

observedthehousemaid。

\'You\'reawoman，\'retortedBrittles，pluckingupalittle。

\'Brittlesisright，\'saidMr。Giles，noddinghishead，approvingly；\'fromawoman，nothingelsewastobeexpected。We，beingmen，tookadarklanternthatwasstandingonBrittle\'shob，andgropedourwaydownstairsinthepitchdark，——asitmightbeso。\'

Mr。Gileshadrisenfromhisseat，andtakentwostepswithhiseyesshut，toaccompanyhisdescriptionwithappropriateaction，whenhestartedviolently，incommonwiththerestofthecompany，andhurriedbacktohischair。Thecookandhousemaidscreamed。

\'Itwasaknock，\'saidMr。Giles，assumingperfectserenity。

\'Openthedoor，somebody。\'

Nobodymoved。

\'Itseemsastrangesortofathing，aknockcomingatsuchatimeinthemorning，\'saidMr。Giles，surveyingthepalefaceswhichsurroundedhim，andlookingveryblankhimself；\'butthedoormustbeopened。Doyouhear，somebody?\'

Mr。Giles，ashespoke，lookedatBrittles；butthatyoungman，beingnaturallymodest，probablyconsideredhimselfnobody，andsoheldthattheinquirycouldnothaveanyapplicationtohim；

atallevents，hetenderednoreply。Mr。Gilesdirectedanappealingglanceatthetinker；buthehadsuddenlyfallenasleep。Thewomenwereoutofthequestion。

\'IfBrittleswouldratheropenthedoor，inthepresenceofwitnesses，\'saidMr。Giles，afterashortsilence，\'Iamreadytomakeone。\'

\'SoamI，\'saidthetinker，wakingup，assuddenlyashehadfallenasleep。

Brittlescapitualatedontheseterms；andthepartybeingsomewhatre-assuredbythediscovery(madeonthrowingopentheshutters)thatitwasnowbroadday，tooktheirwayupstairs；

withthedogsinfront。Thetwowomen，whowereafraidtostaybelow，broughtuptherear。BytheadviceofMr。Giles，theyalltalkedveryloud，towarnanyevil-disposedpersonoutside，thattheywerestronginnumbers；andbyamaster-stokeofpolicy，originatinginthebrainofthesameingeniousgentleman，thedogs\'tailswerewellpinched，inthehall，tomakethembarksavagely。

Theseprecautionshavingbeentaken，Mr。Gilesheldonfastbythetinker\'sarm(topreventhisrunningaway，ashepleasantlysaid)，andgavethewordofcommandtoopenthedoor。Brittlesobeyed；thegroup，peepingtimourouslyovereachother\'sshoulders，beheldnomoreformidableobjectthanpoorlittleOliverTwist，speechlessandexhausted，whoraisedhisheavyeyes，andmutelysolicitedtheircompassion。

\'Aboy！\'exclaimedMr。Giles，valiantly，pushingthetinkerintothebackground。\'What\'sthematterwiththe——eh?——Why——Brittles——lookhere——don\'tyouknow?\'

Brittles，whohadgotbehindthedoortoopenit，nosoonersawOliver，thanheutteredaloudcry。Mr。Giles，seizingtheboybyonelegandonearm(fortunatelynotthebrokenlimb)luggedhimstraightintothehall，anddepositedhimatfulllengthonthefloorthereof。

\'Hereheis！\'bawledGiles，callinginastateofgreatexcitement，upthestaircase；\'here\'soneofthethieves，ma\'am！

Here\'sathief，miss！Wounded，miss！Ishothim，miss；andBrittlesheldthelight。\'

\'——Inalantern，miss，\'criedBrittles，applyingonehandtothesideofhismouth，sothathisvoicemighttravelthebetter。

Thetwowomen-servantsranupstairstocarrytheintelligencethatMr。Gileshadcapturedarobber；andthetinkerbusiedhimselfinendeavouringtorestoreOliver，lestheshoulddiebeforehecouldbehanged。Inthemidstofallthisnoiseandcommotion，therewasheardasweetfemalevoice，whichquelleditinaninstant。

\'Giles！\'whisperedthevoicefromthestair-head。

\'I\'mhere，miss，\'repliedMr。Giles。\'Don\'tbefrightened，miss；

Iain\'tmuchinjured。Hedidn\'tmakeaverydesperateresistance，miss！Iwassoontoomanyforhim。\'

\'Hush！\'repliedtheyounglady；\'youfrightenmyauntasmuchasthethievesdid。Isthepoorcreaturemuchhurt?\'

\'Woundeddesperate，miss，\'repliedGiles，withindescribablecomplacency。

\'Helooksasifhewasa-going，miss，\'bawledBrittles，inthesamemannerasbefore。\'Wouldn\'tyouliketocomeandlookathim，miss，incaseheshould?\'

\'Hush，pray；there\'sagoodman！\'rejoinedthelady。\'Waitquietlyonlyoneinstant，whileIspeaktoaunt。\'

Withafootstepassoftandgentleasthevoice，thespeakertrippedaway。Shesoonreturned，withthedirectionthatthewoundedpersonwastobecarried，carefully，upstairstoMr。

Giles\'sroom；andthatBrittleswastosaddletheponyandbetakehimselfinstantlytoChertsey:fromwhichplace，hewastodespatch，withallspeed，aconstableanddoctor。

\'Butwon\'tyoutakeonelookathim，first，miss?\'askedMr。

Giles，withasmuchprideasifOliverweresomebirdofrareplumage，thathehadskilfullybroughtdown。\'Notonelittlepeep，miss?\'

\'Notnow，fortheworld，\'repliedtheyounglady。\'Poorfellow！

Oh！treathimkindly，Gilesformysake！\'

Theoldservantlookedupatthespeaker，assheturnedaway，withaglanceasproudandadmiringasifshehadbeenhisownchild。Then，bendingoverOliver，hehelpedtocarryhimupstairs，withthecareandsolicitudeofawoman。

CHAPTERXXIX

HASANINTRODUCTORYACCOUNTOFTHEINMATESOFTHEHOUSE，TOWHICH

OLIVERRESORTED

Inahandsomeroom:thoughitsfurniturehadrathertheairofold-fashionedcomfort，thanofmodernelegance:theresattwoladiesatawell-spreadbreakfast-table。Mr。Giles，dressedwithscrupulouscareinafullsuitofblack，wasinattendanceuponthem。Hehadtakenhisstationsomehalf-waybetweentheside-boardandthebreakfast-table；and，withhisbodydrawnuptoitsfullheight，hisheadthrownback，andinclinedthemeresttrifleononeside，hisleftlegadvanced，andhisrighthandthrustintohiswaist-coat，whilehislefthungdownbyhisside，graspingawaiter，lookedlikeonewholabouredunderaveryagreeablesenseofhisownmeritsandimportance。

Ofthetwoladies，onewaswelladvancedinyears；butthehigh-backedoakenchairinwhichshesat，wasnotmoreuprightthanshe。Dressedwiththeutmostnicetyandprecision，inaquaintmixtureofby-gonecostume，withsomeslightconcessionstotheprevailingtaste，whichratherservedtopointtheoldstylepleasantlythantoimpairitseffect，shesat，inastatelymanner，withherhandsfoldedonthetablebeforeher。Hereyes(andagehaddimmedbutlittleoftheirbrightness)wereattentivelyuponheryoungcompanion。

Theyoungerladywasinthelovelybloomandspring-timeofwomanhood；atthatage，when，ifeverangelsbeforGod\'sgoodpurposesenthronedinmortalforms，theymaybe，withoutimpiety，supposedtoabideinsuchashers。

Shewasnotpastseventeen。Castinsoslightandexquisiteamould；somildandgentle；sopureandbeautiful；thatearthseemednotherelement，noritsroughcreaturesherfitcompanions。Theveryintelligencethatshoneinherdeepblueeye，andwasstampeduponhernoblehead，seemedscarcelyofherage，oroftheworld；andyetthechangingexpressionofsweetnessandgoodhumour，thethousandlightsthatplayedabouttheface，andleftnoshadowthere；aboveall，thesmile，thecheerful，happysmile，weremadeforHome，andfiresidepeaceandhappiness。

Shewasbusilyengagedinthelittleofficesofthetable。

Chancingtoraisehereyesastheelderladywasregardingher，sheplayfullyputbackherhair，whichwassimplybraidedonherforehead；andthrewintoherbeaminglook，suchanexpressionofaffectionandartlessloveliness，thatblessedspiritsmighthavesmiledtolookuponher。

\'AndBrittleshasbeengoneupwardsofanhour，hashe?\'askedtheoldlady，afterapause。

\'Anhourandtwelveminutes，ma\'am，\'repliedMr。Giles，referringtoasilverwatch，whichhedrewforthbyablackribbon。

\'Heisalwaysslow，\'remarkedtheoldlady。

\'Brittlesalwayswasaslowboy，ma\'am，\'repliedtheattendant。

Andseeing，bythebye，thatBrittleshadbeenaslowboyforupwardsofthirtyyears，thereappearednogreatprobabilityofhiseverbeingafastone。

\'Hegetsworseinsteadofbetter，Ithink，\'saidtheelderlady。

\'Itisveryinexcusableinhimifhestopstoplaywithanyotherboys，\'saidtheyounglady，smiling。

Mr。Gileswasapparentlyconsideringtheproprietyofindulginginarespectfulsmilehimself，whenagigdroveuptothegarden-gate:outofwhichtherejumpedafatgentleman，whoranstraightuptothedoor:andwho，gettingquicklyintothehousebysomemysteriousprocess，burstintotheroom，andnearlyoverturnedMr。Gilesandthebreakfast-tabletogether。

\'Ineverheardofsuchathing！\'exclaimedthefatgentleman。\'MydearMrs。Maylie——blessmysoul——inthesilenceofthenight，too——INEVERheardofsuchathing！\'

Withtheseexpressionsofcondolence，thefatgentlemanshookhandswithbothladies，anddrawingupachair，inquiredhowtheyfoundthemselves。

\'Yououghttobedead；positivelydeadwiththefright，\'saidthefatgentleman。\'Whydidn\'tyousend?Blessme，mymanshouldhavecomeinaminute；andsowouldI；andmyassistantwouldhavebeendelighted；oranybody，I\'msure，undersuchcircumstances。Dear，dear！Sounexpected！Inthesilenceofthenight，too！\'

Thedoctorseemedexpeciallytroubledbythefactoftherobberyhavingbeenunexpected，andattemptedinthenight-time；asifitweretheestablishedcustomofgentlemeninthehousebreakingwaytotransactbusinessatnoon，andtomakeanappointment，bypost，adayortwoprevious。

\'Andyou，MissRose，\'saidthedoctor，turningtotheyounglady，\'I——\'

\'Oh！verymuchso，indeed，\'saidRose，interruptinghim；\'butthereisapoorcreatureupstairs，whomauntwishesyoutosee。\'

\'Ah！tobesure，\'repliedthedoctor，\'sothereis。Thatwasyourhandiwork，Giles，Iunderstand。\'

Mr。Giles，whohadbeenfeverishlyputtingthetea-cupstorights，blushedveryred，andsaidthathehadhadthathonour。

\'Honour，eh?\'saidthedoctor；\'well，Idon\'tknow；perhapsit\'sashonourabletohitathiefinabackkitchen，astohityourmanattwelvepaces。Fancythathefiredintheair，andyou\'vefoughtaduel，Giles。\'

Mr。Giles，whothoughtthislighttreatmentofthematteranunjustattemptatdiminishinghisglory，answeredrespectfully，thatitwasnotforthelikeofhimtojudgeaboutthat；butheratherthoughtitwasnojoketotheoppositeparty。

\'Gad，that\'strue！\'saidthedoctor。\'Whereishe?Showmetheway。I\'lllookinagain，asIcomedown，Mrs。Maylie。That\'sthelittlewindowthathegotinat，eh?Well，Icouldn\'thavebelievedit！\'

Talkingalltheway，hefollowedMr。Gilesupstairs；andwhileheisgoingupstairs，thereadermaybeinformed，thatMr。Losberne，asurgeonintheneighbourhood，knownthroughacircuitoftenmilesroundas\'thedoctor，\'hadgrownfat，morefromgood-humourthanfromgoodliving:andwasaskindandhearty，andwithalaseccentricanoldbachelor，aswillbefoundinfivetimesthatspace，byanyexploreralive。

Thedoctorwasabsent，muchlongerthaneitherheortheladieshadanticipated。Alargeflatboxwasfetchedoutofthegig；

andabedroombellwasrungveryoften；andtheservantsranupanddownstairsperpetually；fromwhichtokensitwasjustlyconcludedthatsomethingimportantwasgoingonabove。Atlengthhereturned；andinreplytoananxiousinquiryafterhispatient；lookedverymysterious，andclosedthedoor，carefully。

\'Thisisaveryextraordinarything，Mrs。Maylie，\'saidthedoctor，standingwithhisbacktothedoor，asiftokeepitshut。

\'Heisnotindanger，Ihope?\'saidtheoldlady。

\'Why，thatwouldNOTbeanextraordinarything，underthecircumstances，\'repliedthedoctor；\'thoughIdon\'tthinkheis。

Haveyouseenthethief?\'

\'No，\'rejoinedtheoldlady。

\'Norheardanythingabouthim?\'

\'No。\'

\'Ibegyourpardon，ma\'am，interposedMr。Giles；\'butIwasgoingtotellyouabouthimwhenDoctorLosbernecamein。\'

Thefactwas，thatMr。Gileshadnot，atfirst，beenabletobringhismindtotheavowal，thathehadonlyshotaboy。Suchcommendationshadbeenbestoweduponhisbravery，thathecouldnot，forthelifeofhim，helppostponingtheexplanationforafewdeliciousminutes；duringwhichhehadflourished，intheveryzenithofabriefreputationforundauntedcourage。

\'Rosewishedtoseetheman，\'saidMrs。Maylie，\'butIwouldn\'thearofit。\'

\'Humph！\'rejoinedthedoctor。\'Thereisnothingveryalarminginhisappearance。Haveyouanyobjectiontoseehiminmypresence?\'

\'Ifitbenecessary，\'repliedtheoldlady，\'certainlynot。\'

\'ThenIthinkitisnecessary，\'saidthedoctor；\'atallevents，Iamquitesurethatyouwoulddeeplyregretnothavingdoneso，ifyoupostponedit。Heisperfectlyquietandcomfortablenow。

Allowme——MissRose，willyoupermitme?Nottheslightestfear，Ipledgeyoumyhonour！\'

CHAPTERXXX

RELATESWHATOLIVER\'SNEWVISITORSTHOUGHTOFHIM

Withmanyloquaciousassurancesthattheywouldbeagreeablysurprisedintheaspectofthecriminal，thedoctordrewtheyounglady\'sarmthroughoneofhim；andofferinghisdisengagedhandtoMrs。Maylie，ledthem，withmuchceremonyandstateliness，upstairs。

\'Now，\'saidthedoctor，inawhisper，ashesoftlyturnedthehandleofabedroom-door，\'letushearwhatyouthinkofhim。Hehasnotbeenshavedveryrecently，buthedon\'tlookatallferociousnotwithstanding。Stop，though！Letmefirstseethatheisinvisitingorder。\'

Steppingbeforethem，helookedintotheroom。Motioningthemtoadvance，heclosedthedoorwhentheyhadentered；andgentlydrewbackthecurtainsofthebed。Uponit，inlieuofthedogged，black-visagedruffiantheyhadexpectedtobehold，therelayamerechild:wornwithpainandexhaustion，andsunkintoadeepsleep。Hiswoundedarm，boundandsplinteredup，wascrosseduponhisbreast；hisheadreclinedupontheotherarm，whichwashalfhiddenbyhislonghair，asitstreamedoverthepillow。

Thehonestgentlemanheldthecurtaininhishand，andlookedon，foraminuteorso，insilence。Whilsthewaswatchingthepatientthus，theyoungerladyglidedsoftlypast，andseatingherselfinachairbythebedside，gatheredOliver\'shairfromhisface。Asshestoopedoverhim，hertearsfelluponhisforehead。

Theboystirred，andsmiledinhissleep，asthoughthesemarksofpityandcompassionhadawakenedsomepleasantdreamofaloveandaffectionhehadneverknown。Thus，astrainofgentlemusic，ortheripplingofwaterinasilentplace，ortheodourofaflower，orthementionofafamiliarword，willsometimescallupsuddendimremembrancesofscenesthatneverwere，inthislife；whichvanishlikeabreath；whichsomebriefmemoryofahappierexistence，longgoneby，wouldseemtohaveawakened；

whichnovoluntaryexertionofthemindcaneverrecall。

\'Whatcanthismean?\'exclaimedtheelderlady。\'Thispoorchildcanneverhavebeenthepupilofrobbers！\'

\'Vice，\'saidthesurgeon，replacingthecurtain，\'takesupherabodeinmanytemples；andwhocansaythatafairoutsideshellnotenshrineher?\'

\'Butatsoearlyanage！\'urgedRose。

\'Mydearyounglady，\'rejoinedthesurgeon，mournfullyshakinghishead；\'crime，likedeath，isnotconfinedtotheoldandwitheredalone。Theyoungestandfairestaretoooftenitschosenvictims。\'

\'But，canyou——oh！canyoureallybelievethatthisdelicateboyhasbeenthevoluntaryassociateoftheworstoutcastsofsociety?\'saidRose。

Thesurgeonshookhishead，inamannerwhichintimatedthathefeareditwasverypossible；andobservingthattheymightdisturbthepatient，ledthewayintoanadjoiningapartment。

\'Butevenifhehasbeenwicked，\'pursuedRose，\'thinkhowyoungheis；thinkthathemayneverhaveknownamother\'slove，orthecomfortofahome；thatill-usageandblows，orthewantofbread，mayhavedrivenhimtoherdwithmenwhohaveforcedhimtoguilt。Aunt，dearaunt，formercy\'ssake，thinkofthis，beforeyouletthemdragthissickchildtoaprison，whichinanycasemustbethegraveofallhischancesofamendment。Oh！

asyouloveme，andknowthatIhaveneverfeltthewantofparentsinyourgoodnessandaffection，butthatImighthavedoneso，andmighthavebeenequallyhelplessandunprotectedwiththispoorchild，havepityuponhimbeforeitistoolate！\'

\'Mydearlove，\'saidtheelderlady，asshefoldedtheweepinggirltoherbosom，\'doyouthinkIwouldharmahairofhishead?\'

\'Oh，no！\'repliedRose，eagerly。

\'No，surely，\'saidtheoldlady；\'mydaysaredrawingtotheirclose:andmaymercybeshowntomeasIshowittoothers！

WhatcanIdotosavehim，sir?\'