 Chapter 8 of Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens This LibriVox recording is in the public domain. Chapter 8 Oliver walks to London. He encounters on the road a strange sort of young gentleman. Oliver reached the style at which the bypass terminated, and once more gained the high road. It was eight o'clock now, though he was nearly five miles away from the town, and ran and hid behind the hedges by turns till noon, fearing that he might be pursued and overtaken. Then he sat down to rest by the side of the milestone, and began to think for the first time where he had better go to try and live. The stone by which he was seated bore in large characters an intimation that it was just 70 miles from that spot to London. The name awakened a new train of ideas in the boy's mind. London, that great place. Nobody, not even Mr Bumble, could ever find him there. He'd often heard the old men in the workhouse too say that no lad of spirit need want in London, and that there were ways of living in that vast city, which those who had been bred up in the country parts had no idea of. It was the very place for a homeless boy who must die in the streets unless someone helped him. As these things passed through his courts, he jumped upon his feet in a gain walk forward. He had diminished the distance between himself and London by a full four miles before he recollected how much he must undergo ere he could hope to reach his place of destination. And as this consideration forced itself upon him, he slackened his pace a little and meditated upon his means of getting there. He had a crust of bread, a coarse shirt, and two pairs of stockings in his bundle. He had a penny too, a gift of ceremonies after some funeral which he had acquitted himself more than ordinarily well. In his pocket a clean shirt thought Oliver is a very comfortable thing, and so were two pairs of darn stockings. And so is a penny, but they are small help to a 65 miles walk in winter time. But Oliver's thoughts like those of most other people, although extremely ready and active to point out his difficulties, we are the loss to suggest any feasible mode of surmounting them. So after a good deal of thinking and no particular purpose, he changed his little bundle over to the other shoulder and trudged on. Oliver walked 20 miles that day, and all that time tasted nothing but the crust of dry bread and a few drafts of water which he begged at the cottage doors by the roadside. When the night came he turned into a meadow and creeping close under a hay-rick determined to lie there till morning. He felt frightened at first for the wind moaned dismally over the empty fields and he was cold and hungry and more alone than he had ever felt before. Being very tired with his walk however, he soon fell asleep and forgot his troubles. He felt cold and stiff when he got up the next morning and so hungry that he was obliged to exchange the penny for a small loaf in the very first village for which he passed. He had walked no more than 12 miles when night closed in again. His feet were sore, his legs were so weak that they trembled beneath him. Another night passed and the bleak damp air made him worse. When he set forward on his journey next morning, he could hardly crawl along. He waited at the bottom of a steep hill until a stagecoach came up and then begged of the outside passengers but there were very few took any notice of him. And even those who told him to wait till they got to the top of the hill and let them see how far he could run for a height knee, poor Oliver tried to keep up with the coach a little way but was unable to do it by reason of his fatigue and sore feet. When the outside saw this they put their height knees back into their pockets again declaring that he was an idle young dog and didn't deserve anything and the coach rattled away and left only a cloud of dust behind. In some villages large painted barns were fixed up warning all persons who begged within the district that they would be sent to jail. This frightened Oliver very much and made him glad to get out of those villages with all possible expedition. In others he would stand about in the inn yards and look mournfully at everyone who passed a proceeding which generally terminated in the landlady's ordering one of the post boys who were lounging about to drive that strange boy out of the place before she was sure he had come to steal something. If he begged at a farmer's house ten to one they threatened to set the dog on him and when he showed his nose in a shot they talked about the beetle which brought Oliver's heart into his mouth very often the only thing he had there for many hours altogether. In fact if it had not been for a good hearted turnpike man and a benevolent old lady Oliver's troubles would have been shortened by the very same process which had put an end to his mother's in other words he would most assuredly have fallen dead upon the king's highway. The turnpike man gave him a meal of bread and cheese and the old lady who had a shipwrecked grandson wandering barefoot in some distant part of the earth took pity upon the poor orphan and gave him what little she could afford and more with such gentle words and such tears of sympathy and compassion that they sank deep into Oliver's soul and all the sufferings he had ever undergone. Early on the seventh morning after he had left his native place Oliver limped slowly into the little town of Barnett the window shutters were closed the street was empty not a soul had awakened to the business of the day the sun was rising in all its splendid beauty but the light only served to show the boy his own lonesomeness and desolation as he sat with bleeding feet and covered with dust upon a doorstep By degrees the shutters were opened the window blinds had drawn up the people began passing to and fro some few stopped to gaze at Oliver for a moment or two or turned round to stare at him as they hurried by but none relieved him or told themselves to inquire how he came there he had no heart to beg and there he sat He'd been crouching on the step for some time wondering at the great number of public houses every other house in Barnett was a tavern large or small gazing listlessly at the coaches as they passed through and thinking how strange it seemed that they could do with ease in a few hours would have taken him a whole week of courage and determination beyond his years to accomplish When he was roused by observing that the boy who had passed him carelessly some minutes before had returned and was now surveying him most earnestly from the opposite side of the way he took little heed of this at first but the boy remained in the same attitude of close observation so long that Oliver raised his head and returned his steady look Upon this the boy crossed over and walking close up to Oliver said Hello my covey, what's the row? The boy who addressed this inquiry to the young Wayfarer was about his own age but one of the queerest looking boys that Oliver had ever seen he was a snub-nosed flat-browed common-faced boy enough and as dirty as juvenile as one would wish to see but he had about him all the airs and manners of a man he was short of it, he was short he was short of his age with rather bow legs and little sharp ugly eyes his hat was stuck on the top of his head so lightly that it threatened to fall off every moment and would have done so very often had the Wayarer not had the knack of every now and then giving his head a sudden twitch but brought it back to its old place again he wore a man's coat which reached nearly to his heels he had turned the cuffs back half way up his arm had his hands out of the sleeves apparently with the ultimate view of thrusting them into the pockets of his corduroy trousers for there he kept them he was all together as a roistering and swaggering a young gentleman as ever stood four feet six or something less in the blue chairs hello my Covey, what's the row? said this strange young gentleman to Oliver I'm very hungry and tired replied Oliver tears standing in his eyes as he spoke I have walked a long way, I have been walking these seven days walking for seven days said the young gentleman oh I see, beaks all right but he added noticing Oliver's look a surprise I suppose you don't know what a beak is my flash companion Oliver mildly replied that he'd always heard of a bird's mouth described by the term in question my eyes are green exclaimed the young gentleman why beaks a magistrate and when you walk by a beaks order it's not straightforward but always they're going up they're never coming down again was you never on a mill? what mill then quiet Oliver? what mill? why the mill? the millers takes up so little room they'll work inside a stone jug and always gets better when the wind's low with people and when it's high because then they can't get workmen but come said the young gentleman you want grub and you shall have it I'm at a low water mark myself only one bob and a magpie but as far as it goes I'll fork out and stump up with you on your pins there now then Morris assisting Oliver to rise the young gentleman took him to an adjacent Chandler's shop where he purchased a sufficiency of ready-dressed ham and half a quarter of a loaf or as he himself expressed it a fortney bran the hand being kept clean and preserved from dust by the ingenious expedient of making a hole in the loaf by pulling out a portion of the crumb and stuffing it therein taking the bread under his arm the young gentleman turned to a small public house and led the way to a tap room in the mirror of the premises here a pot of beer was brought in by direction of the mysterious youth and Oliver falling to it his new friend's bidding made a long and hearty meal during the progress of which the strange boy eyed in from time to time with great attention Gunner London said the strange boy when Oliver at length concluded yes, got any lodgings? no, money? no the strange boy whistled and put his arms into his pockets as far as the big coat sleeves would allow him to go do you live in London? inquired Oliver yes I'll do when I'm at home I suppose you want some place to sleep tonight, don't you? I do indeed, answered Oliver I've not slept under a roof since I left the country don't fret your eyelids on that score said the young gentleman I've got to be in London tonight and I know a respectable old gentleman who lives there what will give you lodgings for nothing and never ask for the change that is if any gentleman he knows introduces you don't he know me? not in the least by no means certainly not as mild as if to intimate that the latter fragments of the discourse were playfully ironical and finished his beer as he did so this unexpected offer of shelter was too tempting to be resisted especially as it was immediately followed up by the assurance that the old gentleman referred to would doubtless provide Oliver with a comfortable place without loss of time this led to a more friendly and confidential dialogue from which Oliver discovered that his friend's name was Jack Dawkins that he was a peculiar pattern protege of the elderly gentleman before mentioned Mr Dawkins' appearance did not say a vast deal in favour of the comforts which his patron's interest obtained for those who he took under his protection but as he had a rather flighty and dissolute mode of conversy and furthermore avowed that among his intimate friends was better known by the sobriquet of the artful Dodger Oliver concluded that being of a dissipated and gallous turn the moral precepts of his benefactor had hitherto been thrown away upon him under this impression he secretly resolved to cultivate the good opinion of the old gentleman as quickly as possible and if he found the Dodger incorrigible as he more than half suspected he should to decline the honour of his further acquaintance Jack Dawkins objected to her entering London before nightfall it was nearly eleven o'clock when they reached the turnpike at Islington they crossed from the Agile into St John's Road and struck down the small street which terminates at Sadler's Wells Theatre through Exmouth Street and Coppice Row down the little court by the side of the workhouse across the classic ground which once bore the name of Hockley in the hall then sent a little saffron hill and so into saffron hill the great along which the Dodgers scutted at a rapid pace directing Oliver to follow closer heels although Oliver had enough to occupy his attention in keeping sight of his leader he could not help bestowing a few hasty glances on either side of the way as he passed along a dirtier or more wretched place he had never seen street was very narrow and muddy and the air was impregnated with filthy odours there were a good many small shops but the only stock in trade appeared to be heaps of children who even at that time of night were crawling in and out of the doors or screaming from the inside the sole places that seemed to prosper amid the general blight of the place were the public houses and in them the lowest orders of Irish were wrangling with might and main covered ways and yards in which there diverged from the main street disclosed little knots of houses where drunken men and women were positively wallowing in filth and from several of the doorways great ill looking fellows were cautiously emerging bound to all appearance on no very well dispossessed or harmless errands Oliver was just considering whether he had a better run away when they reached the bottom of the hill his conductor catching him by the arm pushed open the door of a house near Field Lane and drawing him into the passage closed it behind them now then cried a voice from below in reply to a whistle from the Dodger Plummy and slam was the reply there seemed to be some watchword or signal that all was right for the light of a feeble candle gleamed on the wall at the remote end of the passage and a man's face peaked out from where a bella stride of the old kitchen and his face had been broken away as two of you said the man thrusting the candle father out and shielding his eyes with his hand who's the other one? a new pal, replied Jack Dawkins pulling Oliver forward where'd he come from? Greenland is faking upstairs yeah he's assorting the wipes up with you the candle was drawn back and the face disappeared Oliver groping his way with one hand and having the other firmly grasped by his companion ascended with much difficulty the dark and broken stairs which is conductor mounted with an ease an expedition that showed he was well acquainted with them he threw open the door of a back room and drew Oliver in after him the walls and ceilings of the room were perfectly black with age and dirt there was a deal table before the fire upon which were a candle stuck in a ginger beer bottle computer pots a loaf and butter and a plate in a frying pan which was on the fire and which was secured to the mantel shelf by a string some sausages were cooking and standing over them on the toasting fork in his hand was a very old shriveled Jew whose villainous looking and repulsive face was obscured by a quantity of matted red hair he was dressed in a greasy flannel gown with his throat bare and seemed to be dividing his attention between the frying pan and the clothes holes over which a great number of silk handkerchiefs were hanging several rough beds made of old sacks were huddled side by side on the floor seated around the table were four or five boys none older than the dodger smoking long clay pipes and drinking spirits with the air of middle-aged men these all crowded round about their ship as he whispered a few words to the Jew then turned round and grinned at Oliver so did the Jew himself toasting fork in hand this is him Fagin said Jack Dawkins my friend Oliver twist the Jew grinned making a low abesience to Oliver took him by the hand and hoped he should have the honour of his ultimate acquaintance upon this the young gentleman with the pipes came round him and shook both his hands very hard especially the one in which he held his little bundle one young gentleman was very anxious to hang his cap up for him and another was so obliged he was to put his hands in his pockets in order that as he was very tired he might not have the trouble of emptying them himself when he went to bed these civilities would probably be extended much further but for a liberal exercise of the Jews toasting fork on the heads and shoulders of the affectionate youths who offered them we're very glad to see you Oliver very said the Jew Dodger take off the sausages and draw a tub near the fire for Oliver oh you're a sterile at the pocket anchor choose them my dear well there are good many of them ain't there you just looked them out ready for the wash that's all Oliver that's all the latter part of the speech was hailed by boisterous shout of the all hopeful pupils of the merry old gentleman in the midst of which they went to supper Oliver ate his share and the Jew then mixed him a glass of hot gin and water telling him he must drink it off directly with another gentleman wanted the tumbler Oliver did as he was desired immediately afterwards he felt himself gently lifted onto one of the sacks and then he sunk into a deep sleep End of Chapter 8 Chapter 9 of Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens this LibriVox recording is in the public domain Chapter 9 containing further particulars concerning the pleasant old gentleman and his hopeful pupils it was late next morning when Oliver awoke from a sound long sleep there was no other person in the room but the old Jew who was boiling some coffee and a saucepan for breakfast and whistling softly to himself as he stirred it round and round with an iron spoon he would stop every now and then to listen when there was at least noise below and when he had satisfied himself he would go on whistling and stirring again as before although Oliver had roused himself from sleep he was not thoroughly awake there was a drowsy state between sleeping and waking when you dream more in five minutes with your eyes half open and yourself half conscious of everything that is passing around you five nights without your eyes fast closed and your senses wrapped in perfect unconsciousness at such time a mortal knows just enough of what his mind is doing forms some glimmering conception of its mighty powers its bounding from earth and spurling time and space when freed from the restraint of its corporeal associate Oliver was precisely in this condition he saw the Jew with his half closed eyes heard the low whistling and recognized the sound of the spoon grating against the saucepan's sides and yet the same self senses were mentally engaged at the same time in busy action with almost everybody he had ever known when the coffee was done the Jew drew the saucepan to the hob standing then in an in resolute attitude for a few minutes as if he did not well know how to employ himself he turned round and looked at Oliver and called him by his name he did not answer and was to all appearances asleep after satisfying himself upon this head the Jew stepped gently to the door which he unfastened he then drew forth as it seemed to Oliver from some trap in the floor a small box which he placed carefully on the table his eyes glistened as he raised the lid and looked in dragging an old chair to the table he sat down and took from it a magnificent gold watch sparkling with jewels aha said the Jew shrugging up his shoulders and distorting every feature with a hideous grin clever dogs clever dogs staunch till the last never told the old person where they were never poached upon old Fagan and why should they he wouldn't have loosened the knot or kept the drop up a minute longer no no no fine fellows with these and other muttered reflections of the light nature the Jew once more deposited the watch in its place of safety at least half a dozen more were severally drawn forth from the same box and surveyed with equal pleasure besides rings, brooches, bracelets and other items of jewellery of such magnificent materials and costly workmanship that Oliver had no idea even of their names going replace these trinkets the Jew took out another so small and it lay in the palm of his hand there seemed to be some very minute inscription on it for the Jew laid it flat upon the table and shading it with his hand poured over it long and earnestly at length he put it down as if despairing of success and leaning back in his chair muttered what a fine thing capital punishment is dead men never repent dead men never bring awkward stories to light that's a fine thing for the trade five of them strung up in a row and none left to play booty or turn white livid as the Jew uttered these words his bright dark eyes which had been staring vacantly before him fell on Oliver's face the boy's eyes were fixed on his in mute curiosity and although the recognition was only for an instant for the briefest space of time that could possibly be conceived it was enough to show the old man that he had been observed he closed the lid of a box on the loud crash and laying his hand on a bread knife which was on the table started furiously up he trembled very much though for even in his terror Oliver could see that the knife quivered in the air what's that said the Jew what do you watch me for why are you awake what have you seen speak up boy quick for your life I wasn't able to sleep any longer sir replied Oliver meet me I'm very sorry if I disturbed you sir you were not awake an hour ago said the Jew scowling fiercely on the boy no no no indeed replied Oliver are you sure cried the Jew with a still face and looked them before in a threatening attitude upon my word I was not sir replied Oliver earnestly I was not indeed sir first touched my dear said the Jew abruptly resuming his old manner and playing with the knife a little before he laid it down as if to induce the belief that he had caught it up in mere sport of course I know that my dear I only tried to frighten you you're a brave boy Oliver the Jew rubbed his hands with a chuckle but glanced uneasily at the box notwithstanding you see any of these pretty things my dear said the Jew laying his hand upon it after a short pause yes sir replied Oliver ah said the Jew turning mother pale they are mine Oliver my little property all I have to live upon in my old age the folks call me my sir my dear only a my sir that's all Oliver thought the old gentleman must be a decided my sir to live in such a dirty place with so many watches but thinking that perhaps his fondness for the dodger and the other boys cost him a good deal of money he only cast a deferential look at the Jew asked if he might get up certainly my dear certainly replied the old gentleman stay there's a pitcher of water in the corner by the door bring it here and I'll give you a basin to wash in my dear Oliver got up walked across the room stood for an instant to raise the pitcher when he turned his head the box was gone he had scarcely washed himself and made everything tidy by emptying the basin out of the window agreeably to the Jew's directions when the Dodger returned accompanied by a very sprightly young friend who Oliver had seen smoking on the previous night and who was now formally introduced to him was Charlie Bates before sat down to breakfast on the coffee and someone hot bowls and ham which the Dodger had brought home in the crown of his hat well said the Jew glancing slightly at Oliver and addressing himself to the Dodger I hope you've been at work this morning my dears ah replied the Dodger as nails added Charlie Bates good boys, good boys said the Jew what have you got Dodger couple of pocket books replied the young gentleman lined, inquired the Jew with eagerness pretty well replied the Dodger producing two pocket books one green and the other red very indeed sir said Oliver which Richard Charles Bates laughed uproarously very much to the amazement of Oliver for nothing to laugh at in anything that had passed and what have you got my dears said faded to Charlie Bates replied master Bates at the same time producing four pocket anchor jeeps well said the Jew inspecting them closely they're very good ones very, you haven't marked them well old Charlie so the mark shall be picked out with a needle and will teach Oliver how to do it shall I solve her, hey ha ha if you please sir said Oliver you'd like to be able to make a jeep as easy as Charlie Bates wouldn't you my dears said the Jew very much indeed if you'll teach me sir replied Oliver Master Bates saw something so exquisitely ludicrous in this reply that he burst into another laugh which laugh meeting the coffee he was drinking and carrying it down to some long channel very nearly terminated in his premature suffocation he saw Charlie Green said Charlie when he recovered as an apology to the company for his unpolite behaviour the Dodger said nothing but he smoothed Oliver's hair over his eyes and said he'd no better by and by from which the old gentleman observing Oliver's colour mounting changed the subject by asking whether there had been much of a crowd at the execution that morning this made him wonder more and more for it was plain from the replies of the two boys that they had both been there and Oliver naturally wondered how they could possibly have found time disastrous when the breakfast was cleared away the merry old gentleman and the two boys played at a very curious and uncommon game which was performed in this way the merry old gentleman placing a snuff box in one pocket of his trousers and a note case in the other and a watch in his waistcoat pocket with a guard chain round his neck and sticking a mock diamond pin in his shirt buttoned his coat tight round him putting his spectacle case and handkerchief trotted up and down the room with a stick an imitation of the manner in which old gentleman walk about the streets at any hour in the day sometimes he stopped at the fireplace and sometimes at the door making believe he was staring with all his might into shop window at such times he would look constantly round him for fear of thieves and would keep slapping all his pockets in turn to see that he hadn't lost anything in such a very funny and natural manner that Oliver laughed to the tears round down his face all this time the two boys followed him closely about getting out of his sight so nimbly that every time he turned round it was impossible to follow their motions at last the dodger trod upon his toes or ran upon his boot accidentally or Charlie Bates stumbled up against him behind and in that one moment they took from him with the most extraordinary rapidity snuff box, note case watch guard, chain, shirt pin, pocket anchor chief and even the spectacle case if the old gentleman felt a hand in any one of his pockets he cried out where it was and then the game began all over again and this game had been played a great many times a couple of young ladies called to see the young gentleman one of whom was named Bette and the other Nancy there were a good deal of hair not very neatly turned up behind and were rather untied about shoes and stockings they're not exactly pretty perhaps but they had a great deal of colour in their face and look quite stout and hearty being remarkable to be free and agreeable in their manners, Oliver thought them very nice girls indeed and there is no doubt they were the visitors stopped a long time spirits were produced in consequence of one of the young ladies complaining of a cold and sinner inside but the conversation took a very convivial and proving turn Charlie Bates expressed his opinion that it was time to pad the hoof this occurred to Oliver must be French for going out directly afterwards the Dodger and Charlie and the two young ladies went away together having been kindly furnished for the Amiable Jew with money to spend their more dear said Fagan that's a pleasant life isn't it they have gone out for the day have they done work serving quite Oliver yes said the Jew they should unexpectedly come across any when they're out and they won't neglect it if they do my dear depend upon it make them your models my dear make them your models tapping the fire shovel on the hearth to add force to his words do everything they bid you and take their advice in all matters especially the Dodgers my dear will be a great man himself and will make you one too if you take pattern buying is my anchor chief hanging out of my pocket my dear said the Jew stopping short yes sir said Oliver see if you can take it out without my feeling it as you saw them do when we were at play this morning Oliver held up the bottom pocket with one hand as he'd seen the Dodger do and drew the handkerchief lightly out of it with the other is it gone cried the Jew here it is sir said Oliver showing in his hand you're the covert boy my dear said the playful old gentleman patting Oliver on the head approvingly I never saw a sharper lad is a shilling for you if you go on in this way you'll be the greatest man of the time now come here and I'll show you how to take the marks out of the handkerchief Oliver wondered what picking the old man's pocket in play had to do with his chance of being a great man but thinking out the Jew was being so much his senior must know best he followed him quietly to the table and was soon deeply involved in his new study end of chapter 9 chapter 10 of Oliver twist by Charles Dickens this Libra Vox recording is in the public domain chapter 10 Oliver becomes better acquainted with the characters of his new associates and purchase his experience at a high price being a short but very important chapter in this history for many days Oliver remained in the Jews room with the marks out of the pocket handkerchief of which a great number were brought home and sometimes taking part in the game already described which the two boys in the Jew played regularly every morning at length he began to languish for fresh air took many occasions of earnestly in treating the old gentleman to allow him to go out to work with his two companions Oliver was rendered the more anxious to be actively employed by what he had seen of the stern morality of the old gentleman's character whenever the Dodger or Charlie Bates came home at night empty handed he would expedite with great vehemence on the misery of idle and lazy habits and would enforce upon them the necessity of an active life by sending them suppalus to bed on one occasion indeed he even went so far as to lock them both down flight of stairs but this was carrying out his virtuous precepts to an unusual extent at length one morning Oliver obtained permission he had so eagerly sought there had been no handkerchiefs to work upon for two or three days and the dinners had been rather meager perhaps these were the reasons for the old gentleman's getting his assent but whether they were or know he told Oliver he might go and placed him under the joint guardianship Charlie Bates and his friend the Dodger the three boys sallied out the Dodger with his coat sleeves tucked up and his hat cocked as usual Master Bates saltering alongside with his hands in his pockets and Oliver between them wondering where they were going and what branch of manufacturer he would be instructed in first the pace at which they went were such a very lazy ill looking salter that Oliver soon began to think his companions were going to deceive the old gentleman by not going to work at all the Dodger had a vicious propensity to pulling the caps off the heads of small boys and tossing them down areas while Charlie Bates exhibited some very loose notions concerning the rights of property by pilfering diverse apples and onions from the stalls at the kennel sites and thrusting them into his pockets which were so surprisingly capacious that they seemed to undermine his whole suit of clothes in every direction these things look so bad that Oliver was on the point of declaring his intention of seeking his way back in the best way he could when his thoughts were suddenly directed into another channel by very mysterious change of behaviour on the part of the Dodger they were just emerging from a narrow court not far from the open square in Clarkinwell which is yet called by some strange perversion of terms the green when the Dodger made a sudden stop and laying his finger on his lip to his companion's back again with the greatest of caution and circumspection what's the matter? demanded Oliver Ush, replied the Dodger you see that old Cove over at the bookstore the old gentleman over the way said Oliver, yes I see him he'll do, said the Dodger a prime plant observed Master Charlie Bates Oliver looked from one to the other with the greatest surprise but he was not permitted to make any inquiries for the two boys walked stealthily across the road and slunk close behind the old gentleman towards whom his attention had been directed Oliver walked a few paces after them and not knowing whether to advance or retire, stood looking on in silent amazement the old gentleman was a very respectable looking personage with a powdered head and gold spectacles he was dressed in a bottle green coat and a white collar wore white trousers and carried a smart bamboo cane under his arm he'd taken up a book from the stall and there he stood, reading away as hard as if he were in his elbow chair in his own study it's very possible that he fancied himself there indeed, for it was plain from his abstraction that he saw not the bookstore nor the street, nor the boys nor in short anything but the book itself which he was reading straight through the leaf and when he got to the bottom of page beginning at the top of the next one and going regularly on with the greatest interest and eagerness what was Oliver's horror and alarms, he stood a few paces off looking on with his eyelids as wide open as they could possibly go to see the dodger, plunges handed to the old gentleman's pocket and draw from thence the handkerchief to see him hand the same to Charlie Bates and finally to behold them both running away round the corner at full speed in an instant the whole mystery of the handkerchiefs and the watches and the jewels and the Jew rushed upon the boy's mind he stood for a moment with the blood so tingling through his veins from terror that he felt as if he were in a burning fire and confused and frightened he took to his heels and not knowing what he did made off as fast as he could lay his feet to the ground this was all done in a minute's space in the very instant when Oliver began to run the old gentleman putting his hand into his pocket and missing his handkerchief turned sharp round seeing the boy scutting away at such a rapid pace he very naturally concluded him to be the deep predator and shouting stop thief with all his might made off after him book in hand but the old gentleman was not the only person who raised the human cry the Dodger and Master Bates unwilling to attract public attention by running down the open street had merely retired into the very first doorway round the corner they no sooner heard the cry and saw Oliver running and guessing exactly how the matter stood they issued forth with great promptitude and shouting stop thief tune joined in the pursuit like good citizens although Oliver had been brought up by philosophers he was not theoretically acquainted with the beautiful axiom that self-preservation is the first law of nature if he had been perhaps he would have been prepared for this not being prepared however it alarmed him the more so away he went like the wind with the old gentleman and the two boys roaring and shouting behind him stop thief, stop thief there is a magic in the sound tradesman leaves his counter car man is wagon out his tray the baker is basket, the milkman is pile the errand boy is parcels the school boy is marbles the paver is pickaxe the child is battle door away they run pel mel, helter skelter slap dash, tearing, yelling, screaming knocking down the passages as they turn the corners rousing up the dogs and astonishing the fells and street squares and courts re-echo with the sound stop thief, stop thief the cry is taken up by a hundred voices and the crowd accumulated every turning away they fly splashing through the mud rattling along the pavements up go the windows, out run the people onward bare the mob a whole audience dessert punch in the very thickest of the plot and joining the rushing throng swell the shout and lead fresh vigor to the cry stop thief, stop thief stop thief, stop thief there is a passion for hunting something deeply implanted in the human breath one wretched breathless child panting with exhaustion terror in his looks, agony in his eyes large drops of perspiration streaming down his face strains every nerve to make a head upon his pursuers and as they follow on his track and gain upon him every instant nihilist decreasing strength with joy stop thief I stop him for God's sake we're at only in mercy stopped at last a clever blow he was down upon the pavement and the crowd eagerly gathered around him each newcomer jostling and struggling with the others to catch a glimpse stand aside give him a little air nonsense he doesn't deserve it where's the gentleman here he is coming down the street is the boy sir? yes Oliver lay covered with mud and dust and bleeding from the mouth looking wildly round upon the heap of faces that surrounded him when the old gentleman was obfusciously dragged and pushed into the circle by the foremost of the pursuers yes said the gentleman I'm afraid it is the boy poor fellow said the gentleman as he hurt himself I did that sir said a great lovely fellow stepping forward and preciously I cut my knuckle again in his mouth and stopped him sir the fellow touched his hat with a grin expecting something for his pains but the old gentleman eyeing him with an expression of dislike looked anxiously around as if he contemplated running away himself Richard is very possible he might have attempted to do and thus have afforded another chase had not a police officer who is generally the last person to arrive in such cases at that moment made his way through the crowd and seized Oliver by the collar come get up said the man roughly he wasn't me indeed sir indeed indeed it was two other boys said Oliver clasping his hands passionately and looking round they're here somewhere oh no they ain't said the officer he meant this to be ironical but it was true besides for the Dodger and Charlie Bates had filed off down the first convenient court they came to oh get up hurt him said the old gentleman passionately oh won't hurt him replied the officer tearing his jacket half off his back in proof thereof come I'll know you it won't do will you stand on your legs you young devil Oliver who could hardly stand made a shift to raise himself on his feet and was at once lugged along the streets by the jacket collar at a rapid pace the gentleman walked with them by the officer's side and as many as the crowd achieved the feat got a little ahead and stared back at Oliver from time to time the boys shouted in triumph and only went end of chapter 10 chapter 11 of Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens this LibriVox recording is in the public domain chapter 11 treats of Mr. Fang the police magistrate and furnishes a slight specimen of his mode of administering justice the offence had been committed within the district and indeed in the immediate neighbourhood of a very notorious metropolitan police office the crowd had only the satisfaction of accompanying Oliver through two or three streets and down a place called Mutton Hill when he was led beneath a low archway and up a dirty court into the dispensary of summary justice by the back way there was a small paved yard into which they turned and here they encountered a stout man with a bunch of whiskers on his face and a bunch of keys in his hand what's the matter now? said the man carelessly a young fogal hunter replied the man who had Oliver in charge are you the party that's been robbed sir and quite the man with the keys yes I am replied the old gentleman but I'm not sure that this boy actually took the handkerchief I would rather not press the case must go before the magistrate now sir replied the man his worship will be disengaged in half a minute now young gallows it was an invitation for Oliver to enter through a door which he unlocked as he spoke and then which led into a stone cell here he was searched and nothing being found upon him locked up the cell was in shape and size something like an area cellar only not so light it was most intolerably dirty for it was Monday morning and it had been tenanted by six drunken people who had been locked up elsewhere since Saturday night this is little in our station houses men and women are every night confined on the most trivial charges and the word is worth noting in dungeons compared with which those in Newgate occupied by the most atrocious felons tried and found guilty and under sentence of death are palaces that anyone who doubts this compare the two the old gentleman almost as rueful as Oliver when the key grated in the lock he turned with the sigh to the book which had been the innocent cause of all this disturbance there is something about that boy's face said the old gentleman to himself as he walked slowly away tapping his chin with the cover of the book in a thoughtful manner something that touches and interests me can he be innocent? he looked like by the by exclaimed the old gentleman halting very abruptly and staring up into the sky bless my soul where have I seen something like that look before after musing for some minutes the old gentleman walked with the same meditative face into a back anti-room opening from the yard now retiring into a corner called up before his mind's eye a vast amphitheater of faces over which a dusky curtain had hung for many years no, said the old gentleman shaking his head, it must be imagination he wandered over them again it called them into view and it was not easy to replace the shroud that had so long concealed them there were the faces of friends and foes and of many that had been almost strangers peering intrusively from the crowd there were the faces of young and blooming girls that were now old women there were the faces that the grave had changed and closed upon but which the mind superior to its power still dressed in their old freshness and beauty calling back the lustre of the eyes the brightness of the smile the beaming of the soul through its mask of clay and whispering of beauty beyond the tomb change but to be heightened and taken from earth only to be set up as a light to shed a soft and gentle glow upon the path to heaven but the old gentleman could recall no one countenance of which Oliver's features bore a trace so he'd sigh over the recollection to the awakened and being happily for himself an absent old gentleman buried them again in the pages of the musty book he was roused by a touch on the shoulder and a request from the man with the keys to follow him into the office he closed his book hastily and was at once ushered into the imposing presence of the renowned Mr. Fang the office was a front parlor with a panel wall Mr. Fang sat behind a bar at the upper end and on one side of the door was a sort of wooden pen which poor little Oliver was already deposited trembling very much at the awfulness of the scene Mr. Fang was a lean long back stiff neck middle sized man with no great quantity of hair and what he had growing on the back and sides of his head his face was stern and much flushed if we were really not in the habit of drinking rather more than was exactly good for him he might have brought action against his countenance for liable and have recovered heavy damages the old gentleman bowed respectfully and vansied to the magistrate's desk said suiting the action to the word this is my name and address sir he then withdrew a pace or two and with another polite and gentlemanly inclination of the head waited to be questioned now it so happened that Mr. Fang was at that moment perusing a leading article in the newspaper of the morning averting to some recent decision of his and commending him for the 350th time to the special and particular notice of the secretary of state for the home department he was out of temper and he looked up with an angry scowl who are you? said Mr. Fang the old gentleman pointed with some surprise to his card officer said Mr. Fang tossing the card contemptuously away with the newspaper who is this fellow? my name sir said the old gentleman speaking like a gentleman my name sir is Brownlow permitted to inquire the name of the magistrate who offers a gratuitous and unprovoked insult to a respectable person under the protection of the bench saying this Mr. Brownlow looked around the office and said in search of some person who would afford him the required information officer said Mr. Fang throwing the paper to one side what's this fellow charged with? he's not charged at all your worship? replied the officer he appears against this boy your worship his worship knew this perfectly well but it was a good annoyance and a safe one appears against the boy does he? said Mr. Fang surveying Mr. Brownlow contemptuously head to foot swearing before I'm sworn I must beg to say one word said Mr. Brownlow and that is that I really never without actual experience could have believed hold your tongue sir said Mr. Fang parenterally I will not sir replied the old gentleman hold your tongue this instant I'll have you turned out of the office said Mr. Fang you're an insolent and pertinent fellow how dare you bully a magistrate what? exclaimed the old gentleman threatening? swear this person said Fang to the clerk I'll not hear another word swear him Mr. Brownlow's indignation was greatly roused but reflecting perhaps that he might only injure the boy by giving vent to it he suppressed his feelings and submitted to be sworn at once now said Fang what's the charge against the boy? what have you got to say sir? I was standing at a bookstore Mr. Brownlow began hold your tongue sir said Mr. Fang where's the policeman? here swear this policeman now policeman what is this? the policeman with becoming humility and related how he had taken the charge how he had searched Oliver and found nothing on his person and how that was all he knew about it are there any witnesses? inquired Mr. Fang none your worship replied the policeman Mr. Fang sat silent for some minutes then turning round to the prosecutor said in a towering passion give me to state what your complaint against this boy is man or do you not? you've been sworn now if you stand there refusing to give evidence I'll punish you with disrespect to the bench I will by by what or by whom nobody knows with a clerk and jailer cough very loud just at the right moment and the former dropped a heavy book on the floor thus preventing the word from being heard accidentally of course with many interruptions and repeated insults Mr. Brownlow contrived to state his case observing that in the surprise of the moment he had run after the boy because he had saw him running away and expressing his hope that the magistrate should believe him although not actually the thief to be connected with the thieves he would deal as leniently with him as justice would allow he's been hurt already said the old gentleman in conclusion and I fear he added with great energy looking towards the bar I really fear that he is ill oh yes I dare say said Mr. Fang with a sneer come none of your tricks here you young vagabond they won't do what's your name Oliver tried to reply but his tongue failed him he was deadly pale and the whole place seemed turning around and around what's your name you hide in the scoundrel demanded Mr. Fang officer what's his name this was addressed to a bluff old fellow in a striped waistcoat who was standing by the bar Oliver repeated the inquiry finding him really incapable of understanding the question and knowing that it's not recline but only infuriate the magistrate more and add to the severity of the sentence he hazarded a guess he says his name's Tom White your worship said the coin hearted thief to no he won't speak out won't he said Fang very well very well where does he live where he can your worship replied the officer again pretending to receive Oliver's answer has he any parents acquired Mr. Fang he says they died in his infancy your worship replied the officer hazarding the usual reply at this point in the inquiry Oliver raised his head looking round with imploring eyes murmured a feeble prayer for a draft of water stuff and nonsense said Mr. Fang don't try to make a fool of me I really think he's ill your worship remistrated the officer I know him better said Mr. Fang a pair of him officer said the old gentleman raising his hands instinctively he'll fall down stand away officer cried Fang let him if he likes Oliver availed himself of the coin permission and fell to the floor in a fainting fit the men in the office looked at each other but no one dared to stir I knew he was shamming said Fang as if this were incontestable proof of the fact let him lie there he'll soon be tired of that how do you propose to deal with the case sir and quite the clerk in a low voice some more airily replied Mr. Fang he stands committed to three months hard labour of course clear the office the door was open for this purpose and a couple of men were preparing to carry out the insensible void to his cell when an elderly man of decent but poor appearance clad in an old suit of black rushed hastily in the office and advanced towards the bench stop stop don't take him away for heaven's sake stop a moment and try the newcomer breathless with haste although the presiding genie in such an office as this exercise the summary and arbitrary power of the liberties the good name the character of almost the lives of her majesty subjects especially the poorer class and although within such walls and a fantastic tricks are daily played to make the angels blind with weeping they are close to the public they play through the medium of the daily press footnote or were virtually then Mr. Fang consequently was not a little indignant to see an unbidden guest enter in such a reverent disorder what's this who is this turn this man out clear the office cried Mr. Fang I will speak cried the man I will not be turned out I saw it all I keep the bookstore I demand to be sworn I will not be put down Mr. Fang I must not refuse sir the man was right his manner was determined and the matter was growing rather too serious to be hushed up swear the man grilled Mr. Fang with a very ill grace now man what have you got to say this said the man I saw three boys two others in the prisoners here loitering on the opposite side of the way and when this gentleman was reading the robbery was committed by another boy I saw it done I saw that this boy was perfectly amazed and stupefied having by this time recovered a little breath the worthy bookstore keeper proceeded to relate in a more coherent manner the exact circumstances of the robbery why didn't you come here before said Fang after a pause I hadn't a soul to mind the shop replied the man everybody who could have helped me had joined in the pursuit I could get nobody to a five minutes ago I'll have run here all the way the prosecutor was reading was he inquired Fang after another pause replied the man the very book he has in his hand oh that book A said Fang is it paid for dear me I forgot all about it exclaimed the absent old gentleman innocently a nice person to prefer a charge against a poor boy said Fang with comical effort to look humane I consider sir the obtained possession of that book and the very suspicious and disreputable circumstances you may think yourself very fortunate that the owner of the property declines to prosecute let this be a lesson to you my man all the law will overtake you yet the boy is discharged clear the office damn me cried the old gentleman bursting out with a rage he kept down so long damn me I'll the mandate was obeyed and the indignant Mr. Brownlow was conveyed out with the book in one hand and the bamboo cane in the other in a perfect frenzy of rage and defiance he reached the yard and his passion vanished in a moment little Oliver Twizz lay on his back on the pavement with his shirt unbuttoned and his templates bathed with water his face a deadly white and a cold tremble convulsing his whole frame poor boy poor boy said Mr. Brownlow bending over him call a coach somebody pray directly a coach was obtained and Oliver having been carefully laid on the seat the old gentleman got in and sat himself on the other may I come to you said the bookstore keeper looking in me yes my dear sir said Mr. Brownlow quickly I forgot you dear dear have this unhappy book still jump in poor fellow there's no time to lose the bookstore keeper got into the coach and away they drove end of chapter 11 chapter 12 of Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens this LibriVox recording is in the public domain chapter 12 in which Oliver has taken better care of than the ever was before and in which the narrative reverts to the merry old gentleman and his youthful friends the coach rattled away over nearly the same ground as that which Oliver had traversed when he first entered London in company with the Dodger and turning a different way when it reached the angel at Islington stopped at length before a need-house in a quiet shady street near Pentonville here a bed was prepared with that loss of time in which Mr. Brownlow saw his young charge carefully and comfortably deposited and here he was tended with a kindness and solicitude that knew no bounds but for many days Oliver remained insensible to all the goodness of his new friends the sun rose and sank and rose and sank again and many times after that and still the boy lay stretched out on his uneasy bed brindling away beneath the dry and wasting heat of fever the worm does not work more surely on the dead body than does this slow creeping fire upon the living frame weak and thin pallid he awoke at last for what seemed to have been a long and troubled dream feebly raising himself in the bed with his head resting on his trembling arm he looked anxiously around what room is this where have I been brought to said Oliver this is not the place I went to sleep in he uttered these words in a feeble voice being very faint and weak but they were overheard at once the curtain at the bed's head was hastily drawn back and a motherly old lady very neatly and precisely dressed rose as she untrew it from an armchair close by in which she had been sitting at needlework hush my dear said the old lady softly you must be very quiet or you will be ill again and you have been very bad as bad as bad could be pretty nice why down again there's a dear those words the old lady very gently placed Oliver's head upon the pillow smoothing back his hair from his forehead looked so kindly and lovingly in his face that he could not help facing his little withered hand in hers and drawing it round his neck save us said the old lady with tears in her eyes what a grateful little dear it is pretty creature what would his mother feel if she had sat by him as I have and could see him now perhaps she does see me whispered Oliver falling his hands together perhaps she has sat by me I almost feel as if she had that was the fever my dear said the old lady mildly I suppose it was replied Oliver because heaven is a long way off and they are too happy there to come down to the bedside of a poor boy but if she knew I was ill she must have pitted me even there for she was very ill herself before she died she can't know anything about me though had Oliver after a moment's silence if she had seen me hurt it would have made her sorrowful and her face always looked sweet and happy when I have dreamed of her the old lady made no reply to this but wiping her eyes first and her spectacles which lay on the counter pain afterwards as if they were part and parcel of those features brought some cool stuff for Oliver to drink and then patting him on the cheek told him you must lie very quiet or you'd be ill again so Oliver kept very still partly because he was anxious to obey the kind old lady and all things and partly to tell the truth because he was completely exhausted with what he had already said he soon fell into a gentle dose from which he was awakened by the light of a candle which being brought near the bed showed him a gentleman with a very large and loud ticking gold watch in his hand who felt his pulse and said he was a great deal better you are a great deal better are you not my dear said the gentleman yes thank you sir replied Oliver yes I know you are said the gentleman you're hungry too isn't you no sir answered Oliver hmmm said the gentleman no I know you're not he's not hungry Mrs Bedwin said the gentleman looking very wise the old mighty lady respectful inclination of the head which seemed to say that she thought the doctor was a very clever man the doctor appeared much of the same opinion himself you feel sleepy aren't you my dear said the doctor no sir replied Oliver no said the doctor was a very shrewd and satisfied look you're not sleepy what thirsty are you yes sir rather thirsty answered Oliver just as I expected Mrs Bedwin said the doctor it's very natural that he should be thirsty he may give him a little tea man some dry toast without any butter and keep him too warm man but be careful you don't let him be too cold will you have the goodness the old lady dropped a curpsy the doctor after tasting the cool stuff and expressing the qualified approval of it hurried away his boots creaking in a very important and wealthy manner as he went downstairs Oliver dozed off again soon after this when he awoke it was nearly 12 o'clock the old lady tenderly made him good night shortly afterwards and left him in charge of a fat old woman who had just come bringing with her in a little bundle a small prayer book and a large nightcap with the letter on her head and the former on the table the old woman after telling Oliver that she had come to sit up with him drew her chair close to the fire and went off into a series of short naps checkered at frequent intervals with sundry tumblings forward and diverse moans and choking these however had no worse effect than causing her to rub her nose very hard and then fall asleep again and thus the night crept slowly on Oliver lay awake for some time counting the little circles of light which the reflection of the rush light shade threw upon the ceiling or tracing with his languid eyes the intricate pattern of the paper on the wall the darkness and deep stillness of the room were very solemn as they brought into the boy's mind the thought that death had been hovering there for many days and nights and might yet fill it with the gloom of his awful presence he turned his face upon the pillow and fervently prayed to heaven gradually he fell into that deep tranquil sleep which eased from recent suffering alone in parts that calm and peaceful rest which it is pain to wake from who, if this were death would be roused again to all the struggles and termiles of life to all its cares for the present its anxieties for the future more than all its weary recollections of the past it had been a bright day for ours when Oliver opened his eyes and felt cheerful and happy the crisis of the disease was safely passed he belonged to the world again in three days time he was able to sit in an easy chair well propped up with pillows and as he was still too weak to walk Mrs Bedwin had him carried downstairs into the little housekeeper's room which belonged to her having set him here by the fireside the good old lady sat herself down too and being in a state of considerable delight at seeing him so much better forthwith began to cry most violently never mind me dear said the old lady I'm only having a regular good cry there it's all over now I'm quite comfortable you're very kind to me ma'am said Oliver well never you mind that my dear said the old lady I've got nothing to do with your broth and it's full time you had it but the doctor says Mr Brownlow may come in to see you this morning and we must get up our best looks because the better we look the more he'll be pleased and with this the old lady applied herself to warming up in a little saucepan a basin full of broth strong enough Oliver thought to furnish an ample dinner when reduced to the regulation strength computation are you fond of pictures dear required the old lady seeing Oliver as fixed his eyes most intently on a portrait which hung against the wall just opposite his chair I don't quite know ma'am said Oliver without taking his eyes from the canvas I've seen so few that I hardly know what a beautiful mild face that ladies is ah said the old lady painters always make ladies that prettier than they are or they wouldn't get a child the man that invented the machine for taking likenesses might have known that it would never succeed it's a deal too honest a deal said the old lady laughing very heartily at her own acuteness is that a likeness ma'am said Oliver yes said the old lady looking up for a moment from the broth that's a portrait who's ma'am us Oliver oh really my dear I don't know I said the old lady in a good human manner all the likeness of anybody that you or I know I expect it seems to strike your fancy dear so pretty replied Oliver well sure you're not afraid of it said the old lady observing in great surprise the look of awe which the child recommended the painting oh no no returned Oliver quickly but the eyes look so sorrowful where I sit they seem fixed upon me makes my heart beat added Oliver in a low voice as if it was alive and wanted to speak to me Lord Savers exclaimed the old lady starting don't talk in that way child you weaken nervous after your illness let me wheel you a chair on the other side then you won't see it there said the old lady suiting the action to the word now you don't see it in all events Oliver did see it in his mind's eye as distinct as if he had not altered his position but he thought better not to worry the kind old lady so he smiled gently when she looked at him and Mrs. Bedwin satisfied that he felt more comfortable salted and broke bits of toasted bread into the broth with all the bustle befitting the so solemn of preparation Oliver got through it with extraordinary expedition it scarcely swallowed the last spoonful with a chamber soft wrap at the door come in said the old lady and in walked Mr. Brownlow now the old gentleman came in as brisk as need be but he had no sooner raised his spectacles on his forehead and thrust his hands behind the skirts at his dressing down take a good long look at Oliver and his countenance underwent a very great variety of odd contortions Oliver looked very worn and shadowy from sickness and made an ineffectual attempt to stand up out of respect to his bed of factor which terminated in his sinking back into the chair again and the fact is if the truth must be told that Mr. Brownlow's heart being large enough for any six ordinary gentlemen of humane disposition forced to supply of tears into his eyes by some hydraulic process which were not sufficiently philosophical to be in a condition to explain poor boy poor boy said Mr. Brownlow clearing his throat I'm rather hoarse this morning Mrs. Bedwin I'm afraid I've caught a cold I hope not sir said Mrs. Bedwin everything you have had has been well aired sir I don't know Bedwin I don't know said Mr. Brownlow I'd rather think I had a damp nap dinner time yesterday but never mind that how do you feel my dear very happy sir replied Oliver I'm very grateful indeed sir for your goodness to me good boy said Mr. Brownlow have you given him any nourishment Bedwin any slop sir he's just had a base in a beautiful strong broth sir replied Mrs. Bedwin drawing herself up slightly and laying a strong emphasis on the last word to intimate that between slops and broth will compounded there existed no affinity or connection whatsoever ugh said Mr. Brownlow with a slight shudder a couple of glasses of port wine would have done him a great deal more good wouldn't they Tom White hey my name is Oliver sir replied the little invalid with a look of great astonishment Oliver said Mr. Brownlow Oliver what Oliver White oh sir twist Oliver twist queer name said the old gentleman what made you tell the magistrate your name was White I never told him so sir returned Oliver in amazement this sounded so like a falsehood that the old gentleman looked somewhat sternly in Oliver's face it was impossible to doubt him there was truth in every one of his thin and sharpened liniments some mistakes said Brownlow but even though his motive were looking steadily at Oliver no longer existed the old idea of the resemblance of the features that some familiar face came upon him so strongly that he could not withdraw his gaze I hope you're not angry with me sir said Oliver raising his eyes mischievously no no replied the old gentleman why what's this bedwind look there as he spoke he pointed hastily to the picture over Oliver's head and then to the boy's face there was its living copy the eyes the head the mouth every feature was the same the expression was for the instance so precisely alike that the minutest line seemed copied with startling accuracy Oliver knew not the cause of this sudden exclamation for not being strong enough to bear the start it gave him he fainted away a weakness on his part which affords the narrative an opportunity of relieving the reader from suspense in behalf of the two young pupils of the merry old gentleman and of recording that when the dodgeon is accomplished friend master Bates joined in the hue and cry which was raised to Oliver's heels in consequence of their executing and legal conveyance the Mr Brownlow's personal property as has already been described they were actuated by a very laudable and becoming regaimant for themselves and for as much as for the freedom of the subject and the liberty of the individual among the first and proudest boasts they were true-hearted Englishmen so I need hardly beg the reader to observe that this action should tend to exalt them in the opinion of all public and patriotic men and almost as great a degree as this strong proof of their anxiety for their own preservation and safety goes to corroborate and confirm the little code of laws which certain profound and sound-judging philosophers have laid down as the mainspring of all nature's deeds and actions the said philosophers were very wisely reducing the good lady's proceedings to matters of maximum theory and by a very neat and pretty compliment to her exalted wisdom and understanding putting entirely out of sight any considerations of heart or generous impulse and feeling for these are matters totally beneath the female who is acknowledged by universal admission to be far above the numerous little foibles and weaknesses of her sex if I wanted any further proof of the strictly philosophical nature of the conduct of these young gentlemen in their very delicate predicament I should at once find it in the fact also recorded in a foregoing part of this narrative of quitting the pursuit when the general attention is fixed upon Oliver and making immediately for their hung by the shortest possible cut although I do not mean to assert that that is usually the practice of renowned and learned sages to shorten the road to any great conclusion their course indeed being rather to lengthen the distance by various circumlations and discursive staggerings like unto those in which drunken men under the pressure of too mighty a flow of ideas are prone to indulge still I do mean to say and do say distinctly that it is the invariable practice of many mighty philosophers in carrying out their theories to the foresight in providing against every possible contingency which can be supposed at all lightly to affect themselves thus they do a great right you may do a little wrong and you may take any means which the end to be obtained will justify the amount of right or the amount of wrong or indeed the distinction between the two being entirely left of the philosopher concerned to be settled undetermined comprehensive and impartial view of his own particular case it was not until the two boys have scarred with great rapidity through a most intricate maze of narrow streets and courts that they venture to halt beneath a low and dark archway having remained silent here just long enough to recover breath to speak master baits uttered an exclamation of amusement and delight bursting into an uncontrollable fit of laughter flung himself upon a doorstep and rolled thereon in a transport of mirth what's the matter? inquired the dodger what charlie baits old joe noise remonstrated the dodger looking cautiously round do you want to be grabbed stupid? I can't help it said charlie I can't help it to see him splitting away at that pace and cutting round the corners and knocking up again the post starting on the gains if he was made of iron as well as them looking out after him oh my eye this vivid imagination of master baits presented the scene before him in two strong colours as he arrived at this apostrophe he again rolled over on the doorstep and laughed louder than before well what will fagans say inquired the dodger taking advantage of the next interval of breathlessness on the part of his friend to propound the question what? repeated charlie baits what said the dodger? what should he say? inquired charlie stopping rather suddenly in his merriment for the dodger's manner was impressive what should he say? Mr Dawkins whistled a couple of minutes and taken off his hat scratched his head and nodded thrice what do you mean? said charlie to a laloo gammon and spinach the froggy wouldn't an eye coccolorum said the dodger with a slight sneer of his intellectual countens that was explanatory but not satisfactory master baits felt it so and again said what do you mean? the dodger made no reply not putting his hat on again and gathering the skirt of his long tail coat under his arm thrust his tongue into his cheek slapped the bridge of his nose some half a dozen times in a familiar but expressive manner turning on his heel slunk down the court master baits followed with a thoughtful countenance the noise of footsteps on the creaking stairs a few minutes after the occurrence of this conversation rounds the merry old gentleman as he sat over the fire with a savalloy and a small loaf in his hand pocket knife on his right and a pewter pot on the trivet there was a rascally smile on his white face as he turned round and looking sharply out for under the thick red eyebrows bent his ear towards the door and listened well how is this muttered the Duke changing countens only two of them where's the third? they kind of got into trouble ah the footsteps approached nearer they reached the landing the door slowly opened and the dodger and charlie baits entered closing it behind them and of chapter 12 chapter 13 of Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens this LibriVox recording is in the public domain chapter 13 some new acquaintances are introduced to the intelligent reader connected with them various pleasant matters are elated appertaining to this history where's Oliver? said the Duke rising with a menacing look where's the boy? the young thieves eyed their preceptor as if they were alarmed at his violence and looked uneasily at each other but they made no reply what's become of the boy? said the Duke seizing the dodger tightly by the collar and threatening him with horrid implications speak out or I'll throttle you Mr Fagan looked so very much in earnest that charlie baits redeemed it prudent in all cases to be on the safe side and who conceived it by no means improbable that it might be his turn to be throttled second dropped upon his knees and raised a well-sustained and continuous roar something between a mad bull and a speaking trumpet will you speak? thundered the Jew shaking the dodger so much that his keeping in the big coat at all seemed perfectly miraculous while the traps had got him and that's all about it said the dodger son and thee come on let me go will you swinging himself with one jerk clean out of the big coat which he left in the Jew's hands the dodger snatched up the toasting fork and made a pass at the merry gentleman's waistcoat which if it had taken effect would have left a little more merriment out than would have been easily replaced the Jew stepped back in this emergency with more agility than could have been anticipated in a man of his apparent decrepitude and seizing up the pot prepared to hurl it at his assailant's head but charlie baits at this moment calling his attention by a perfectly terrific howl he suddenly altered his destination and flung it full at that young gentleman what the blazes is in the wind now growled a deep voice who pitched that ear at me it's well it's the beer and not the pot is it me or I'll have settled somebody I might have known as nobody but an infernal rich plunder and thundering old Jew could afford to throw away any drink but water and not that unless he's done the river company every quarter what's it all about Fagan damn me if my neckerchief ain't lying with beer come in you sneak environment what you stopping outside for as you're ashamed of your master come in the man who growled out these words was a stoutly built fellow about five and thirty in a black velveteen coat very soiled drab breeches lace up half boots and grey cotton stockings which enclosed a bulky pair of legs with large swelling calves the kind of legs in which such costume always look in an unfinished and incomplete state without a set of fetters to garnish them he had a brown hat on his head and a dirty belcher handkerchief around his neck with the long frayed ends of which he smeared the beer from his face as he spoke he disclosed when he had done so broad heavy countenance from the beard of three days growth and two scowling eyes one of which displayed various partly coloured symptoms having been recently damaged by a blow come in do you hear grumpy, engaging, ruffian a white shaggy dog with his face scratched and torn in twenty different places sculpted into the room why don't you come in a force said the man you're getting too proud to own me a four company are you lie down the command was accomplished with a kick which took the animal to the other end of the room he appeared well used to it however for he called himself up in a corner very quietly without uttering a sound and winking his very ill looking eyes twenty times a minute appeared to occupy himself in taking a survey of the apartment what are you up to you'll treat in the boys you've covered us avaricious insatiable old fence said the man seating himself deliberately I wonder I don't murder you I would if I was them if I'd been your apprentice I'd done it long ago for your fit for nothing but keep it as a curiosity of ugliness in a glass bottle I suppose they don't blow glass bottles at large enough I shush Mr. Sykes said the Jew trembling don't speak so loud none of your mistering reply the ruffian you always meant mischief when you come to that you know my name out with it I shan't disgrace it when the time comes we'll then build Sykes said the Jew abject humility we see man of huma bill perhaps I am replied Sykes I should think you was rather out of sorts too unless you meant as little arm as when you throw pewter pots about as you do when you blab and are you mad said the Jew catching a man by the sleeve and pointing towards the boys Mr. Sykes contented himself with tying an imaginary knot under his left ear and jerking his head over on the right shoulder a piece of dumb show which the Jew appeared to understand perfectly he then in Kant terms with which his whole conversation was plentifully besprinkled but which would be quite unintelligible if they were recorded here demanded a glass of liquor and my joint poison it said Mr. Sykes laying his hat upon the table this was said in jest but if the speaker could have said the evil leer with which the Jew bit his pale lip as he turned around to the cupboard he might have thought the caution had not necessary or the wish at all events to improve upon the distillers ingenuity not very far from the old gentleman's merry heart after swallowing two or three glasses of spirits Mr. Sykes condescended to take some notice of the young gentleman which gracious act led to a conversation in which the cause and manner of Oliver's capture was circumstantially detailed is such alterations as improvements on the truth as to the dodger appeared most advisable under the circumstances I'm afraid said the Jew that he may say something which will get us into trouble that's very likely return Sykes with a malicious grin you're blowed upon Fagan and I'm afraid you see I did the Jew speaking as if he had not noticed the interruption and regarded the other closely as he did so I'm afraid that if the game was up with us it might be up with a good many more now it would come to rather worse for you than it would for me my dear the man started and turned round upon the Jew the old gentleman's shoulders were shrugged up to his ears and his eyes were vacantly staring on the opposite wall it was a long pause every member of the respectable coterie appeared plunged in his own reflections not accepting the dog who by a certain malicious licking of his lips seemed to be meditating an attack upon the legs of the first gentleman or lady he might encounter in the streets when he went out somebody must find out what's been done at the office said Mr Sykes in a much lower tone than he had taken since he came in the Jew nodded ascent if he hasn't peached and is committed there's no fear till he comes out again said Mr Sykes and then he must be taken care of you get old of him somehow the game the Jew nodded the prudence of this line of action the read was obvious but unfortunately there was one very strong objection to it's being adopted this was that the Dodger Charlie Bates and Fagan and Mr Williams Sykes happened one and all to entertain a violent and deep-rooted antipathy to going near a police office on any ground or pretext whatever how long they may have sat and looked at each other in a state of uncertainty not the most pleasant of it's commented it's difficult to guess so to make any guesses on the subject however for the sudden entrance of the two young ladies whom Oliver had seen on a former occasion caused the conversation to flow afresh the very thing said the Jew bet won't go won't you my dear where has inquired the young lady I'll just up to the office my dear said the Jew coaxing me it is due to the young lady to say that she did not positively affirm that she could not but that she merely expressed an emphatic and earnest desire to be blessed if she would a polite and delicate evasion of the request which shows the young lady to have been possessed of that natural good breathing which cannot bear to inflict upon a fellow creature the pain of direct and pointed refusal the Jews countenance fell he turned from this young lady who was gaily not to say or gorgeously attired in a red gown, green boots and white papers to the other female Nancy my dear said the Jew in a soothing manner what do you say that it won't do so it's no use trying it on Fagan replied Nancy what do you mean by that said Mr Sykes looking up in a surly manner what I say Bill replied the lady collectively well you're just a very person for it reason Mr Sykes nobody about here knows anything of you as I don't want them to either say in composed manner it's rather more no than yes with me Bill she'll go Fagan said Sykes no she won't Fagan said Nancy yes she will Fagan said Sykes but Mr Sykes was right by dint of alternate threats and promises and bribes the lady in question was ultimately provoked upon to undertake the commission she was not indeed withheld by the same considerations as her agreeable friend for having recently moved into the neighborhood of Field Lane from the remote but gentile suburb of Ratcliffe she was not under the same apprehension of being recognized by any of her numerous acquaintances accordingly with a clean white apron tied over a gown and a curl paper stocked up under a straw bonnet both articles of dress being provided for the Jews in exhaustible stock Ms Nancy prepared to issue forth on her current stop a minute my dear said the Jew producing a little covered basket carry that in one hand it looks more respectable my dear give her a door key to carry in her other on Fagan said Sykes it looks real and genuine like yes yes my dear so it does said the Jew hanging the large street door key and the forefinger of the young lady's right hand that's very good very good indeed my dear said the Jew rubbing his fingers oh my brother my poor dear sweet innocent little brother explained Nancy bursting into tears and ringing the little basket in the street door key in an agony of distress what has become of him where have they taken him to or do have a pity and tell me what's been done with the dear boy gentlemen do gentlemen if you please gentlemen having uttered those words in a most lamentable and heartbroken tone to the immeasurable delight of her hearers Ms Nancy said to the company nodded smilingly round and disappeared she's a clever girl my dears said the Jew turning round to his young friends and shaking his head gravely as if in mute admonition to them to follow the bright example they had just beheld she's an honour to her sex said Mr Sykes filling his glass and smiting the table with his enormous fist ears to her health and wishing they was all like her well these and many other communions were being passed on to the accomplished Nancy that young lady made the best way to the police office with her not withstanding a little natural timidity consequent upon walking through the streets alone and unprotected she arrived in perfect safety shortly afterwards entering by the back way she tapped softly with the key on one of the cell doors and listened there was no sound within so she coughed and listened again there was no reply so she spoke nolly dear nolly there was nobody inside but a miserable shoeless criminal who had been taken up for playing the flute and who the offense against society haven't been clearly proved have been properly committed by Mr Fang to the House of Correction for one month with the appropriate and amusing remark since he had so much breath to spare it would be more wholesomely spend it on the treadmill and in a musical instrument he made no answer being occupied mentally by whaling the loss of the flute which had been confiscated for the use of the county so Nancy passed on to the next cell and not there well cried a faint and feeble voice is there a little boy here and quiet Nancy with a preliminary sob no replied the voice God forbid there was a vagrant of 65 who was going to the same prison for not playing the flute or in other words for begging in the streets and doing nothing for his livelihood in the next cell was another man who was going to the same prison for hawking tin saucepans without a license thereby doing something for his living in defiance of the stamp office but as neither of these criminals answered to the name of Oliver or knew anything about him Nancy made straight up to the bluff officer in the strike waistcoat and lamentations rendered more piteous by a prompt and efficient use of the street door key and the little basket demanded her own dear brother I haven't got him my dear said the old man where is he screamed Nancy in a distracted banner while a gentleman Scott replied the officer what gentleman all gracious heavens what gentleman exclaimed Nancy in reply to this incoherent questioning the old man informed the deeply affected sister that Oliver had been taken ill in the office in discharging consequence of a witness having proved the robbery to have committed by another boy not in custody and that the prosecutor had carried him away in an insensible condition to his own residence of and concerning which all the informant knew was and it was somewhere in Pentongill he having heard that the word mentioned in the directions to the coachman in a dreadful state of doubt and uncertainty the agonized young woman staggered to the gate and then exchanging her faltering walk for a swift run returned by the most devious and complicated route she could think of to the domicile of the tune Mr. Bill Sykes no sooner heard the account of the expedition delivered than he very hastily called up the white dog for putting on his hat expeditiously departed without devoting any time to the formality of wishing the company good morning we must know where he is my dears he must be found said the tune greatly excited Charlie do nothing but skulk about till you bring home some news of him now see my dear I must have him found I trust you my dear and you and the artful for everything stay stay out of the tune unlocking the door with a shaking hand there's money my dears I shall shut up this shop tonight you'll know where to find me in it not an instant my dears with these words he pushed them from the room carefully double locking barring the door behind them drew from his place of concealment the box which he had unintentionally disclosed to Oliver then he hastily proceeded to dispose the watches and jewellery beneath his clothing a wrap at the door startled him in this occupation who's there he cried in a shrill voice what now cried the tune impatiently is he to be kidnapped to the other can Nancy says quiet the dodger yes reply the tune wherever she lays hands on him finding find him out that's all I shall know what to do next never fear the boy moment of replying of intelligence and hurried down the stairs after his companions he's not peached so far said the dears he pursued his occupation if he means to blab us among his new friends we may stop his mouth yet end chapter 13 chapter 14 of Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens this LibriVox recording is in the public domain comprising further particulars of Oliver's slat Mr. Brownlow's with a remarkable prediction which one Mr. Grimling uttered concerning him when he went out on an errand Oliver soon recovering from the fainting fit into which Mr. Brownlow's abrupt estimation had thrown him the subject of the picture was carefully avoiding both by the old gentleman and Mrs. Bedwin in the conversation that ensued which indeed bore no reference to Oliver's history or prospects but was confined to such topics as might amuse without exciting him he was still too weak to get up to breakfast but when he came down into the housekeeper's room on the next day his first act was to cast an eager glance at the wall in the hope of a game looking at the face of a beautiful lady his expectations were disappointed however for the picture had been removed ah said the housekeeper watching the direction of Oliver's eyes it's gone you see I see it is mann replied Oliver why have they taken it away it has been taken down child Oliver said that as it seemed to worry you perhaps it might prevent you getting well you know rejoin the old lady oh no indeed it didn't worry me mann said Oliver I like to see it I quite loved it well well said the old lady good humanly you get well as fast as you ever can dear and it shall be home up again there I promise you that now let us talk about something else this is all the information Oliver could have told you about the picture at that time the old lady had been so kind to him and his illness he endeavoured to think no more of the subject just then so he listened attentively to a great many stories she told him an amiable and handsome daughter of hers who was married to an amiable and handsome man and lived in the country and had a son who was a clerk to a merchant in the west indies and it was also such a good young man and wrote such beautiful letters home four times a year that he brought the tears into her eyes to talk about them the old lady had expiated a long time on the excellences of her children and the merits of her good husband besides who had been dead and gone poor soul just six and twenty years it was time to have tea after tea she began to teach Oliver cribbage which he learnt as quickly as she could teach it and at which game they played with great interest and gravity until it was time for the invalid to have some warm wine and water with a slice of dry toast and then go cosily to bed they were happy days those of Oliver's recovery everything was so quiet and neat and orderly everybody so kind and gentle but after the noise and turbulence in the midst of which he had always lived it seemed like heaven itself he was no sooner strong enough to put his clothes on properly and Mr Browner caused a complete new suit and a pair of shoes to be provided for him as Oliver was told that he might do what he liked with the old clothes he gave them to a servant who had been very kind to him and asked her to sell them to a Jew and keep the money for herself this she very readily did and as Oliver looked out of the parlour window and saw the Jew roll them up in his bag and walk away he felt quite delighted to think that they were safely gone and that there was now no possible danger of his ever being able to wear them again there were sad rags to tell the truth and Oliver had never had a new suit before one evening about a week after the affair of the pitcher as he was sitting talking to Mrs Bedwin there came a message down from Mr Browner that if Oliver Twist felt pretty well he should like to see him in his study and talk to him a little while bless us and save us wash your hands and let me part your hair nicely for you Charles Mrs Bedwin dear heart alive if we had known you would have asked for you we could have put you a clean collar on and made you as smart as a sixpence Oliver did as the old lady bade him and although she lamented grievously meanwhile that there was not even enough time to crimp with a little frill that bordered his shirt collar he looked so delicate and handsome despite that important personal advantage she went so far as to say looking at him with great complacency but that she really didn't think it would have been possible on the longest notice to have made such a difference in him for the better thus encouraged Oliver tapped at the study door while Mr Browner calling to him to come in he found himself in a little back room quite full of books with a window looking to some pleasant little gardens there was a table drawn up before the window at which Mr Browner was seated reading when he saw Oliver he pushed the book away from him and told him to come near the table and sit down Oliver complied marvelling where the people could be found to read such a great number of books seemed to be written to make the world wiser which is still a marvel to more experienced people than Oliver twist every day of their lives here are a good many books are there not my boys said Mr Browner observing the curiosity with which Oliver surveyed the shelves on the floor to the ceiling a great number sir replied Oliver I never saw so many you should read them if you behave well said the old gentleman kindly and you will like that better than looking at the outsides that is some cases because there are books by which the backs and covers are by far the best part I suppose they are those heavy ones sir said Oliver pointed to some large quateros with a good deal of building about the binding not always those said the old gentleman patting Oliver on the head and smiling as he did so there are other equally heavy ones though of a much smaller size how should you like to grow up a clever man and write books eh I think I'd rather read them sir replied Oliver what you wouldn't like to be a book writer said the old gentleman Oliver considered a little one and said at last you should think it would be much better thing to be a book seller upon which the old gentleman laughed heartily and declared he had said a very good thing which Oliver felt glad to have done though by no means he knew what it was well well said the old gentleman composing his features don't be afraid we won't make an author of you while there's an honest trade to be learnt or brick making to turn to thank you sir said Oliver at the earnest manner of his reply the old gentleman laughed again said something about a curious instinct which Oliver not understanding paid no very great attention to now said Mr Brown speaking if possible with a kinder but at the same time a much more serious manner than Oliver had ever known in the scene yet I want you to pay great attention my boy what I'm going to say I should talk to you without any reserve because I'm sure you're well able to understand me as many older persons would be oh don't tell me you're going to send me away sir pray explained Oliver alarmed at the serious tone of the old gentleman's commencement don't turn me out of doors to wander the streets again let me stay here I'll be a servant don't send me back to that wretched place I came from have mercy upon a poor boy sir my dear child said the old gentleman moved by the warmth of Oliver's sudden appeal you need not be afraid of my deserting you unless you give me cause I never never will sir and deposed Oliver I hope not returring the old gentleman I do not think you're going to be afraid of Oliver returring the old gentleman I do not think you ever will I've been deceived before in the objects whom I have endeavoured to benefit but I feel strongly disposed to trust you nevertheless I am more interested in your behalf than I can well account for even to myself the persons on whom I have bestowed my dearest love lie deep in their graves but of overhappiness and delight of my life lie buried there too I've not made a coffin of my heart I've sealed it up forever on my best affections deep affliction has but strengthened and refined them as the old gentleman said this in a low voice more to himself than to his companion as he remained silent for a short time afterwards Oliver sat quite still oh well said the old gentleman at length in a more cheerful tone I only say this because you have a young heart and knowing that I have suffered great pain and sorrow be more careful perhaps not to wound me again you say you are orphaned without a friend in the world all the inquiries I've been able to make confirm the statement let me hear your story where you come from who brought you up and how you got into the company in which I found you speak the truth and you should not be friendless while I live Oliver Sobs checked his utterance for some minutes when he was on the point of beginning to relate he was brought up at the farm and carried to the workhouse by Mr Bumble a peculiarly impatient little double-knock was heard at the street door and the servant running upstairs announced Mr Grimwig is he coming up and quiet Mr Brownler yes I said the servant he asked if there were any muffins in the house when I told him yes he said he had come to tea Mr Brownler smiled and turned to Oliver and said that Mr Grimwig was an old friend of his and he must not mind his being a little rough in his manners for he was a worthy creature at bottom as he had reason to know shall I go downstairs serving quite Oliver no reply Mr Brownler I'd rather you remained here at this moment they walked into the room supporting himself by a thick stick a stout old gentleman rather lame in one leg who was dressed in a blue coat striped waistcoat green breeches and gaiters and a broad brim white hat the sides turned up with green a very small plated shirt frill stuck out from his waistcoat and a very long steel watch chain with nothing but a key at the end dangled loosely below it the ends of his white neck a chief were twisted into a ball about the size of an orange the variety of shakes into which his captains were stristled defined description he had a matter of screwing his head on one side when he spoke looking out of the corners of his eyes at the same time which he resistably reminded the beholder of a parrot in this attitude he fixed himself the moment he made his appearance and holding out a small piece of orange peel at arm's length exclaimed in a growling discontented voice oh looky do you see this is the most wonderful and extraordinary thing you can't call it a man's house but find a piece of this poor surgeon's friend on the staircase I've been lame with orange peel once and no orange peel will be my death or I'll be content to eat my own head sir this was the handsome offer with which Mr Grimwig backed and confirmed nearly every assertion he made and it was the more singular in his case because even for admitting for the sake of argument the possibility of scientific improvements being brought to that pass which would enable a gentleman to eat his own head in the event of his being soldiers' phones Mr Grimwig's head was of such a particularly large one that the most sanguine man alive could hardly entertain a hope of being able to get through it at the sitting put entirely out of the question a very thick coating of powder I'll eat my head sir replied Mr Grimwig strikingly sticking on the ground hello what's that looking at Oliver and retreating a pace up to this is young Oliver Twist whom we were speaking about said Mr Brownlow Oliver Bowd they don't mean to say that's the boy who's had the fever I hope said Mr Grimwig recording a little more wait a minute don't speak stop continue Mr Grimwig abruptly losing all dread in the fever in his triumph at the discovery that's the boy who had the orange that's not the boy sir who had the orange threw this bit of peel upon the staircase I'll eat my head it is too oh no he has not had one said Mr Brownlow laughing come put down your hat hello friend I feel strongly on this subject sir said the irritable old gentleman drawing off his gloves there's always more or less orange peel on the pavement in our street and I've noticed it's put there by the surgeon's boy at the corner a young woman stumbled over a bit last night and fell against my garden railings directly she got up I saw her look towards this infernal red lamp with this pantomime light don't go to him I called out to the window he's an assassin a mad trap the irascible old gentleman gave a great knock on the ground with his stick which was always understood by his friends to employ the customary offer whenever it was not expressed in words then still keeping his stick in his hand he sat down and opening a double eyeglass which he wore attached to a broad black ribbon took a view of Oliver who's seeing that he was the object of inspection coloured and bowed again that's the boy is it said Mr Grimwig at length the boy replied Mr Browner how are you boy said Mr Grimwig great deal better sir thank you replied Oliver Mr Browner seemed to apprehend that his singular friend was about to say something disagreeable asked Oliver to step downstairs and tell Mrs Bedwin that they were ready for tea which as he did not half like the visitors manner he was very happy to do it he's a nice looking boy has he not been quiet Mr Browner I don't know replied Mr Grimwig petishly don't know no I don't know I've never seen a difference in boys I know two sorts of boys mealy boys and beef face boys and which is Oliver mealy I know a friend who is a beef face boy a fine boy they're calling with a round head and red cheeks and glaring eyes a holly boy with a body and limbs that appear to be sweating out the seams of his blue clothes with the voice of a pilot with the appetite of a wolf with the bones and the wretch come said Mr Browner these are not characteristics of young Oliver Twist so he needn't excite your wrath they're not replied Mr Grimwig he may have worse here Mr Browner coughed impatiently which appeared to afford Mr Grimwig the most exquisite delight he may have worse I say repeated Mr Grimwig where does he come from who is he what is he none of that fevers are not particularly too good to people are they bad people have fevers sometimes haven't they and our man who was hung in Jamaica for murdering his master he had fevers six times he wasn't recommended no mercy on that account church nonsense and the fact was that the inmost recesses of his own heart Mr Grimwig was totally disposed to admit that Oliver's appearance and manner were unusually pre-possessing appetite for contradiction sharpened on this occasion by the finding of the orange peel and inwardly determined that no man should dictate to him whether the boy was well looking or not he had resolved from first to oppose his friend Mr Browner admitted that on no one point of inquiry could he yet return to satisfactory answer and that he had postponed any investigation to Oliver's previous history until he thought the boy was strong enough to hear it Mr Grimwig chuckled maliciously and he demanded with a sneer whether the housekeeper was in the habit of counting the plate at night because if she didn't find a tablespoon or two missing some sunshine in morning why he would be content to and so forth all this Mr Brownlow himself somewhat of an impetuous gentleman took knowing his friends peculiarities bore with a great good humor as Mr Grimwig at tea was graciously pleased to his entire approval of the muffins matters went on very smoothly and Oliver who made one of the parties began to feel more of a disease than he had yet done in the fierce old gentleman's presence and when you're going to hear the full true of a particular account of the life and adventures of Oliver Twist ask Grimwig of Mr Brownlow at the conclusion of the meal kick sideways that Oliver as he was seen to subject tomorrow morning replied Mr Brownlow I'd rather he was alone with me at the time come up to me tomorrow morning at ten o'clock my dear yes sir replied Oliver he answered with some hesitation because he was confused by Mr Grimwig looking so hard at him tell me what he spoke that gentleman to Mr Brownlow he won't come up to you tomorrow morning I saw him hesitate he's deceiving you my good friend he's not replied Mr Brownlow warmly if he's not said Mr Grimwig I'll endow him with a stick I'll answer for that but it's truth of my life said Mr Brownlow knocking the table and Oliver is falsehood with my head which are in Mr Grimwig knocking the table also we shall see said Mr Brownlow checking his rising angle we will reply Mr Grimwig with a provoking smile we will as fate will have it Mrs Bedwin chance to bring in at this moment a small pass on the books which Mr Brownlow had that morning purchased of the identical bookstore keeper who was already figured in this history having laid them on the table she prepared to leave the room stop the boy Mrs Bedwin said Mr Brownlow there is something to go back he's gone sir replied Mrs Bedwin call after him said Mr Brownlow it's particular he is a poor man they are not paid for it there are some books to be taken back to the street door was opened Oliver ran one way the girl ran another Mrs Bedwin still on the step and screamed for the boy but there was no boy in sight and the girl returned on a breath of state to report there were no tidings dear me I'm very sorry for that explained Mr Brownlow I particularly wish these books to be returned tonight said Oliver with them said Mr Grimley with a heroic smile he will be sure to deliver them safely you know yes do let me take them if you please I said Oliver I'll run all the way sir the old gentleman was just going to say that Oliver should not go out on any account when a most malicious cough from Mr Grimley determined him that he should and that by his prompt discharge of the commission he should prove to him the injustice of his suspicions on this head at least once you should go my dear said the old gentleman the books are on a chair by my table fetch them down Oliver delighted to be of use brought down the books under his arm in a great bustle waited cap in hand to hear what message he was to take now to say he said Mr Brownlow glancing steadily at Grimley he had to say he had brought these books back and he had come to pay for the £4.10 I owe him this is a £5 note so you'll have to bring me back 10 shillings change I won't be 10 minutes sir said Oliver eagerly having bottled up the bank note in his jacket pocket and placed the books carefully under his arm he made a respectful bow and left the room this is bedroom followed into the street giving many directions about the nearest way in the name of the bookseller, in the name of the street all of which Oliver said he clearly understood having superseded many injunctions he was sure not to take cold the old lady at length permitted him to depart bless his sweet face said the old lady looking after him I come up bare some out to let him out of my sight at this moment Oliver looked gaily round and nodded before he turned the corner the old lady smiling returned his salutation and closing the door went back to her room let me see he'll be back in 20 minutes at the longest said Mr Brownlow pulling out his watch and placing it on the table it will be dark by that time I'm really expecting to come back to you Mr Grimwick don't you? asked Mr Brownlow smiling the spirit of contradiction was stronger Mr Grimwick's breast at the moment and it was rendered stronger by his friends confident smile no he said smiting the table with his fist I did not but as a new seeker closed on his back said available books under his arm and noted his pocket but joined his old friends the thieves and laughed at you if ever that boy returns to his house sir I'll eat my head it is worthy of remark as illustrating the importance we attach to our own judgments and the pride with which we put forth our most rash and hasty conclusions that alone Mr Grimwick was not by any means a bad hearted man and though he would have been unfaindedly sorry to see his respected friend duped and deceived he really did most honestly strongly hope at that moment Oliver Twist might not come back it grew so dark that the figures on the dial plate were scarcely discernible but there the two old gentlemen continued to sit in silence with a watch between them End of chapter 14