 CHAPTER 41 CONTAINING FRESH DISCOVERIES AND SHOWING THAT SURPRISES LIKE MISFORTUNES SELL THEM COME ALONE Her situation was indeed one of no common trial and difficulty. While she felt the most eager and burning desire to penetrate the mystery in which Oliver's history was enveloped, she could not but hold sacred the confidence which the miserable woman with whom she had just conversed had reposed in her as a young and guileless girl. Her words in manner had touched Rosemaley's heart, and mingled with her love for her young charge and scarcely less intense in its truth and fervour, was her fond wish to win the outcast back to repentance and hope. They purposed remaining in London only three days prior to departing for some weeks to a distant part of the coast. It was now midnight of the first day. What course of action could she determine upon which could be adopted in eight and forty hours? Or how could she postpone the journey without exciting suspicion? Mr. Losburn was with them, and would be for the next two days. But Rose was too well acquainted with the excellent gentleman's impetuosity, and foresaw too clearly the wrath with which, in the first expression of his indignation, he would regard the instrument of Oliver's recapture to trust him with the secret when her representation in the girl's behalf could be seconded by no experienced person. These were all reasons for the greatest caution in the most circumspect behaviour in communicating it to Mrs. Maley, whose first impulse would infallibly be to hold a conference with the worldly doctor on the subject. As resorting to any legal adviser, even if she had known how to do so, it was scarcely to be thought of for the same reason. Once the thought occurred to her of seeking assistance from Harry, this awakened the recollection of their last parting, and it seemed unworthy of her to call him back when, the tears rose to her eyes as she pursued this train of infection, he might have by this time learnt to forget her and to be happier away. Disturbed by these different reflections, turning now to one course and then to another, and again recoiling from all as each successive consideration presents itself to her mind, rose past a sleepless and anxious night. After more communing with herself next day, she arrived at the desperate conclusion of consulting Harry. If it be painful to him, she thought, to come back here, how painful it will be to me, but perhaps he will not come. He may write, or he may come himself, and studiously abstain from meeting me. He did when he went away, I hardly thought he would, but it was better for us both. And here rose, dropped the pen and turned away, as though the very paper which was to be her messenger should not see her weep. She had taken up the same pen and made it down again fifty times, and considered and reconsidered the first line of the letter without writing the first word, however, who had been walking in the streets with Mr. Giles for a bodyguard, entered the room in such breathless haste and violent agitation as seemed to be tokened some new cause of alarm. What makes you look so flurried? asked rose, advancing to meet him. I hardly know how. I feel as if I should be choked, replied the boy. Oh, dear, do think that I should see him at last, and you should be able to know that I told you all the truth. I never thought you had told us anything but the truth, said Ruth, said Rose, soothing him. But what is this? Of whom do you speak? I've seen the gentleman, replied Oliver, scarcely able to articulate, the gentleman who was so good to me, Mr. Bramlow, that we have so often talked about. Where? asked Rose, getting out of a coach, blight Oliver, shelling tears of delight, and going into a house. I didn't speak to him. I couldn't speak to him, for he didn't see me, and I trembled so that I was not able to go up to him. But Giles asked for me whether he lived there, and they said he did. Look here, said Oliver, opening a scrap of paper. Here it is. Here's where he lives. I'm going there directly. Oh, dear me, dear me, what shall I do when I come to see him and hear him speak again? With her attention, not a little distracted by these and a great many other incoherent exclamations of joy, Rose read the address, which was Craven Street, in the Strand. She very soon determined upon turning the discovery to account. Quick, she said, tell them to fetch her hackney-coach and be ready to go with me. I will take you there directly, without a minute's loss of time. I will only tell my aunt that we are going out for an hour and be ready as soon as you are. Oliver needed no prompting to dispatch, and in little more than five minutes they were on their way to Craven Street. When they arrived there, Rose left Oliver and the coach under pretense of preparing the old gentleman to receive him and, sending up her calm by the servant, requested to see Mr Brownlow on very pressing business. The servant soon returned to beg that she would walk upstairs and following him into an inner room, Miss Maley was presented to an elderly gentleman of benevolent appearance in a bottle-green coat. At no great distance from whom was seated another old gentleman in the ankyne-breaches and gaiters who did not look particularly benevolent, and who was sitting with his hands clasped on the top of a thick stick, and his chin propped thereon. Dear me, said the gentleman in the bottle-green coat, hastily rising with great politeness, I beg your pardon, young lady. I imagined it was some important person who I beg you all excuse me. Be seated, pray. Mr Brownlow, I believe, sir, said Rose, glancing from the other gentleman to the one who had spoken. That is my name, said the old gentleman. This is my friend, Mr Grimwig. Grimwig, will you leave us for a few minutes? I believe, interposed Miss Maley, that at this period of our interview I need not give that gentleman the trouble of going away. If I am correctly informed he is cognizant of the business on which I wish to speak to you. Mr Brownlow inclined his head. Mr Grimwig, who had made one very stiff bow and risen from his chair, made another very stiff bow and dropped into it again. I shall surprise you very much. I have no doubts of Rose, naturally embarrassed. But you once showed great benevolence and goodness to a very dear young friend of mine, and I am sure you will take an interest in hearing of him again. Indeed, said Mr Brownlow, all of a twist you knew him as replied Rose. The words no sooner escaped her lips than Mr Grimwig, who had been affecting to dip into a large book that lay on the table, upset it with a great crash and, falling back in his chair, discharged from his features every expression but one of a mitigated wonder and indulged in a prolonged and vacant stare. Then, as if ashamed of having betrayed so much emotion, he jerked himself, as it were, by a convulsion into his former attitude and looked out straight before him and, looking out straight before him, emitted a long, deep whistle which seemed at last not to be discharged on empty air but to die away in the innermost recesses of his stomach. Mr Brownlow was no less surprised although his astonishment was not expressed in the same eccentric manner. He drew his chair nearer to Miss Maley's and said, Do me the favour, my dear young lady, to leave entirely after the question that goodness and benevolence of which you speak and of which nobody else knows anything. And if you have it in your power to produce any evidence which will alter the unfavourable opinion I was once induced to entertain of that poor child in heaven's name put me in possession of it. A bad one! I'll eat my head if he's not a bad one! growled Mr Grimwig, speaking by some ventriloquial manner, speaking by some ventriloquial power without moving a muscle of his face. He is a child of a noble nature and a warm heart, said Rose, colouring. And that power which has thought fit to try him beyond his years has planted in his breast affections and feelings which would do honour to many who have numbered his days six times over. I'm only sixty-one, said Mr Grimwig with the same rigid face and as the devil's in it if this Oliver is not twelve years old at least I don't see the application of that remark. Do not heed my friend Miss Maley, said Mr Brownlow. He does not mean what he says. Yes, he does, growled Mr Grimwig. No, he does not, said Mr Brownlow, obviously rising in wrath as he spoke. He'll eat his head if he doesn't, growled Mr Grimwig. He would deserve to have it knocked off if he does, said Mr Brownlow. And he'd uncommonly like to see any man offer to do it, responded Mr Grimwig, knocking his stick through the floor. Having on the spar the two all gentlemen severally it took snuff and afterwards shook hands according to their invariable custom. Now Miss Maley, Mr Brownlow, to return to the subject in which your humanity is so much interested. Will you let me know what intelligence you have of this poor child allowing me to promise that I exhausted every means and my power of discovering him and that since I have been absent from this country my first impression that he had imposed upon me and had been persuaded by his former associates to rob me has been considerably shaken. Rose, who had had time to collect her thoughts and once related in a few natural words all of her before an Oliver since he left Mr Brownlow's house reserving Nancy's information for that gentleman's private ear in concluding with the assurance that his only sorrow for some months past had been the not being able to meet with his former benefactor and friend. Thank God to the old gentleman. This is great happiness to me, great happiness. You have not told me where he is now, Miss Maley. You must pardon by finding fault with you. But why have you not brought him? He is waiting in a coach at the door, replied Rose. At this door, cried the old gentleman with which he hurried out of the room down the stairs up the coach steps named the coach without another word. When the room door closed behind him he lifted up his head and perverting one of the hind legs of his chair into a pivot described three distinct circles with the assistance of his stick and the table sitting in it all the time. After performing this evolution he rose and limped as fast as he could up and down the room at least a dozen times and then stopping suddenly before Rose kissed her without the slightest preface. Hush! he said as the young girl rose in some alarm at this unusual proceeding. Don't be afraid. You're not enough to be your grandfather. You're a sweet girl. I like you. Here they are. In fact as he threw himself at one dexterous dime into his former seat Mr Browno returned accompanied by Oliver who Mr Grimmig received very graciously and if the gratification of that moment had been the only reward for all her anxiety and care on Oliver's behalf Rose Maley would have been well repaid. There is somebody else who should not be forgotten by the by Mr Browno ringing the bell. Send Mrs Bedwin here if you please. The old housekeeper answered the summons with all dispatch and dropped on your cut seat at the door waiting for orders. Why, you get blinder every day, Bedwin said Mr Browno rather testily. Well, that I do, sir, replied the old lady. People's eyes at my time of life don't improve with age, sir. I could have told you that, withdrawing Mr Browno. and see if you can't find out what you were wanted for, will you? The old lady began to rummage in her pocket for her spectacles but Oliver's patience was not proof against this new trial and yielding to his first impulses sprang into her arms. God be good to me! cried the old lady embracing. It is my innocent boy. My dear old nurse! cried Oliver. He would come back. How well he looks and how like a gentleman sunny as dressed again. Where have you been this long, long while? Ah, the same sweet face but not so pale. The same soft eye but not so sad. I've never forgotten them always quiet smile but have seen them every day, side by side with those of my own dear children dead and gone since I was a light from young creature. Running on thus and now holding Oliver from her mark how he had grown now clasping him to her and pressing her fingers fondly through his hair the good soul laughed and wept upon his neck by turns. Leaving her and Oliver to compare notes at leisure Mr. Browner led the way into another room and there heard from Rose a full narration of her interview with Nancy which occasioned him no little surprise and complexity. Rose also explained her reasons for not confiding in her friends the old gentleman considered that she had acted prudently and readily undertook to hold solemn conference with the worthy doctor himself. To afford him an early opportunity for the execution of this design it was arranged that he should call at the hotel at eight o'clock that evening and that in the mean time Mrs. Maylee should be cautiously informed or that it occurred. These preliminaries adjusted Rose and Oliver returned home. Rose had by no means overrated the measure of the good doctor's wrath. Nancy's history was no sooner unfolded to him than he poured forth a shower of mingle threats and execrations threatened to make her the first victim of the combined ingenuity of messes, blathers and stuff and actually put on his hat preparatory to sallying forth to obtain the assistance of those worthies. And doubtless he would in his first outbreak have carried the intention into effect without a moment's consideration of the consequences feared not been restrained in part by corresponding violence on the side of Mr. Brownman who was himself of an irascible temperament and partly by such arguments and representations as seemed best calculated to dissuade him from his hot-brained purpose. Then what the devil is to be done! said the impetuous doctor when they had rejoined the two ladies. Are we to pass a vote of thanks to all these vagabonds, male and female and beg them to accept a hundred pounds or so apiece as a trifling mark of our esteem and some slight acknowledgement of their kindness to Oliver? Not exactly that, during Mr. Brownman's laughing, but we must proceed gently in with great care. Gentleness and care, I'd send them one and all to never mind where but reflect whether sending them anywhere is likely to obtain the object we have in view. What object? asked the doctor. Simply the discovery of Oliver's parentage and regaining for him the inheritance of which, if this story be true, he was revived. Ah, said Mr. Lozman, cooling himself with his pocket-hankerchief. I almost forgot that. You see, pursued Mr. Brownman, placing this poor girl entirely out of the question and supposing it were possible to bring these scoundrels to justice without compromising her safety, what good should we bring about? Hanging a few of them at least in all probability, suggested the doctor and transporting the rest. Very good, replied Mr. Brownman they will bring that about for themselves in the fullness of time and if we step in to forestall them it seems to me that we shall be performing a very quick, exotic art and direct opposition to our own interest or at least to Oliver's which is the same thing. How? inquired the doctor. Thus, it is quite clear that we shall have extreme difficulty in getting to the bottom of this mystery and as we can bring this man monks upon his needs. That can only be done by stratagem and by catching him surrounded by these people for supposing we are apprehended we have no proof against him. He is not even so far as we know or as the facts appear to us concerned with the gang and any of their robberies. If he were not discharged it is very unlikely that he could receive any further punishment than being committed to prison as a rogue and vagabond and of course ever afterwards his mouth would be so obstinately closed that it might as well for our purposes be deaf, dumb, blind and immediate. So again, whether you think it reasonable that this promise to the girl should be considered binding a promise made with the best and kindest intentions but really do not discuss the point my dear young lady, pray said Mr. Branlow interrupting Rose as she was about to speak. The promise shall be kept I don't think it will in the slightest degree interfere with our proceedings but before we can resolve upon any precise course of action it will be necessary to see the girl to ascertain from her whether she will point out this monks. On the understanding that he is to be dealt with by us and not by the law or if she will not or cannot do that to procure from her such an account of his haunts and description of his person as will enable us to identify him. She cannot be seen until next Sunday night this is Tuesday I would suggest that in the meantime we remain perfectly quiet and keep his matter secret even from Oliver himself. Although Mr. Lozman received with many right faces a proposal involving a delay of five whole days he was feigned to admit that no better course occurred to him just then and as both Rose and Mrs. Maley sided very strongly with Mr. Branlow that gentleman's proposition was carried unanimously. I should like, he said to call in the aid of my friend Grimwig he is a strange creature but a shrewd one and might prove of material assistance to us I should say that he was bred a lawyer and quitted the bar in disgust because he had only one brief solution of course in twenty years though whether that is a recommendation or not you may determine for yourselves you must determine for yourselves I have no objection to your calling in your friend if I may call in mine said the doctor we must put it to the vote replied Mr. Branlow who may he be that lady's son and this young lady's very old friend said the doctor, merging towards Mrs. Maley including with an expressive glance Rose blushed deeply but she did not make any audible objection to this motion possibly she felt in a hopeless minority and Harry Maley and Mr. Grimwig were accordingly added to the committee we stay in town of course said Mrs. Maley while there remains the slightest prospect of prosecuting this inquiry with a chance of success I was burned either trouble nor expense in behalf of the object in which we are all so deeply interested and I am content to remain here if it be for twelve months so long as you assure me that any hope remains good rejoin Mr. Branlow and as I see on the faces about me a disposition to inquire how it happened that I was not in a way to corroborate Oliver's tale and had so suddenly left the kingdom let me stipulate that I shall be asked no questions until such time so I may deem it expedient to forestall them by telling my own story believe me I make this request with good reason for I might otherwise excite hopes destined never to be realised and only increase difficulties and disappointments already quite numerous enough come, supper has been announced and young Oliver who was all alone in the next room will have begun to think by this time do we have worried of his company and entered into some dark conspiracy to thrust him forth upon the world these words the old gentleman gave his hand to Mrs. Maley in a score to turn to the supper room Mr. Lozman followed leading rows and the council was for the present effectually broken up chapter 41 chapter number 42 of Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens this is a LibriVox recording all LibriVox recordings are in the public domain for more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org recording by Arthur Piantidosi Oliver Twist chapter 42 chapter 42 chapter 42 an old acquaintance of Oliver accepting decided marks of genus was a public character in the metropolis upon the night which Nancy, having lulled the Mr. Sykes to sleep hurried on a sylph in Poe's mission to rows Maley their advance towards London by the Great North Row two persons upon whom it is expedient that this history should bestow some attention they were a man and old woman or perhaps they would be dead to describe as male and female for the former was one of those long-limbed knock-and-heat shambling bone-ear people to whom it is difficult to assign any precise age looking as they do when they're not yet boys like undergrown men and when they're almost men like undergrown boys the woman was young but of rose busts and hardy-make heavy bundle which was strapped to her back her companion was not encumbered with much luggage as their Maley dangled from a stick which he carried over his shoulder a small parcel wrapped in a common hanger-chief and apparently light enough his circumstance added to the length of his legs which would have a neutral extent enabled him with much ease to keep some half-dozen paces in advance of his companion to whom he occasionally turned with his head as if reproaching her tardiness and urging her to greater exertion thus they toiled along the dusty road taking a little heed of any object within sight say when they stepped aside to allow a wider passage for the male coaches which were whirling out of town until they passed through Highgate Artwear wherein the foes or travellers stopped and called impatiently to companion come on, can't you what a lazy bone you are or chore it it's every load I can tell you so the female coming up almost breathless with fatigue Avey, what are you talking about what are you made for rejoining the male traveller changing his own little bundle as he spoke into the other shoulder oh Roy raced in again with your own lofty tie in him always breathed in and said oh no Roy is he's not further asked the woman resting herself against the bank and looking up from the perspiration streaming on her face oh father, you're a goodie there so they long-legged tramper pointing out before him look there, there's a lot it's a long done to my awful at least said the woman despondently so Noah clay pulled for he it was won't get up and come all or kick you and so I'll give you notice as Noah's red nose grew redder with anger as he crossed the road while speaking as he fully repaired to put his threat into execution the woman rose with an evenly further remark and trunged on with his side where do you mean to stop for the night now she asked and so they had walked a few hundred yards how should I know and plain now who was temporarily impaired by walking near our home and so on no, not near and plain Mr. Claypool there, not near so don't think it why not tell you I don't mean do a thing I was in no way Mr. Claypool with dignity were you any piece of cross so this companion please think it wouldn't be it wouldn't need to go it saw me there he was pumping out outside town so the salary it came up after all my poke in his own nose and I was taking him out and then caught with handcuffs on Mr. Claypool with your own tone now I should go and lose myself among the narrow streets and find and not stop until we come the very only way is to hold on and say I don't don't you thank your stores I go ahead or if we hadn't gone at first the wrong road of purpose and come back across country you would have been lured up by him faster a week ago me lady you'd serve you wrong for being a fool I know there ain't a companion as you are but you people would blame me and say I should have been locked up you would have been if I had been hadn't we you'd talk with money from me too you know you did Mr. Claypool I'm talking for you no idea join the challenge did I want to keep it I asked Mr. Claypool now you trusted me and let me carry your orchid here and so you are said the lady chuckle it in him under the chin and arm through his this was indeed the case but as it was not Mr. Claypool's habit to repose a blind and foolish competency in anybody it should be observed injustice to that gentleman that he had trusted Charlotte in this extent in order that if they were pursued the money might be found on her which would leave him an opportunity of asserting innocence of any theft and would greatly facilitate his chances of escape of course he entered at this juncture into no explanation of his motives and they walked on very lovingly together in pursuance of this courteous plan Mr. Claypool went on without vaulting until he arrived at the Angel Islington where it widely judged from the crowd of passengers and numbers of vehicles at London began in earnest just pausing to observe which appeared the most crowded streets and consequently the most to be avoided he chossed in the St. John's Royal Oat and was soon deep in the obscurity of the intricate and dirty ways which lying between Grey's St. Lane and Smithfield rendered that part of the town one of the lowest and worst that improvement has left in the midst of London through these streets no more Claypool walked dragging Charlotte after him there stopped heeping into the kennel to embrace at a glance the whole external character of some small public house no joking on again as some fancied appearance do seem to believe it was too public for his purpose a lengthy stop in front of one more humble and appearance and more dirty than any he had yet seen and having crossed over and surveyed from the opposite pavement graciously announced his intention of putting up there for the night said give off Sir Bondo said no he was grabbing it from the woman's shoulders and stinging it over his own and don't you speak speak when you're spoken to what's that name of the house three three what cripples said Charlotte three cripples he didn't know a very good side to now then keep close to my heels and come along with these injunctions he pushed the rattling door with his shoulder and entered the house followed by his companion there was nobody in the bar but a young Jew who with his two elbows on the counter was reading a dirty newspaper he stared very hard Noah and Noah stayed very hard at him if Noah had been tired in his charity's boy's dress there might have been some reason for the Jew hoping as I have watched so wide but as he had discarded the coat and badge for a short smock-fruit orc above it were his leathers there seemed no particular reason for his appearance inciting so much attention in the public house it is the cripples asked Noah that is the dab of these ants replied the Jew I'm getting me women on road coming up from the country recommending us here said Noah nudging Charlotte perhaps to call her attention this most ingenious device for attracting respect and perhaps to warn her to betray me in surprise we won't sleep here tonight I certainly knew card said Barney it was the atingent sprite but all in choir she'll all sit up and give us a bit of old meat and drop a beer away you're choir-ing will ya said Noah Barney complied by ushering them into a small back room and setting the required vians before them having done which he informed the travellers that they could be lodged that night and left the amiable couple to their refreshment now this back room was immediately behind the bar and some steps lower so that any person connected with the house undrawing a small curtain which concealed a small ingle pane of glass fixed in the wall of the last named apartment but five feet from its flooring could not only look down upon any guests in the back room without any great hazard being observed glass being in a dark angle of the wall between which and a large bright beam the observer had to trust himself but could by applying his ear to the partition ascertain with horrible distinctness their subject to conversation the landlord of the house had not withdrawn his eye from his place of aspeal for five minutes and Barney had only just returned from making the communication above relaxed and faking in the course of his evening business came into the bar to inquire for some of his young pupils oh shh said Barney strangers in his neck room strangers repeated the old man with a whisper ah and rude but he said too and Barney from me country but sought me in your way or all be mistaked and faking appeared to receive this communication with great interest mounting a stool he cautiously applied his ear to the pane of glass from which he could post he could see with the clay pot taking cold beef from the dish and pulled from a pot and administering omyopathic doses of both to Charlotte who sat patiently by eating and drinking at her pleasure ah he whispered looking round the Barney I like the coverlose looks he body of use to us he knows how to train the girl already don't make as much noise as a mouse my dear let me hear him talk let me hear him he again applied his eye to the glass and turning his ear to the petition listened attentively with a subtle and eager look upon his face that might have a pertain to some old goblin so all mean to be a gentleman said Mr Claypool kicking out his legus and continuing his conversation the commencement of which Fagan had arrived too late to hear let him all surely own coffins that are a poor gentleman's law for me and if you law you should be a lady I should law that Fagan off dear for a pertain to Charlotte but you will certainly be empty every day and people will get clear off after it do you have been blown said Mr Claypool and more angrily saw until it was to be emptied what do you mean asked his companion poor kids always reading you houses, mail coaches bonks said Mr Claypool water all right dear said Charlotte all should look over to get in in company with their mouths come on we will make them useful some way or another while you use them all 50 women I never see such a precious law in deceitful creatures you can be where I let you law how nice it is do you say so exclaimed Charlotte and pretty kiss upon his ugly face there that'll do don't you make too affectionate in case I'm cross with you said Nar disengaging himself with great gravity all should lie be a captain some bond and have that whooping on them and for him about only known to themselves always suit me we're good for it we can only get him with some gentlemen I say we'll be cheap that mind bone you've got especially as we don't know very well how to get rid of it ourselves after expressing this opinion Mr Claypool looked into the pot with an aspect of deep wisdom and having well shaken its contents not it condescendingly to Charlotte and took a draught where with it he peered greatly refreshed he was meditating another where in the sudden opening of the door and the appearance of a stranger interrupted him a stranger was Mr Fagan and very amiable he looked in a very low bow he made as he advanced and setting himself down on the nearest table ordered something to drink of the greening Barney a pleasant night sir Fagan rubbed his hands from the country I see sir I want you to see that oh else know it Claypool we've not so much dust as that in London replied Fagan pointed from those shoes of those who had companion on them to the two bundles you short fellow said Nuer ah ah ah ah ah ah I only hear that Charlotte I want leaves to be sharp in this town my dear replied the jewel sinking his voice to a confidential whisper I am past Fagan followed up this remark by striking the side of his nose with the right full finger a gesture which Nuer attempted to imitate nor not with complete success in consequence of his own nose not being large enough for the purpose however Mr Fagan seemed to interpret the endeavour as expressing a perfect coincident with his opinion and put about the liquor which Barney appeared with a very rendé bana go stall far observed Mr Claypool smacking his lip dear a man need be always emptying till or a pocket or a woman's ridicule or a house or a male coach or a bank if he drinks it regularly Mr Claypool knew so they heard this extract from his own remarks and he still back in his chair and looked from the jewel to Charlotte for the countenance of ashy, painless and excessive terror don't mind me my dear said Fagan drawing his clothes closer ha ha ha it was lucky it was only me that heard you by chance it was very lucky it was only me I didn't take it stamina no longer stretching at his legs like an impeded gentleman but coingly mum up as well as he could under a chair it was all worth doing you go right now Charlotte you know you have no matter who's got it or who did it my dear replied Fagan glancing nevertheless with the hawks eye at the girl in the two bundles I'm in that way myself and I like you for it in what way asked Mr Claypool a little recovering in that way of business joined Fagan and so are the people of the house you've hit the right nail upon the head and are as safe here as you could be there is not a safer place you know this town then is the cripples that is when you're like to make it so and I've taken the fancy to you little young woman so I've said the word and you may make your minds easy no Claypool's mind might have been at ease after this assurance but his body certainly was not but he shuffled and riled about into various uncouth positions eyeing as you friend need why with being a fear and suspicion I'll tell you more said Fagan after he reassured the girl but it frankly notes in my commitment I've got a friend I think can ratify your darling wish and put you in the right way where you can take whatever department of the business you think will suit your best at first and be told to all the others you'll speak as you were the earliest replied Nara what advantage would it be to me to be anything else and quiet Fagan suddenly told us here let me have a word with your heart's sigh and no Clayton from ourselves to move so Nara, gritting his legs to a judge will raise the brawl again she'll take the luggage upstairs for a while so let's see them bundles this mandate which had been delivered with great majesty was obeyed without the slightest demure and Charlotte made the best of her way off of the packages while Nara held the door open and watched her out she'd get all real well now ain't she he asked as he zooms his seat and a tone of keeper was tame some wild animal first Fagan would join the Fagan clapping him on the shoulder you're a genius my dear well I suppose I won't I shall be here blind Nara but I'll say you'll be bound in those time now what do you think said Fagan if you was to like my friend could you better than join him is he in the way of business that's where it is as born did Nara winking one of his eyes atop of the tree employs a power of hands as the best of his society in the profession rocking your town models asked Mr Claypool not a countryman about them and I don't think you'll take even on my recommendation if you didn't run he didn't run rather short for assistance was now applied Fagan sure I have to hand over to Nara slapping his breeches pocket it couldn't possibly be done without applied Fagan in a most decided manner £20 now it'll all money not when it's in a note bit of jotted Fagan number and date taken I suppose payable stopped at the bank ah it's not worth much to him he'd like to go abroad and he couldn't sell it for a great deal in the market we'll go and see him ask Nara doubtfully tomorrow morning where here hmm said Nara was a wages you live like a gentleman bold and launching pipe and spirits free half of all you earn and half of all the young women earns replied Mr Fagan with a no Claypool whose rapacity was none of the least comprehensive would have acceded even to these glowing terms that he'd been a perfectly free agent is very doubtful but as he recollected that in the event of his refusal it wasn't the power of his new acquaintance to give him up to justice immediately and more unlikely things would come to pass he gradually relented and said he thought that would suit him but we see observed Nara oh she would be having a new record deal oh she lied take some very lie little fancy work suggested Fagan ah some more I saw no blind Nara we ain't gonna suit me now not to traverse strength not very dangerous you know as a sort of thing I heard you were talking of something spyware upon the others my dear said Fagan my friend formed somebody who would do that very well well I didn't mention I shouldn't more turn my head to it sometimes joined Mr Claypool slowly but won't pay by itself you know that's true observed that you ruminating or pretend to ruminate no it might not what do you think I think ask Nara something sneaky why was pretty sure work and no more what do you think of the old ladies asked Fagan there's a good deal of money made in snatching their bags and parcels and running around the corner do they all roll a good deal and scratch sometimes asked Nara shaking his head all the way around to my eye purpose I know you all will lie open stop said Fagan laying his hand on Nara's knee the kitchen lay all that amounted Mr Claypool the kitchen's my dear said Fagan is the young children drawn errands by their mothers with six patents and shillings and their legs just to take their money away they've always got it ready in their hands they knock him into the kennel and walk up very slow as if there was nothing else that mattered that the child had fallen down and hurt itself wrong Mr Claypool he gave his legs an extra law at laying to be sure it is blind Fagan and you could have a few beats chalked up out in Camden town and Battle Bridge neighbourhoods like that where they're always going air and go on upsets many kitchens and you want in the hour of the day this Fagan poked Mr Claypool on the side and then joined in the burst of laughter both long and loud well that's all right said Narr when he had covered himself and started to return all time of horror shall we say we'll tell at the east Fagan atting as Mr Claypool of Nautical Saint what names shall I tell my good friend Mr Bolter applied Narr when he prepared himself for such an emergency Mr Morris Bolter this is Mrs Bolter Mrs Bolter's humble servant said Fagan buying with a protest blackness I hope I shall know her better very shortly do you hear the gentleman shaw it done that Mr Claypool yes Narr dear applied Mr Bolter at standing her hand she all may know I as it's all a four way talking said Mr Morris Bolter late Claypool turning to Fagan you all understand oh yes I understand perfectly applied Fagan telling the truth for once good night good night with many adduce and good wishes Mr Fagan wet his wear no Claypool bespeaking his good ladies attention proceeded to enlighten her relative to the arrangement he had made with all that hope it is an air superiority becoming not only a member of the service sex but a gentleman who appreciated the dignity of a special appointment on the kitchen in the day in London and its vicinity end of chapter 42 of Oliver Twist chapter number 43 of Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens this is the LibriVox recording all LibriVox recordings are in the public domain for more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org recording by Arthur Piantedosi Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens chapter 43 wherein is shown how the thoughtful daughter got into trouble and so you were your young friend was it asked Mr Claypool otherwise bold so went by virtue of the compact ended in between them he had removed next day to Fagan's house caught by the way more last night every man his own friend my dear applied Fagan with this most insinuating grin he hasn't as good one as himself anywhere as it so dives the planer is bolder assuming the heir of a man of the world some people and nobody's enemies but they are only I know don't believe that said Fagan when a man was his own enemy it's only because he's too much his own friend not because he's careful but everybody of you and himself poo poo there ain't no such a thing in nature they're all me it there is applying as the bolder that stands to reason some conjurers say the number three is the magic number and some say number seven it's neither my friend neither neither it's number one dry master bolder number one forever in little humanity like ours my dear said Fagan when felt it necessary to qualify this vision with a general number one that considering me too as the same and all the other young people oh the devil exclaim Mr. Boater you'll see Mr. Fagan affecting you in this regard this interruption we are soon mixed up together and identified in our own interests this must be so for instance it's your object to take care of number one meaning yourself solely apply Mr. Boater you're about right well you can take care of yourself number one worth taking care of me number one number two you mean then Mr. Boater was largely endowed with a quality of selfishness no I don't you're taught in Fagan I'm of the same importance as you do as you are to yourself or say interruption Mr. Boater you very nice man and are very fond of you but we ain't quite so think yeller as all that comes to only think said Fagan shrugging his shoulders and stretching out his hands only consider you've done what a very pretty thing and what I love you for doing but what at the same time would put the ground round your throat that's so very easily tight and so very difficult to unloose in plain English Boater Mr. Boater put his hand to his neck a chief as if he had failed inconveniently tight and at moment and ascent not in substance the gallows continued Fagan the gallows my dear is an ugly finger post which points out a very sharp and sharp turning that has stopped many a bold fairers career on the broad highway to keep in the easy road and keep it at a distance is object number one of course it is Glyne Mr. Boater will we talk about some things for only to show you my meaning clearly said the Jew raising his eyebrows to be able to do that will depend upon me to keep my little business all smug I depend on you the first is your number one the second the second my number one the more you value your number one the more careful you must be of mine so become class what I told you at first at regard for number one hold us all together and must do so lest we should all go to pieces in company that was true rejoins Mr. Boater thoughtfully all your connoisseur caught it Mr. Fagan saw the light that had distributed to his powers was no mere compliment but he had really impressed his recruit with a sense of his wily genius which did most important that he should entertain the outset of their acquaintance to strengthen an impression so desirable and useful he followed a blow by granting him in some detail with a magnitude and extent of his operations blending truth and fiction together as best served his purpose and bringing both to bear was so much art that Mr. Boater's respect visibly increased and became tempered at the same time with a degree of wholesome fear which it was really a desirable to awaken it's that immutable trust we have in each other that consoles me under heavy losses said Fagan my best hand was taken from me yesterday morning you don't mean to say doid right Mr. Boater no replied Fagan not so bad is that not quite so bad war I suppose he was wanted in propose Fagan yes he was wanted very particular inquired Mr. Boater no replied Fagan not very he was charred with the attempt to pick a pocket and they found a silver stuff box in him his own idea his own for he took snuff himself was very fond of it they remanded him till today oh no he was worth 50 boxes and I'd give the price of it to him to have him back you should've known the dodger my dear you should've known the dodger what boy shall know him I hope don't you think so said Mr. Boater I'm doubtful about it replied Fagan in the side did he fresh evidence Fagan in the summer at a convention we should live him back again either for six weeks or so but if they do it's a case of lagging they know what a clever lad is he'll be a lifer they'll make the offer a thing less than a life we've been by lagging in a life remanded Mr. Boater what's the good of talking in that way to me when I don't you speak to her oh yeah Fagan was about to translate these mysterious expressions into the vulgar tongue being interrupted Mr. Boater would have informed that they represented that combination of words transportation for life when the dialogue was cut short by the entry of Master Bates with his hands in his British pockets and his face twisted into a look of semi-comical woe he saw what Fagan hardly when he and his new companion had been made known to each other what do you mean they found you gentlemen alone in the box two or three morals coming to it headed for it he asked for a passage out replied Master Bates I must have all seen a cool morning making an outbound visit him when all he sets out for his travels talking the doger the artful doger going to brawl for a comment to put it out I never thought he'd done it under a goat chaining seals and the lowest he'd wrought some rich old gentlemen all the valuables going out as a gentleman no one put a prig they had no owner nor glory this inspirational feeling for his unfortunate friend Master Bates sat himself on the near his chair with an aspect of chagrin and despondency what do you talk about he's having neither owner nor glory for exclaimed Fagan darting an angry look at his pupil wasn't he always the top sire among all is there one of you that could touch him or come near him hey no one replied Master Bates in the noise he started asking no one and what do you talk of replied Fagan angrily what are you blabbering for is it an oracle is it to charlie chafing the perfect fiance's venerable friend by the current of his regards say why can't you come out and there was nobody wherever in their lap for what he was I'm going to stand in the new gate calendar perhaps we don't wear here at all oh my eye my eye what a blow it is ah ha ha ha ha cried Fagan extending his right hand and turning them as built on a fit of chuckling which shook him as though he had pools there see what pride they're taking there ain't she beautiful Mr. Boulter noted his scent and Fagan after contemplating the reef of charlie Bates for some seconds with evident satisfaction sipped up to that young gentleman and patting him on the shoulder never mind charlie let Fagan soothe him it'll come out it'll be sure to come out hello there what a bitter fellow he was you've hurt yourself you've hurt yourself and teachers think how young he is too what's the distinction charlie to be liked at his time of life well it isn't all it is that charlie little one sold you shall have only once continue the jewel you shall be kept in the stone jug charlie like a gentleman like a gentleman with his beard with his beer every day and money in his pocket to pitch and toss with if he can't spend it no charlie though right charlie Bates aye that is charlie implied Fagan and we'll have a big week charlie one that's got the greatest gift of the gum will carry on his defence and shall make a speak for himself too if you like cause he will read it all in the papers awful torture shrieks of laughter hear the calls and bells aye charlie aye after this debate oh no that would be wouldn't it Fagan oh say aye awful would bother them wouldn't it right Fagan he shall he will I want to be sure so he will be sure I think I see him now cried the jewel bending his eyes to bonus so do I cried charlie it ah so do I I see you all for me but my soul right you Fagan more game more regular game oh a big week's round looks all of them and jock talk is addressing them as intimate but was even you in a jokey own so make a speech all you did ah ha ha ha ha ha Mr Fagan it's so well human his young friends at centric disposition and last debates who had at first been disposed to consider the imprisoned daughter rather in the light of a victim now looked upon him as the chief actor in a scene of most in common unscrupty tumour and felt quite impatient for the arrival of the time and his old companion so favourable and alternative displaying his abilities we must know how we get so into a day by some handy means or other then Fagan let me shall I go asked charlie not for the world implied Fagan are you mad my dear stark mad did you walk in the very place where no charlie no one is enough to lose its time you don't mean to go yourself I suppose said charlie with a humorous layer it wasn't quite fit implied Fagan shaking his head and what were you saying his new cove asked master baits laying his hand on nurse arm nobody knows him why if he didn't mind absurd Fagan mind in the post charlie you have to mind really nothing my dear said Fagan turning to mr bolter really nothing oh I dare say are you no observed now backing towards the door and shaking his head with a sort of sober alarm no no no that is no nine department that he will bomb his ego Fagan inquired master baits surveying nurse leg form with much disgust cool way where anything's wrong and it no wills when everything's wrong is that his branch never mind he told him mr bolter don't you dig limit his wills boy you find somewhere wrong sharp master baits laugh so vehemently this magnificent threat it was some time before Fagan could rise and present to mr bolter that incurred no possible danger in the police office that in as much as no account of the little affair in which he had engaged nor in the description of his person had yet been forwarded to the non-tropoliths was very probable that he was not even suspected of having resulted to it for shelter and that if he were properly disguised it would be a safer spot for him to visit his any in London in as much as it would be of all places the learning last to which he could be was likely the result of his own free will persuaded in part by these representations but overborn in much greater degree by his fear of faking mr bolter had like consented a very bad grace to undertake the expedition by Fagan's direction he immediately substituted for his own attire a wagonous frock, velveteen breeches and the other leggings all of which are also the jewel which had it on hand he was likewise furnished with the felt hat furnished with pern bike tickets and a cart as a whip thus equipped he was to saunter into the office as some country fellow from Covent Garden market might be supposed to do for the gratification of his curiosity and as he was as awkward ungainly and rule-boned fellow as need be mr fagan had no fear but that he would look the part of affection these arrangements completed he was informed of the necessary time and tokens by which to recognise the artful dodger was conveyed by master baits through dark and winding ways within a very short distance of bow street having described the precise situation of the office and accompanied it with corpus directions how he was to walk straight up the passage when he got into the side and pulled off his hat as he went into the room charlie baits bait him hurry on alone and promised it is returned on the spot of their parting no clay pole or more his bolters the reader pleases punctually followed the directions he had received which master baits being pretty well acquainted with the locality was so exact that he was enabled to get in the magisterial presence without asking any question or meeting with any interruption by the way he found himself jostled among a crowded people chiefly women were handled together in a dirty sea of room at the upper end of which was raised platform railed off from the rest of the dock for the prisoners or the left hand against the wall a box of witnesses in the middle and a desk for the magistrates on the right the awful locality last named being screened off by a partition which concealed the bench from the common gaze and left the valour to imagine if they could the full majesty of justice there were only a couple of women in the dock who were nodding to their admiring friends while the clerk read some dispositions to a couple of policemen and a man in plain clothes leaned over the table a jailer stood reclining against the dock rail tapping his nose listed to him with a large key except when he repressed his undue tendency to conversation among the idlers by proclaiming silence or looking sternly up the bides of what would take that baby out and the gravity of justice was disturbed by feeble cries abs-mothered in the mother's shore from some meager infant the rumour smelled close and unhome wholesome the walls were dark discoloured and the ceiling blackened there was an old smoky bus over the mantel shelf and a dusty cloak about the dock the only thing present that seemed to go on as it ought for depravity or poverty or habitual acquaintance with both and left attained on all the animate matter hardly less unpleasant than the greasiest scum on every animate object that frowned upon it Noah looked eerily about him for the dodger for although there were several women who would have done very well for that distinguished character's mother or sister and more than one man who might be supposed to bear a strong resemblance to his father nobody at all was answering to the description given him are Mr Dawkins was to be seen he waited in the state of much suspense and uncertainty until the woman being committed to the trial and flaunting out and then was quickly relieved by the appearance of another person who he felt at once could be no other than the object of his visit it was indeed Mr Dawkins who shuffling into the office with big coat sleeves tucked up as usual his left hand in his pocket and his hat on his right hand proceeding in the jailer with that rolling guide altogether indescribable and taking his place in the dock requested in an audible voice to know what it was placed in that ear a screateful situation for who would your tongue will you? said the jailer I'm an Englishman, ain't I? rejoined at the dodger where are my privileges you'll get your privileges soon enough at all the jailer and pepper with them we'll see what a secretariat state for whom affairs has got to say and it beaks him I don't replied Mr Dawkins what is this year's business or should we thank the magistrates and suppose this year a little fair they don't keep me while they read the paper for I've got an appointment with the general with the city and it's all a man of my word very punctual business matters he'll go away if I end my time there perhaps there won't be an upshift or damage against them that's kept me away oh no certainly not at this point the dodger with the show being very particular due to proceedings to be had thereafter desire the jailer to communicate the names of them two files this is on the bench which so tickled the spectators that they laughed almost as heartily as bad as debates would have done if he had heard the request silence there! cried the jailer what's this? inquired one of the magistrates a peaked porcupine in case you'll worship has a boy ever been here before he ought to have been many times implied the jailer he's been pretty everywhere everywhere else I know him well your worship oh you know me do you cried the arful making note of this statement very good that's a seat of devolmation caring doll anyway yeah there was another laugh another cry of silence now then where are the week this is? said the clerk oh that's right asked the doger oh she'd like to see him this wish was immediately gratified for a policeman stepped forward who had seen the prisoner attempt the pocket of an unknown gentleman in the crowd and he did take a hand chief thereof from which being a very old one he deliberately put back again after trying it on his own countants for this reason he took the doger into custody as soon as he could get near him and it said doger being searched for a person a silver snob box with the other's name engraved upon the lid this gentleman had been discovered on reference to the court guide and being then in their presence swore that the snob box was his and he had missed it on the previous day moments he had disengaged himself in the crowd before reference too it also remarked a young role particularly active in making his way about that young gentleman he was nervous before him have you anything to ask this boy to the magistrate I wouldn't use myself but I'd say no call the sanction with him replied the doger have you anything to say at all do you hear his worship ask if you have anything to say inquire the jailer nudging the silent doger with his elbow obeying the poem looking up with an air of obstruction you redress you will be able to meet my man I never see such an out and out young wag of on your worship observed the alphas over the green do you mean to say anything you young shaver no replied the doger nor here for this ain't the short for justice there's always which my journeys and breakfasts more we will have presently a house of commons there's always here something to say as to why and so will he and so will a very new inspectable servant of quite in series will make them bicks with they never been born all they got there for me to hug him up and call it pegs of old they let him come out this morning and try it all upon me there he's fully committed into post the clerk take him away come on oh come on replied the doger brushing his hat with the palm of his hand ah to the bench it's no use you're all in far and I won't show you no mercy no happening of it you'll pay for this my vong fellas I wouldn't be you for something I wouldn't go free now if you'll fall down on your knees and ask me here carry me over to prison take me away with these last words the doger suffered himself to be led off by the corner threatening till they got into the yard to make a parliamentary business of it and then grinning in the officer's face with great glee and self-approval having seen him locked up by himself in a little cell Noah made the best of his way back to where he had left master baits after waiting here some time he was joined by that young gentleman who had providently abstained from showing himself until he looked carefully abroad from his snug retreat and ascertained that a young friend had not been followed by any person the two hastened back together to bear Mr. Fagan the animating news that the doger was doing full justice to his bringing up and establishing for himself a glorious reputation end of chapter 42 of Oliver Twist chapter number 44 of Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens this is a liverbox recording all liverbox recordings are in the public domain for more information or to volunteer please visit liverbox.org recording by Arthur Piantodosi chapter full to full the timer eyes a Nancy to redeem a pledged rosemary she fails at that she was all the arts cunning and dissimulation girl Nancy could not only conceal the effect which the knowledge of a step she had taken wrote upon her mind she remembered that both the crafted Jew and the brutal psychs had confided to her schemes which had been hidden from all others in the full continents trustworthy and beyond the reach of their suspicions vile as those schemes were desperate as were the originators and bitters were her feelings towards Fagan were led her step by step deeper and deeper down into the abyss of crime and misery whence there was no escape still there were times when even towards him she felt some relenting lest her disclosure should bring him within the iron grasp she had so long eluded and she would fall at last reachly as he re-rated such a fate by her hand these were the mere wanderings of her mind unable only to detach itself from old companions and associations they were unable to fix itself steadily on one object in result not to be turned aside by any consideration her fears for psychs would have been more powerful into a coil while there was time but she had stipulated that her secret should be originally kept she had dropped no clue which would lead to its discovery she had refused even for his sake a refuge from all the guilt and wretchedness that encompassed her and what more could she do she was resolved though all her mental struggles terminated in this condition they forced themselves upon her again and again and left their traces too she grew pale and thin even though a few days at times she took no heed of what was passing before her or no part in conversations were at once would have been the loudest at other times she laughed without merriment and was noisy without a moment outwards she sat silent and ejected brooding with her head upon her hands and had been very effort by which she roused herself told more forcibly than even these indications that she was ill at ease and that the thoughts were occupied with matters very different and distant from those in course discussion by her companions near his church told the hour Sykes and the Jew were talking but they paused to listen the girl looked up from the lowest seat on which she crouched and listened to 11 and I was sorry to meet not said Sykes raising a blinder look out and returning to his seat don't give me these two or go not for business this ah what a pity pity my dear that there's none quite ready to be done you're right for once applied Sykes gruffly it's a pity for all the humour too egg inside and shook his head despondingly we must make up for lost time when we got things in the train that's all I know Sykes that's a good way to talk my dear the blind Fagan rendering to pat him on the shoulder it does me good to hear you DOES YOU GO DOES IT cried Sykes why don't you be it ah ah laughed Fagan as if you were relieved by even this concession you were like yourself tonight being quite like yourself I don't feel all myself and you will lay that well claw on my shoulder so take it away said Sykes casting off the jewel's hand it makes you nervous Bill reminds you of being that does it said Fagan determined not to be offended the moment was being made now by the devil returned Sykes and never was it not the man to face you all it's both he is singing his great beard by his time and as you came straight from the old far away all but it wicks you which are you wonder out a bit Fagan offered no reply to this compliment but pulling Sykes by the sleeve put his finger towards Nancy who had taken advantage of the foregoing conversation to put on her bonnet and was now leaving the room I KNOW cried Sykes it's time for night far what's is that you hear me I don't know where it's doing to the girl in awe I do more than the spirit of obstinacy there is any objection to the girl going where she listed nowhere, sit down not well I told you that before I joined the girl there's the wind replied Sykes it's not enough there said the girl I hold it in the street and you won't have it replied Sykes with which assurance he rose locked the door took the key out and pulling her bonnet from her head flying it up to the top of an old press there said the robber now stop quietly where you are will you keep me to the girl turn over your pal what do you mean pal do you know what you're doing no Lord cried Sykes she's out of her senses you know she can't talk with me in that way you drive me on something there's spirit lots of the girl are placing both hands on her breast as though to keep down my fulsome pilot at break let me go will you no said Sykes tell him to let me go Fakie you're better you'll be better for him you'll hear me cried Nancy standing on foot upon the ground yeah you repeated Sykes turning around and she shared her own fodder oh and if I hear for a minute longer the dog should let himself agree be on roads to tear some of that screaming voice out walls come over you Jade what is it let me go said the girl with great earnestness then sitting herself down on the floor before the door she said let me go you don't know what you're doing you don't indeed for only one hour do do come I leave Lord one by one cried Sykes seizing a rough believer the arm I don't think the girl will start raving mad get off naughty let me go naughty let me go never never scream the girl Sykes looked on for a minute watching his opportunity and suddenly pinioning her hands dragged her struggling and wrestling with him by the way into a small room adjoining where he sat himself on a bench and thrust in her into a chair held her down by force she struggled and implored by turns until 12 o'clock a truck and then wearied and exhausted ceased to contest the point any further with the caution backed up by many oaths to make no more efforts to go out that night Sykes left her to recover at leisure and rejoined Fagin said her springer wiping perspiration from his face all precious strange girl that is you may say that applied Fagin thoughtfully you may say that was she taken anywhere to go out at night for what you think now Sykes come you should know her better than me what does it mean obstinacy woman obstinacy I suppose my dear what suppose it is round Sykes I why tamed her but she's as bold as ever worse said Fagin thoughtfully I never knew her like this for such a little cause no way said Sykes I think she's gone to that fever in her blood yet it won't come out eh like enough all had her in her blood without troubling a doctor she took that way again said Sykes Fagin noted an expressive approval with a note of treatment she was added about me all day in naught too when I was stretching on my back and you like a black-hearted wolf as you are kept your savorloof said Sykes we was pulled too all into him and I think it's worrying and friendlier than that being shot up here so long as made a restless eh that did his my dear was like a Jew that whisper as he answered these words until they self appeared and resumed a former seat her eyes were swollen and red she rocked herself to and fro tossed ahead and after a little time burst out laughing what now she's only on the dark exclaimed Sykes turning a look of excessive surprise on his companion Fagin nodded to him to take no further notice just then and in a few minutes the girl subsided into a custom demeanour whispering Sykes there was no fear of her leapsing Fagin took his hat and bade him goodnight he paused when he reached the groom door and looked round asked if somebody would light him down the dark stairs law him down was filling his pipe and said Penny she break his neck himself and sport-pointed Sykes show him a lie Nancy followed the old man downstairs with a candle and said she laid his finger on his lip and drawing close to the girl said in the whisper Germaine implied the girl in the same tone the reason of all of this he pointed with his near-fall finger up the stairs it is so hard I'll tell you he's a brute so the girl as Fagin paused with his mouth almost touching his ear and his eyes looking into hers no matter just now and again a friend in me and Nancy a staunch friend either means at hand quiet and close if you want to revenge on those it treats you like a dog like a dog worse than his dog for he'll assume sometimes come to me he's a mere hound of a day but you know me well Nancy I know you well without manifesting the last emotional good night she shrank back as Fagin offered her lay his hand on hers but said good night again in a steady voice and answering his parting look with a knot of intelligence closed the door between them Fagin walked toward his home intent upon the thoughts of her working within his brain he conceived the idea not from what he had just passed through with that, I'd attend to confirm him by degrees but Nancy, weird of the housebreakers a brutality had conceived an attachment for some new friend altered manner, repeated absence on her alone a comparative indifference to the interest of a gang for which he had since been so zealous and added to these a desperate impatience to leave home that night at a particular hour or favoured the supposition and rendered it to him at least almost matter of certainty the object of the snoob liking was among his amir-madhams he would be a valuable acquisition of such an assistant as Nancy and must, thus Fagin argued be secure of that delay there was another, and darker object to be gained Sykes knew too much and his raffianed taunts did not go taking their less because the wounds were hidden the girls know well that if she shook him off she could never be safer than Miss Fiori the maiming of limbs, perhaps a loss of life on the object of her more recent fancy with a little persuasion thought Fagin what more likely than that she would consent to poison him woman have done such things and worse to secure the same object before now there would be a dangerous villain the man I hate gone another's occurred in his place in my influence over the girl but the nodge of his crime the packets are unlimited these things pass through the mind of Fagin during the short time he sat alone in his breaker's room and with them oppermost in his thoughts he had taken the opportunity afterwards afforded him of sounding girl in the broken hints he threw out in parting there was no expression of surprise no assumption of inability to understand his meaning the girl clearly comprehended it her glance at parting showed that but perhaps she would recoil from a plot to take the life of Sykes and that was one of the chief agents to be attained how not Fagin is he cryptoim would can I increase my influence with her what to do such brains are fertile in its petence if without taking a confession of her myself he laid a watch, discovered the object of her altered regard and threatened to reveal the whole mystery to Sykes of whom she stood in no common fear unless she entered into his designs could he not consider her a cure her appliance said Fagin always allowed she does not have a door the means are ready and shall we sit to work I shall have you yet he cast back a dark look and threatened emotions of a hand taught a sport where she had left the bolder villain and went on his way busying his bony hands in the fold of his tattered garment which he arranged tightly in his grasp as though they were an hated enemy crushed with every motion of his fingers end of chapter 44 of Oliver Twist chapter number 45 of Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens this is a liverbox recording all liverbox recordings are in the public domain for more information or to volunteer please visit liverbox.com please visit liverbox.org recording by Arthur Piantodosi chapter 45 Nure Clay Pogues employed by Fagin on a secret mission the old man was up at times next morning and waited impatiently for the appearance of his new associate after a delay that seemed indemnable a length presented himself in immense separation assault on the breakfast boulter said Fagin drawing up a shed and seating himself as Maurice Boulter well where I am turn what's the matter don't you ask me to do anything to love don't eatin that's a great fullness place you never get dormant all your meals you can talk as you eat cancel said Fagin cursing his dear young friends greediness from the very bottom of his heart oh yeah it's all I can talk it's all better when I talk said Nure calling a monster to slice the bread where's Charlie out said Fagin I sent her out this morning with the other young women because I wanted us to be alone oh said Nure I wish you'd all had to make some more toast first wow talk away you weren't here with me it seemed indeed no great fear of anything interrupting him as he evidentially sat down with the determination to do a great deal of business you did well yesterday my dear said Fagin beautiful six shillings and nine buns happening on the very first day the king chin lay will be a fortune to your don't you forget your three pork balls and a milk can said Mr. Boater no, no my dear the pine pots were great strokes of genius but the milk can was a perfect masterpiece pretty well I think for a beginner remarked Mr. Boater blatantly a bullseye to all aerial ailings a milk can was sent by self outside public house I might have got Rossier in the rain or Calco you know ha ha ha you're getting accepted to laugh very heartily ha ha ha Mr. Boater having had his laugh out to cook out a series of large bites which finished his heart's hunger bread and butter and assisted himself to a second I want you Boater said Fagin leaning over the table to do a piece of work for me my dear that needs great care of course I say rejoin Boater don't you go short me in a danger or save me any more of your police offices that don't suit me that don't know I tell you there's not the slightest danger in it it's not the very smallest so the jewel it's only to talk to a woman and oh woman the madness to Boater oh blight Fagin oh I knew that pretty well I know said Boater oh was there any good as Colin Sneak when I was in school oh my daughter for not to not to do anything but to tell me where she goes who she sees is any possible what she says to remember the street if it is a street or the house and to bring me back all the information that you can will you give me sitting on his cup looking at his employer eagerly in the face if you'll do it well my dear one pound said Fagin wishing to interest him in the scent as much as possible and that's what I never gave yet in a job of work where there wasn't valuable consideration to be gained oh is she inquired now one of us oh no cried now, curly on his nose you're down for a while yet she has found out some new friends my dear and I must know they are a kind Fagin see you've had the pleasure of knowing them and their respectable people I'm your man I knew you would be cried Fagin later by the success of his proposal of course of course where is she where am I to wait for where am I to go oh that's my dear you'll surely hear from me we'll point her out at the proper time said Fagin you keep ready and leave the rest to me that night the next and the next again the spies had booted and equipped in his Carter's dress ready to send out the word from Fagin six nights passed six long weary nights and on each Fagin came home with a disappointed face at time on the seventh he returned earlier and within an exultation he could not conceal it was Sunday she goes abroad tonight said Fagin you're on the right errand I'm sure for she has been alone all day man she's afraid of we've not been back much before daybreak come with me quick you know her started up without saying a word for the Jew was in state of such intense incitement they defected him they left the house stealthily and hurrying through a labyrinth of streets arrived at length before a public house which Noah recognised as the same which he had slept on the night of his arrival in London it was past eleven o'clock and the door was closed he opens awfully on its hinges as Fagin laid a low whistle they ended without noise and the door was closed behind them scarcely venturing to whisper but substituting dumb shows for words Fagin and the young Jew who had admitted them pointed out the pain of glass to Noah and signed him to climb up and observe the person in the adjoining room is that old woman he asked scarcely above his breath Fagin nodded yes I can't see her face well whispered Noah she is looking down and the candle is behind her stay there whispered Fagin and Fagin entered the room adjoining and under the pretence of stuffing the candle moved in the required position and speaking to the girl caught it raised her face I see her now cried the spy plainly would you know among a thousand he hastily descended as the room door opened and that girl came out Fagin drew him eye which was curtain off and they held their breasts as she passed within a few feet of their place of concealment merged by the door at which they had entered east cried the ladder at the door down no changed the look at with Fagin and darted out to the left take your life out and keep on your side he did so with the lamps or the girl's retreating figure already at some distance before him advanced as near as he considered prudent and kept on the opposite side of the street the better to observe emotions she looked nervously round twice her price and once stopped to let two men who were following close behind her pass on she didn't gather courage as she advanced and to walk with a steadier and firmer step the spy preserved the same relative distance between them with his eye upon her end of chapter 45 of Oliver Twist