 CHAPTER XXXIX Introduces some respectable characters with whom the reader is already acquainted, and shows how monks and the Jew laid their worthy heads together. On the evening following that upon which the three worthy's mentioned in the last chapter, disposed of their little matter of business as they are in narrated, Mr. William Sykes, awakening from a nap drowsily growled forth and inquired what time of light it was. The room in which Mr. Sykes propounded this question was not one of those he had tenanted previous to the Churchy expedition. Although it was in the same quarter of the town, it was situated at no great distance from his former lodgings. It was not, in appearance, so desirable the habitation of his old quarters, being a mean and badly furnished apartment, very limited size, lighted by one small window in the shelving roof, and a butting on a close and dirty lane. Nor were there any wanting other indications of the good gentlemen's having gone down in the world of late, for a great scarcity of furniture and a total absence of comfort, together with the disappearance of all such small movables as spare clothes and linen, bespoke a state of extreme poverty, while the meagre and attenuated condition of Mr. Sykes himself would have fully confirmed these symptoms if they had stood in any need of corroboration. The housebreaker was lying on the bed, wrapped in his white great coat by way of a dressing gown, and displaying a set of features in no degree improved by his cadaverous hue of illness, and the addition of a soiled nightcap and a stiff black beard over week's growth. The dog sat at the bedside, now eyeing his master with a wistful look, and now pricking his ears and uttering a low growl as some noise in the street or in the lower part of the house attracted his attention. Seated by the window, busily engaged in patching an old waistcoat, which formed a portion of the robber's ordinary dress, was a female, so pale and reduced with watching and privation, that there would have been considerable difficulty in recognising her as the same Nancy who has already figured in this tale, but for the voice in which she replied to Mr. Sykes' question. Not long gone seven said the girl. How do you feel tonight, Bill? Weak as water, replied Mr. Sykes, with an imprecation on his eyes and limbs. Here, lend us a land, and let me get off this thunder in bed anyhow. Illness had not improved Mr. Sykes' temper, whereas the girl raised him up and led him to a chair. He muttered various curses on her awkwardness and struck her. Wine and iron, said Sykes. Come, don't stand a sneer in there. If you can't do anything better than that, cut off all together. Do you hear me? I hear you replied the girl, turning her face aside and forcing her laugh. What fancy have you got in your head now? What have you thought better of her, have you? Grilled Sykes marking his tear, which trembled in her eyes, and better for you, you have. Why don't you mean to say you'd be hard upon me tonight, Bill? Said the girl, laying a hand upon your shoulder. No, cried Mr. Sykes. Why not? Such a number of nights, said the girl, with a touch of woman's tenderness, which communicated something like sweetness of tone, even to her voice. Such a number of nights as I've been patient with you, nursing and caring for you, as if you'd been a child. And this, the first time I've seen you like yourself, you wouldn't have served me as you did just now, if you'd thought of that, would you? Come, come, say you wouldn't. Well then, rejoined Mr. Sykes. I wouldn't. Why, damn, now the girl's a whining again. It's nothing, said the girl, throwing herself into a chair. You don't seem to mind me. It'll soon be over. What will be over, demanded Mr. Sykes, in a savage voice. What fool are you up to now, again? Get up and bustle about. Don't come over me with your woman's nonsense. At any other time, this remonstrance and the tone of which it was delivered, would have had the desired effect. But the girl, being really weak and exhausted, dropped her head over the back of the chair and fainted. Before Mr. Sykes could get out a few of the appropriate oaths, in which on similar occasions, he was accustomed to garnish his threat. Not knowing very well what to do in this uncommon emergency, what misnances hysterics were usually of that bottomed kind, which the patient fights and struggles out of, without much assistance. Mr. Sykes tried a little blast for me, and finding that mode of treatment wholly ineffectual, called for assistance. Then down to the girl, can't you? Replied Sykes impatiently. Don't stand chattering and grinning at me. In an exclamation of surprise, Fagan hastened to the girl's assistant. While Mr. John Dawkins, otherwise the outfall dodger, who had followed his venerable friend into the room, hastenedly deposited it on the floor, a bundle with which he was laden. And snatching a bottle from the grasp of Master Charles Bates, who came close to his heels, uncorked it into twinkling with his teeth, poured a portion of his contents down the patient's throat, previously taking a taste himself to prevent mistakes. Give her a whiff of fresh air with a bellows, Charlie, said Mr. Dawkins, and you slap my hands, Fagan, while Bill undoes the pay cut. These united restoratives administered with great energy, especially that department consigned to Master Bates, who appeared to consider his share in the proceedings a piece of unexampled pleasantry, were not long in producing the desired effect. The girl gradually recovered her senses, and, staggering to a chair by the bedside, hid her face upon the pillow, leaving Mr. Sykes to confront the newcomers in some astonishment that their un-lookful appearance. What evil wind has blowed you here, he asked, Fagan. No evil wind at all, my dear, for what evil winds blow nobody any good, and I brought something good with me that you'll be glad to see, Dodger, my dear, open the bundle and give Bill a little trifle that we spent all our money on this morning. In compliance with Mr. Fagan's request, the artful untied this bundle, which was of a large size, and formed of an old tablecloth and handed the articles it contained, one by one to Charlie Bates, who placed them on the table with various ecumeniums on their rarity and excellence. Such a rabbit pie bill, exclaimed that young gentleman, disclosing to view a huge pasty. Such delicate creatures with such tender limbs build, as so wherely bones melt in your mouth, and there's no occasion to pick them half a pound of seven and six penny green, so precious strong that if you mix it with billing water, it'll go nile to blow the lid of the teapot off. A pound and half of moist sugar, that the niggers didn't work out all that. Before they got up to stitch a pitch of goodness, oh no, two half cotton brands, pound the best fresh, piece of double glossner, and a wind-up wall, some of the richest, poor you ever lashed. Uttering this last panachiric, Master Bates produced from one of his extensive pockets a full-sized wine bottle carefully caught, or Mr. Dawkins, at the same instant, poured out a wine glass full of raw spirits from the bottle he carried, which the invalid tossed down his throat without a moment's hesitation. Ah, said Fagan, rubbing his hands with great satisfaction. You'll do, Bill, you'll do now. Do, exclaimed Mr. Sykes, I might have been done for twenty times over before you've done anything to help me. What do you mean by leaving a man in this state? Three weeks and more, you folks-hearted wagga-bond. Only hearing boys, said Fagan, shrugging his shoulders, and I've come to bring him all these beautiful things. Things is well enough in their way, observed Mr. Sykes, a little soothed as he glanced over the table. But what have you got to say for yourself? What should you leave me here, down in the mouth, elf, blunt, and everything else, and take more and more notice of me all this mortal time, than if I was that ear dog. Drive him down, Charlie. I've never seen such a jolly dog as that, cried Master Bates, doing as he was desired, smelling the grub like an old lady going to market. He'd make his fortune on the stage at Dogwood, and revived the drama besides. Old your din, cried Sykes, as a dog retreating under the bed, still growling angrily. What have you got to say for yourself, you withered old fence, eh? I was away from London a week and wore my deer on a plant, replied the Jew. What about the other fortnight, demanded Sykes? What about the other fortnight, he left me lying here like a sick rat in his hole. I couldn't help it, Bill. I couldn't go into a long explanation before company, but I couldn't help it upon my honour. Upon your what, growled Sykes, with excessive disgust. Here, cut me off a piece of that pie, one of you boys. Take the taste of that out of my mouth, or it'll choke me dead. Don't be out of temper, my dear, urge Fagan, submissively. I've never forgot you, Bill, never once. No, I'll pound it at your end, replied Sykes, with a bit of grin. You've been scheming and plotting away every hour that I've laid shivering and burning here, and Bill was to do this, and Bill was to do that, and Bill was to do it all dirt cheap, as soon as he got well and was quite poor enough for your work. If it hadn't been for the girl, I might have died. There now, Bill, remonstrated Fagan, eagerly catching at the word. If it hadn't been for the girl, you but poor old Fagan, was the means of your having such a andy girl about you. He says true enough, said Nancy, coming hastily for him. Let him be, let him be. Nancy's appearance gave a new turn to the conversation, for the boys receiving a sly wink from the weary old chute began to ply her with liquor, of which, however, she took very sparingly. Or Fagan, assuming an unusual flow of spirits, gradually brought Mr. Sykes into a better temper, by affecting to regard his threats as little pleasant banter, and moreover by laughing at very heartily, at one or two rough jokes, which, after repeated applications to the spirit bottle, he condescended to make. It's all very well, said Mr. Sykes, but I must have some blunt for you tonight. I haven't a piece of coin about me, replied the Jew. You've got lots at home, retorted Sykes, and I must have some from there. Lots, cried Fagan, holding up his hands. I haven't so much as would. I don't know how much you've got, and I don't care. I dare say you hardly know yourself, as it would take a pretty long time to count it, said Sykes. But I must have some tonight, and that's flat. Well well, said Fagan with a sigh. I'll send the artful down, presently. You won't do nothing of the kind, rejoin Mr. Sykes. The artful's a deal-to-artful, and forget the come, or lose his way, or get dodged by traps, and so be prevented, or anything for an excuse, if you put him up to it. Nancy shall go to the Ken and fetch it, to make all sure, and I'll lie down and have a snooze while she's gone. After a great deal of haggling and squabbling, Fagan beat down the amount of the required advance, from five pounds to three pounds, four and six pounds. Protesting with many solemn activations, that would only leave him 18 pence to keep house with, Mr. Sykes solemnly remarked that if he couldn't get any more, he must accompany him home. With the Dodger and Master Bates put the eatables in the cupboard. The Jew then, taking leave of his affectionate friend, returned homeward, attended by Nancy and the boys. Mr. Sykes, meanwhile, flinging himself on the bed, composing himself to sleep away the time, until the young ladies returned. In due course, they arrived at Fagan's abode, where they found Toby Crackett and Mr. Chitling, intent upon their fifteenth game at Kribbage, which it is scarcely necessary to say, the latter gentleman lost, and with it his fifteenth and last sixpence, much to the amusement of his young friends. Mr. Crackett, apparently somewhat ashamed of being found relaxing himself with a gentleman so much as inferior in station and mental endowments, yawned and inquiring after Sykes took up his hat to go. As nobody being Toby, asked Fagan, follow the living leg, for it answered Mr. Crackett, pulling up his cough. It's been a duller swipe, you ought to stand something handsome, Fagan, to repents me for keeping house so long. Down me on flat as a juryman, and I should have gone to sleep as fast as Newgate, if I hadn't had the good nature to amuse this youngster. O'rid dull, I'm blessed if I ain't. With these and other ejaculations of the same kind, Mr. Toby Crackett swept up his winnings, crammed them into his waistcoat pocket with a haughty air, as though such small pieces of silver were wholly beneath the consideration of a man of his figure. This done, he swaggered out of the room with so much elegance and gentility that Mr. Chitling, bestowing numerous admiring glances on his legs and boots till they were out of sight, assured the company that he considered his acquaintance cheap at fifteen sixths, and that he didn't value his losses the snap of his little finger. What a rum chap you are, Tom, said Master Bates, highly amused by this decoration. Not a bit of it, replied Mr. Chitling, am I Fagan? A very clever fellow, my dear, said Fagan, patting him on the shoulder and winking to his other pupils. And Mr. Crackett is a heavy swell, ain't he, Fagan, asked Tom. No doubt at all of that, my dear, and it's a creditable thing to have his acquaintance, ain't it, Fagan, pursued Tom. Very much so indeed, my dear, they're only jealous, Tom, because he won't give it to them. Ah, cried Tom triumphantly, that's where it is, he's cleaned me out. But I can go and earn some more when I like, can't I, Fagan? To be sure you can, and the sooner you go the better, Tom, so make up your lost ones, don't lose any more time. Dodger Charlie, it's time you're on the lay, come, it's near ten and nothing done yet. In obedience to this hint, the boys nodded to Nancy and took up their hats and left them room. The Dodger and his vivacious friend indulging as they went, in many witticisms at the expense of Mr. Chitling, whose conduct is but justice to say there was nothing very conspicuous or peculiar, inasmuch as there are a great number of spirited young bloods upon town who pay a much higher price than Mr. Chitling for being seen in good society, and a great number of fine gentlemen, composing of the good society aforesaid, who established their reputation upon very much the same footing as Flash Toby Crackett. Now said Fagan when they had left the room, I'll go and get you that cash Nancy, this is the only key of a little cupboard I have where I keep a few odd things to boys get my dear, I never lock up my money for I've got none to lock up my dear, none to lock up, he's a poor trade Nancy and no thanks but I'm fond of seeing the young people about me and I'll bear it all, I'll bear it all, hush he said hastily concealing the key in his breast. Who's that? Listen, the girl who was sitting at the table with her arms folded, it appeared in no way interested in the arrival or to care whether the person whoever he was came or went, till the murmur of a man's voice reached her ears, the instant she caught the sound she tore off her bonnet in shawl with the rapidity of lightning and thrust them under the table. The Jew turning round immediately afterwards she muttered a complaint of the heat in a tone of lango that contrasted very remarkably the extreme haste and violence of this action, which however had been unobserved by Fagan who had his back towards her at the time. Bah! he whispered as though rattled by the interruption, it's the man I expected before, he's coming downstairs not a word about the money while he's in and he won't stop long not ten minutes my dear. Laying his skinny forefinger upon his lip the Jew carried a candle to the door as a man's step was heard upon the stairs without. He reached it at the same moment as the visitor who coming hastily into the room was close upon the girl before he observed her. It was monks. One of my young people said Fagan observing that monks drew back on beholding a stranger. Don't move Nancy, the girl drew closer to the table and glancing at monks with an air of careless levity withdrew her eyes as he turned towards Fagan. She stole another look so keen and searching and full of purpose that if there had been any bystander to observe the change he could hardly have believed the two looks to have proceeded from the same person. Any news inquired Fagan? Great! And oh good! asked Fagan hesitating as though he feared to vex the other man by being too sanguine. Not bad anyway replied monks with a smile. I've been prompt enough this time let me have a word with you. The girl drew closer to the table and made no offer to leave the room although she could see monks was pointing to her. The Jew perhaps fearing that she might say something aloud about the money if he endeavored to get rid of her pointed upward and took monks out of the room. Not that infernal hole we were in before she could hear the man say as they went upstairs. Fagan laughed and making some reply which did not reach her seen by the creaking of the boards to lead his companion to the second story. Before the sound of their footsteps had ceased to echo through the house the girl had slipped off her shoes and drawing her gown loosely over her head muffling her arms in it stood at the door listening with breathless interest. The moment the noise ceased she glided from the room ascended the stairs with incredible softness and silence and was lost in the gloom above. The room remained deserted for a quarter an hour or more the girl glided back with the same unearthly tread and immediately afterwards the two men were heard descending. Monks went at once into the street and the Jew crawled upstairs again for the money. When he returned the girl was adjusting a shawl and bonnet as if preparing to be gone. Why none exclaimed the Jew starting back as he put down the candle. How pale you are! Pale echoed the girl shading her eyes with her hands as if to look steadily at him. Quite audible! What have you been doing to yourself? Nothing none I know I've except sitting in this closed place for I don't know how long and all replied the girl carelessly. Come let me get back that's it dear. With a sigh for every piece of money Fagan told the amount into her hand. They parted without more conversation merely interchanging a good night. When the girl got into the open street she sat down upon a doorstep and seen for a few moments wholly bewildered and unable to pursue her way. Suddenly she rose and hurring on in direction quite opposite of that which Sykes was awaiting her return quickened her pace until it gradually resolved into a violent run after completely exhausting herself she stopped to take a breath and as if suddenly recollecting herself and deploring her inability to do something she was bent upon rung her hands and burst into tears. It might be that her tears relieved her or that she had felt the full hopelessness of her condition but she turned back and hurrying with nearly as great a rapidity in the contrary direction partly to recover lost time and partly to keep pace with the violent current of her own thoughts soon reached the dwelling when she left the housebreaker. If she portrayed any agitation when she presented herself to Mr Sykes he did not observe it for merely inquiring if she had brought the muddy and receiving a reply in the affirmative he uttered a growl of satisfaction and replacing his head upon the pillow resumed his slumbers which her arrival had interrupted it was fortunate for her that the possession of the money occasioned him so much employment for the next day in the way of eating and drinking and with all had so beneficial in effect in smoothing down the asperities of his temper and he had no time nor inclination to be very critical upon her behaviour and deportment but she had had all the abstracted of nervous manner of one who was on the eve of some bold and hazardous step which has required no common struggle to resolve upon would have been obvious to the link side Fagan who would most probably have taken the alarm at once but Mr Sykes lacking the niceties of discrimination and being troubled with no more subtle misgivings than those which resolve themselves into a dogged roughness of behaviour towards everybody and being furthermore in an unusually amiable condition as had already been observed so nothing unusual in her demeanour and indeed troubled himself so little about her that had her agitation been far more perceptible than it was it would have been very unlikely to have awakened his suspicions as that day closed in the girl's excitement increased and when night came on she sat by watching until the housebreaker should drink himself asleep there was an unusual paleness in her cheek and a fire in her eye that even Sykes observed with astonishment Mr Sykes being weak from the fever was lying in bed taking hot water with his gin to render it less inflammatory and had pushed his glass towards Nancy to be replenished for the third or fourth time when these symptoms first struck him well my body said the man raising himself on his hands as he stared the girl in the face you look like a corpse come to life again what's the matter matter replied the girl nothing what do you look at me so hard for what foolery is this demanded Sykes grasping her by the arm and shaking her roughly what is it what do you mean what are you thinking of of many things bill replied the girl shivering as she did so pressing her hands upon her eyes but lord what odds in that the tone of force gaiety in which the last words are spoken seem to produce a deeper impression on Sykes and the wild and rigid look which had preceded I'll tell you what it is said Sykes if you haven't caught the fever and got it coming on now there's something more than usual in the wind and something dangerous too you know they're going to no damn you wouldn't do that do what else a girl there ain't said Sykes fixing his eyes upon her and muttering the words to himself there ain't a staunch hearted girl going or a cut of throat three months ago she's got the fever coming on that's it fortifying himself with this assurance Sykes strained the glass to the bottom then with many grumbling oaths called for his physique the girl jumped up with greater lack of tea and poured it quickly out but with her back towards him and held the vessel to his lips while he drank off the contents now said the robber come and sit aside me and put on your own face or I'll alter it so that you won't know the game when you do want it the girl obeyed Sykes locking her hand in his fell back upon the pillow turning his eyes upon her face they closed opened again closed once more again opened he shifted his position restlessly and after dosing again and again for two or three minutes and as often springing up with the look of terror and gazing vacantly about him was suddenly stricken as it were well in the very attitude of rising into a deep and heavy sleep the grasp of his hand relaxed the up raised arm fell languidly by his side and he lay like one in a profound trance the lord known to take an effect at last moment ago she rose from the bedside when maybe too late even now she hastily dressed herself in a bonnet and shawl looking fearfully round from time to time as if despite the sleeping draft she expected every moment to feel the pressure of Sykes heavy hand upon her shoulder then stripping gently over the bed she kissed the robber's lips and then opening and closing the room door with a noiseless touch hurried from the house how long gone the half hour asked the girl it'll strike the hour in another quarter said the man raising a lantern to her face I cannot get there in less than an hour or more muttered Nancy brushing swiftly past him and gliding rapidly down the street many of the shops were already closing in the back lanes and avenues through which she tracked her way in making from spittle fields towards the west end of London the clock struck 10 increasing her impatience she tore along the narrow pavement elbowing passengers side to side darting almost under the horse's head cross crowded streets where clusters of persons were eagerly watching their opportunity to do the like the woman is mad said the people turning to look after as she rushed away when she reached the more wealthy quarter of the town the streets were comparatively deserted and here her headlong progress excited a still greater curiosity in the stragglers whom she hurried past some quicker their pace behind as I had to see whether she was hastening at such an unusual rate and a few made head upon her and look back surprised at her undiminished speed but they fell off one by one when she neared the place of destination she was alone it's a family hotel in a quiet but handsome street near Hyde Park as the brilliant light of the lamp which burnt before its door guided her to the spot the clock struck 11 she had loitered for a few paces as though in resolute and making up her mind to advance but the sound determined her and she stepped into the hall the porter seat was vacant she looked round with an air of incertitude and advanced towards the stairs now young woman sort of smartly dressed female looking out from the door behind her what do you want here a lady who is stopping at this house outside of the girl the lady was the reply accompanied with a scornful look what lady Miss Maley said Nancy the young woman heard by this time noted her appearance replied only by a look of virtuous disdain and summoned a man to answer her to it to him Nancy repeated a request what name am I to say asked the waiter it's no use saying any replied Nancy nor business said the man no nor that neither rejoined the girl I must see the lady come said the man pushing her doors the door none of this take yourself off I should be carried out if I go said the girl by me and I can make that a job that two of you won't like to do isn't there anybody here she said looking round that we'll see a simple message carried for a poor wretch like me the appeal produced an effect on a good tempered face man cook who with some of the other servants was looking on and who stepped forward to interfere take you up for a show can't you said this person what's the good reply the man I don't suppose the young lady will see such as her do you the illusion to Nancy's doubtful character raised a vast quantity of chase Roth in the bosoms of four housemates who remark were great further than the creature was a disgrace to her sex I'm strongly advocated her being thrown ruthlessly into the kennel do what you like with me said the girl turning to the men again but do what I asked you first and I asked you to give this message for God almighty sake the soft-hearted cook added his intercession the result was that the man who had first appeared under to its delivery what's it to be said the man with one foot on the stairs but a young woman earnestly asked to speak to miss made the alone said Nancy and if the lady will only hear the first word she has to say she will know whether to hear her business or to have her turned out of doors as an imposter I say said the man you're coming it's strong you give the message should the girl for me and let me hear the answer the man run upstairs Nancy remained pale and almost breathless listening with quivering lip to the very audible expressions of scorn of which the chased housemates were very prolific one of which had become still more so when the man returned and said the young woman's to walk upstairs it's no good being proper in this world said the first housemate brass could do better than gold but it stood the fire said the second the third contented herself with wondering what ladies was made of the fourth took first in the quartet of shameful with which the dianas concluded regardless for all this for she had weighty her matters on her heart Nancy followed the man with trembling limbs to a small anti chamber lighted by a lamp from the ceiling here he left her and retired end of chapter 39 chapter 40 of Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens this Libervox recording is in the public domain chapter 40 a strange interview which is a sequel to the last chapter the girl's life had been squandered in the streets and among the most noisome of the stews and dens of London but there was something of the woman's original nature left in her still and when she heard a light step approaching the door opposite to that by which she had entered and thought of the wide contrast which the small room would in another moment contain she felt burdened with the sense of her own deep shame and shrunk as though she could scarcely bear the presence of her with whom she had sought this interview but struggling with these better feelings was pride the vice of the lowest of most debased creatures no less than of the high and self-assured the miserable companion of thieves and ruffians the fallen outcast of low horns the associate of the scarings of the jails and hulks living within the shadow of the gallows itself even this degraded being felt too proud to betray a feeble gleam of the womanly feeling which she thought a weakness but which alone connected her with that humanity of which her wasting life had obliterated so many many traces when a very child she raised her eyes sufficiently to observe that the figure that presented itself was that of a slight and beautiful girl and bending them on the ground she tossed her head with affected carelessness as she said it's a hard matter to get to see you lady if i'd taken the fence and gone away as many would have done you'd have been sorry for it one day and not without reason either i'm very sorry if anyone has behaved harshly to you replied rose do not think of that tell me what you wish to see me i am the person you inquired for the kind tone of this answer the sweet voice the gentle manner the absence of any accent of haughtiness or displeasure took the girl completely by surprise and she burst into tears oh lady lady she said clasping her hands passionately before her face if there was more like you there would be fewer like me there would there would sit down said rose earnestly if you are in poverty or reflection i should be truly glad to relieve you if i can i shall indeed sit down let me stand lady said the girl's still weeping and do not speak to me so kindly till you know me better it's growing late is is that door shut yes said rose recalling a few steps as if to be near assistance in case you should require it why because said the girl i'm about to put my life in the lives of others in your hands i am the girl that dragged a lot of her back to old fagans on the night he went out from the house in pentonville you said rose mainly i lady replied the girl i am the infamous creature you have heard of that lives among the thieves and that never for the first moment can i collect my eyes and senses opening on london streets have known any better life or kinder words than they have given me so help me god do not mind shrinking opening from me lady i am younger than you would think to look at me but i'm well used to it the poorest women fall back as i make my way along the crowded pavement what dreadful things are these said rose involuntarily falling from a strange companion thank heaven upon your knees dear lady chronicle that you had friends to care for keep you in your childhood and that you were never in the midst of cold and hunger and riot and drunkenness and and something worse than all as i have been from my cradle i may use the word for the alley and the gutter were mine as they will be my deathbed i pity you said rose in a broken voice it rings my heart to hear you heaven bless you for your goodness rejoin the girl if you knew what i am sometimes you would pity me indeed but i've stolen away from those who would surely murder me if they knew i'd been here to tell you what i've overheard do you know a man named monks no said rose he knows you replied the girl and knew you were here for it's by hearing him tell the place that i found you out i never heard the name said rose then he goes by some other amongst us rejoined the girl which i more than thought before some time ago soon after oliver was put into your house on the night of the robbery i suspecting this man this is a real conversation held between him and fagan in the dark i found out from what i heard that monks the man i asked you about you know yes rose yes said rose i understand that monks pursued the girl had seen him accidentally with two of our boys on the day we first lost him and had known him directly to be the same child that he was watching for though i couldn't make out why a bargain was struck with fagan that if oliver was got back he should have a certain son and he was to have more for making him the thief which this monks wanted for some purpose of his own for what purpose arse rose he caught sight of my shadow on the wall as i listened in the hope of finding out said the girl and there are not many people besides me that could have got out of their way in time to escape scurry but i did and i saw him no more till last night and what occurred then i will tell you lady last night he came again again they went upstairs and i wrapping myself up so that my shadow would not betray me again listened at the door the first words i heard monks say were these so the only proofs of the boy's identity lie at the bottom of the river and the old hag that received them from the mother is rotting in her coffin they laughed and talked of his success in doing this and monks talking about the boy and getting very wild said that though he had got the young devil's money safely now he'd rather have had it the other way for what a game it would have been to have brought down the boast of the father's will by driving him through every jail in town and then hauling him up for some capital felony which fainting could easily manage after having made a good profit of him besides what is all this said rose the truth lady though it comes from my lips replied the girl then he said with oaths common enough in my ears but strange and yours and if he could gratify his hatred by taking the boy's life without bringing his own neck in danger he would but as he couldn't he'd be upon the watch to meet him at every turn in life and if he took advantage of his birth in history he might harm him yet in short fagon he says do as you are you never late such snares as I'll contrive from my young brother Oliver his brother exclaimed rose those were his words said Nancy glancing uneasily around as she had scarcely ceased to do so she began to speak for a vision of Sykes halted her perpetually and more when he spoke of you and the other lady and said it seemed contrived by heaven or the devil against him that Oliver should come into your hands he laughed and said there was some comfort in that too for how many thousands and hundreds of thousands of pounds would you not give if you had them to know who your two-legged spaniel was you do not mean said rose turning very pale to tell me that this was said in earnest he spoke in a hard and angry earnest if a man ever did reply the girl shaking her head he is an earnest man when his hatred is up I know many who do worse things well I'd rather listen to them all a dozen times and to that monks once it's growing late and I have to reach home without any suspicion of being on such an errand as this I must get back quickly well what can I do said rose what use can I turn this communication with you back why do you wish to return to companions you paint in such terrible colors if you repeat this information to a gentleman whom I could summon in an instant from the next room you can be consigned to some place of safety without half an hour's delay I wish to go back said the girl I must go back because how can I tell such things to an innocent lady like you because amongst the men I've told you there is one most desperate of them all that I can't leave now not even to be saved from the life I'm leading now you having inferred in this dear boy's behalf before said rose you're coming here at so great a risk to tell me what you have heard your manner which convinces me of the truth of what you say your evident contrition and sense of shame all lead me to believe that you might yet be reclaimed oh said the earnest girl holding her hands as the tears course down her face do not turn a deaf ear to the entreaties of one of your own sex the first the first I do believe whoever appealed you in the voice of pity and compassion do her my words and let me save you yet for better things lady cried the girl sinking on her knees dear sweet angel lady you're the first that has ever blessed me with such words as these and if I had heard them years ago they might have turned me from a life of sin and sorrow but it is too late it is too late it's never too late said rose for penitence and atonement it is cried the girl with writhing and an agony of a mind I cannot leave him now I could not be his death why should you be us rose nothing could save him cried the girl if I told others what I've told you and they're led to being taken he would be sure to die he is the boldest and has been so cruel is it possible to find rose that for such a man as this you can resign every future hope and the certainty of immediate rescue is madness I don't know what it is answer the girl I only know that it is so and not with me alone but with hundreds of others as bad and wretched as myself I must go back whether it is God's wrath for the wrong I've done I do not know but I'm drawn back to him through every suffering and ill usage and I should be I believe if I knew that I was to die by his hand at last what am I to do said rose I should not let you depart from me thus you should lady and I know you will rejoin the girl rising you will not stop my going because I have trusted in your goodness and force no promise from you as I might have done of what use them as the communication you have made said rose this mystery must be investigated or how will its disclosure to me benefit Oliver whom you're anxious to serve you must have some kind of gentleman about you that will hear it as a secret and advise you what to do rejoin the girl where can I find you again when it's necessary as well I do not seek to know where these dreadful people live but where will you be walking or passing at any settled period from this time will you promise me that you'll have my secret strictly kept come alone or with the only other person that knows it and that I shall not be watched or followed after girl I promise you solemnly answered rose every Sunday night from 11 until the clock bridge strikes 12th at the girl where hesitation I walk on London bridge if I am alive stay another moment into pose rose as the girl moved hurriedly towards the door think once again on your own condition and the opportunity you have of escaping from it you have a claim on me not only as the voluntary bearer of this intelligence but as a woman lost almost beyond redemption will you return to this gang of robbers and to this man where a word can save you what fascination is it that takes you back and makes you clean to the wickedness the misery oh is there no cord in your heart that I can touch is there nothing left to which I appeal against this terrible infatuation when ladies as young and good and beautiful as you are replied to girls steadily give away your hearts love will carry you all lengths even such as you have home friends other admirers everything to fill them when such as I who have no certain proof but the coffin lid and no friend in sickness or death but the hospital nurse set our rotten hearts on any man letting fill the place there's been a blank through all our wretched lives who can hope to cure us piteous lady piteous for having only one feeling of the woman I left and for having that turned by a heavy judgment from a comfort and a pride into a new means of violence and suffering you will said rose after a pause took some money from me which may enable you to live without dishonesty at all events until we meet again not a penny replied the girl waving her hand do not close your heart against all my efforts to help you so rose stepping gently forward I wish to serve you indeed you would serve me best my lady replied the girl reading her hands if you could take my life at once for I felt more grief to think of what I am tonight than I ever did before and it would be something not to die in the hell in which I have lived god bless you sweet lady and send as much happiness on your head as I have brought shame on mine thus speaking and sobbing about the unhappy creature turned away what rose merely overpowered by this extraordinary interview which had more than the semblance of a rapid dream an actual occurrence sank into a chair an endeavor to collect her wandering thoughts end of chapter 40 chapter 41 of Oliver twist by Charles Dickens this LibriVox recording is in the public domain chapter 41 containing fresh discoveries and showing that surprises like misfortunes seldom come alone a situation was indeed one of no common trial and difficulty while she felt the most eager and burning desire to penetrate the mystery in which Oliver's history was enveloped she could not but hold sacred the confidence which the miserable woman with whom she had just conversed had reposed in her as a young and guileless girl her words and manner had touched Rose Maley's heart and mingled with her love for a young charge and scarcely less intense in its truth than further was her fond wish to win the outcast back to repentance and hope they proposed remaining in London only three days prior to departing for some weeks to a distant part of the coast it was now midnight of the first day what course of action could she determine upon which would be adopted in eight and forty hours or how could she postpone the journey without exciting suspicion Mr Looseburn was with them and would be for the next two days but Rose was too well acquainted with the excellent gentleman's impetuosity and foresaw too clearly the wrath with which in the first explosion of his indignation he would regard the instrument of Oliver's recapture to trust him with the secret when her representations in the girl's behalf could be seconded by no experienced person these were all reasons for the greatest caution and most circumspect behavior in communicating it to mrs. Maley whose first impulse would infinitely be to hold a conference with a worthy doctor on the subject as to resorting to any legal advisor even if she had known how to do so it was scarcely to be thought of for the same reason once the thought occurred to her of seeking assistance from harry but this awakened the recollection of their last parting and it seemed unworthy of her to call him back when the tears rose to her eyes as she pursued this train of reflection he might have by this time learned to forget her and to be happier away disturbed by these different reflections inclining now to one course and then to another and again recalling from all as each successive consideration presented itself in her mind rose past a sleepless and anxious night after more communing with herself next day she arrived at the desperate conclusion of consulting harry if it be painful to him she thought to come back here how painful it will be to me perhaps he will not come he may write or he may come himself and studiously abstained from meeting me he did when he went away i hardly thought he would but it was better for us both and here rose dropped the pen and turned away as though the very paper with which was to be her messenger should not see her weep she had taken up the same pen and laid it down 50 times and reconsidered the first line of her letter without writing the first word when Oliver who had been walking the streets with mr. Giles for a body guard ended the room with such a breathless haste and violent agitation i seemed to be tokened some new cause of alarm what makes you look so florida's rose advancing to music i hardly know i feel as if i should be choked reply the boy oh dear do you think i should see him at last do you think i should be able to know that i've told you the truth i never thought you told us anything but the truth said rose soothing him but what is this of whom do you speak i have seen the gentleman replied Oliver scarcely able to articulate the gentleman who was good to me mr. brownlow mr brownlow that we have so often talked about where arse rose getting out of a coach replied Oliver shedding tears of delight and going into a house i didn't speak to him i couldn't speak to him for he didn't see me and i trembled so but i was not able to go up to him but jiles asked for me whether he lived there and they said he did look here said Oliver opening a scrap of paper here it is here's where he lives i'm going there directly oh dear me dear me what shall i do when i come to see him and hear him speak again with her attention not a little distracted by these and a great many other incoherent exclamations of joy rose read the address which was craven street in the strand and she's very soon determined upon turning the discovery to account quick she said tell them to fetch a hackney coach and be ready to go with me i will take you there directly without a minute's loss of time i will only tell my aunt that we are going up for an hour and be as ready as soon as you are Oliver needed no prompting to dispatch and a little more than five minutes they're on their way to craven street when they arrived there rose left Oliver in the coach under the pretence of preparing the old gentleman to receive him and sending up her card by the servant requested to see mr brownlow on very pressing business servant soon returned to beg that she would walk upstairs and follow him into an upper room miss maily was presented to an elderly gentleman of benevolent appearance in a bottle green coat at no great distance from whom was seated another old gentleman in nankine breaches and gaiters who did not look particularly benevolent and who was sitting with his hands clasped on the top of thick stick and his chin propped there upon dear me said the gentleman in the bottle green coat hastily rising with great politeness i beg your pardon young lady i imagined it was some importunate person who i beg you will excuse me be seated pray mr brownlow i believe sir said rose glancing from the other gentleman to the one who had spoken that is my name said the old gentleman this is my friend mr grim wig grim wig will you leave us for a few minutes i believe it to pose miss maily that at this period our interview i do not give that gentleman of trouble of going away he is cognizant of the business on which i wish to speak to you mr brownlow inclined his head mr grim wig who had made one very stiff bow and risen from his chair made another very stiff bow and dropped into it again i shall surprise you very much i have no doubts said rose naturally embarrassed but once you showed great benevolence of goodness to a very dear young friend of mine and i'm sure you'll take an interest in hearing of him again indeed said mr brownlow i'll have a twist you knew him as replied rose the words no sooner escaped her lips that mr grim wig who had been affecting to dip into a large book that lay on the table upset it with a great crash falling back in his chair discharged from his features every expression but one of unmitigated wonder and indulged in a prolonged and vacant stare then as if ashamed of having betrayed so much emotion he jerked himself as it were by a convulsion into his former attitude and looking straight up before him emitted a long deep whistle which seemed at last not to be discharged on empty air but to die away in the innermost recesses of his stomach mr brownlow was no less surprised though his astonishment was not expressed in the same eccentric manner he drew his chair nearer to miss mailies and said do me the favor my dear young lady to leave entirely out of the question that goodness and benevolence of which you speak and of which nobody else knows anything if you have it in your power to produce any evidence which will alter the unfavorable opinion i was once induced to attain of that poor child in heaven's name put me in possession of it the bad one i'll eat my head if he's not a bad one grail mr grim wig speaking by some ventriloquial power without moving a muscle of his face he is a child of a noble nature and a warm heart said rose coloring and that power which is thought fit to try and beyond his years has planted in his breast affections and feelings which will do honor to many who have numbered his days six times over i'm only 61 said mr grim man with the same rigid face as the devil's in it if this oliver is not 12 years old at least i don't see the application of that remark do not heed my friend miss mailies said mr brownlow he does not mean what he says yes he does grow up mr grim week no he does not say mr brownlow obviously rising in wrath as he spoke he'll eat his head if he doesn't grow up mr grim week he would deserve to have it knocked off if he does said mr brownlow and he's uncommonly like to see any man offered to do it responding mr grimwood knocking his stick upon the floor having gone thus far the two old gentlemen severally took snuff and afterwards shook hands according to their invariable custom now miss mailies said mr brownlow to return to the subject in which your humanity is so much interested will you let me know what intelligence you have this poor child allowing me to promise that i exhausted every means in my power of discovering him and that since i've been absent from this country my first impression that he imposed upon me had been persuaded by his former associates to rob me has been considerably shaken rose who had had time to collect her thoughts at once related in a few natural words all that had befallen oliver since he left mr brownlow's house reserving Nancy's information for that gentleman's private ear and concluding with the insurance that is only sorrow for some months past had not been able to meet with his former benefactor and friend thank god said the old gentleman this is great happiness to me great happiness but you have not told me where he is now miss may thee you must pardon my fighting fault with you but why have you not bought him he's waiting in a coach at the door replied rose at this door cried the old gentleman with which he hurried out of the room and down the stairs up the coach steps and into the coach without another word when the room door closed behind him mr grimmig lifted up his head and converting one of the hind legs of his chair into a pivot described three distinct circles with the assistance of his stick at the table sitting in it all the time after performing this evolution he rose and limped as fast as he could up and down the room at least a dozen times and stopping suddenly before rose kissed her without the slightest preface hush he said as the young lady rose in some alarm it's unusual proceeding don't be afraid i'm old enough to be your grandfather you're a sweet girl i like you here they are in fact he threw himself at one dexterous dive into his former seat mr brownlow returned accompanied by oliver whom mr grimwig received very graciously and if the gratification of that moment had been the only reward for all our anxiety and care in oliver's behalf rose may lead would have been well repaid there is somebody else who should not be forgotten by the body said mr brownlow ringing the bell send mrs bedwin here if you please the old housekeeper answered the summons with all dispatch dropping a curtsy at the door waiting for orders why do you get blind every day bedwin said mr brownlow rather testily well though i do sir replied the old lady people's eyes at my time of life don't improve with age sir i could have told you that rejoin mr brownlow i put on your glasses to see if you can't find out what you all wanted for will you the old lady began to rummage in a pocket for her spectacles but oliver's patience was not proof against this new trial and yielded to his first impulse he sprang into her arms god be good to me cried the old lady embracing him it's my innocent boy my dear old nurse cried oliver he would come back i knew he would said the old lady holding him in her arms how well he looks now like a gentleman's son he is dressed again where have you been this long while uh the same sweet face but lots of pale the same soft eye but lots of sad i've never forgotten them always quiet smile but i've seen them every day side by side with those of my own dear children dead and gone since i was a lightsome young creature running on nuts and now holding oliver from her to mark how he had grown now clasping into her and passing her fingers fondly through his hair the good soul laughed and wept upon his neck by terms leaving her and oliver to compare notes at leisure mr brownlow led the way to another room and there heard from rose a full narration of her interview with nancy which occasioned him no little surprise and perplexity rose also explained her reasons for not confiding in her friend mr lostburn in the first instance the old gentleman considered that she had acted prudently and readily undertook to hold solemn conference with the worthy doctor himself to afford him an early opportunity for the execution of this design it was arranged that he should call at the hotel at eight o'clock by the evening and in the meantime mrs maylee should be cautiously informed of all that has occurred these preliminaries adjusted rose and oliver returned home rose had by no means overrated the measure of the good doctor's wrath nancy's history was no sooner on forward to him then he poured forth a shower of mingled threats and excretions threatened to make her the first victim of a combined ingenuity of messes blathers and duff and actually put on his hat preparatory to selling forth to obtain the assistance of these worthy's and doubtless he would in this first outbreak have carried the intention into effect without a moment's consideration of the consequences if he had not been restrained in part by corresponding violence on the side of mr brownlow who was himself of an irascible temperament and party by such arguments and representations have seemed best calculated to dissuade him from his hot brain purpose then what the devil is to be done so the pictures doctor and they'd rejoin the two ladies are we to pass a vote thanks to all these vagabonds male and female and beg them to accept a hundred pounds or so a piece as a trifling mark of our esteem and some slight acknowledgement of their kindness to oliver not exactly that which only mr brownlow laughing but we must proceed gently and with great care gentleness and care explain the doctor i'd send them one and all to never mind where and to pose mr brownlow but reflect whether sending them anywhere is likely to attain the object we have in view what object asks the doctor simply the discovery of oliver's parentage and regaining for him the inheritance of which if this story be true he has been fraudulently deprived ah said mr osberg coaling himself with his pocket handkerchief i almost forgot that you see pursued mr brownlow placing this poor girl entirely out of the question and supposing it were possible to bring these scandals to justice without compromising her safety what good should we bring about hanging a few of them at least in all probabilities suggested the doctor and transporting the rest very good replied mr brownlow smiling but no doubt they will bring that about themselves in the fullness of time and if we step in to forestall them it seems to me that we should be performing a very quick sotic act in direct opposition to our own interest or at least to olivers which is the same thing how inquire the doctor thus it is quite clear that we will have extreme difficulty in getting to the bottom of this mystery unless we can bring this man monks upon his knees that can only be done by stratagem and by catching him when he is not surrounded by these people for suppose he were apprehended we have no proof against him he is not even so far as we know all as the facts appear to us concerned with a gang in any of their robberies if he were not discharged it was very unlikely that he could receive any further punishment being committed to prison as a rogue and a vagabond and of course ever afterwards his mouth would be so obstinately closed he might as well for our purposes be deaf dumb blind and an idiot then said the doctor impetuously put it to you again whether you think it reasonable that this promise to the girl should be considered binding a promise made with the hidden kindest intentions is but really do not discuss the point my dear young lady pray said mr. Brown alone but interrupting rows is she was about to speak the promises shall be kept I don't think it will in the slightest degree interfere with our proceedings but before we can resolve upon any precise course of action it will be necessary to see the girl to ascertain from her whether she will point out this monk's on the understanding that he is to be dealt with by us and not by the law if she will not or cannot do that procure from her such an account of his haunts and a description of his person that will enable us to identify him she cannot be seen until next Sunday night this is Tuesday I would suggest that in the meantime we remain perfectly quiet and keep these matters secret even from Oliver himself although Mr. Lois Byrne received many rye faces of proposal involving a delay of five old days he was feigned to admit that no better course occurred to him just then and as both Rose and Mrs. Mayley sided very strongly with Mr. Brown alone that gentleman's proposition was carried unanimously I should like he said to call in the aid of my friend Grimwick he's a strange creature but a shrewd one and might prove a material assistance to us I should say that he was bred a lawyer and quitted the bar in disgust because he had only one brief and emotion of course in 20 years although whether that is a recommendation or not you must determine for yourselves I have no objection to you calling in your friend if I may call in mind said the doctor you must put it to the vote replied Mr. Brown um who may he be the lady's son and this young lady's very old friend said the doctor motioning towards Mrs. Mayley and concluding with an expressive glance at her niece Rose blushed deeply but she did not make any audible objection to this motion possibly she felt a hopeless minority and Harry Mayley and Mr. Grimwick were accordingly added to the committee we stay in town of course said Mrs. Mayley where there remains the slightest prospect of prosecuting this inquiry with a chance of success I will spare neither trouble nor expense in behalf of the object in which we are so deeply interested and I am content to remain here if it be for 12 months so long as you assure me that any hope remains good rejoin Mr. Brown as I see it on the faces about me a disposition to inquire how it happened that I was not in the way to corroborate Oliver's tale and had so suddenly left the kingdom let me stipulate that I should be asked no questions until such times as I may deem it expedient before stall them by telling my own story believe me I make this request with good reason or I might otherwise excite hopes destined never to be realized and only increase difficulties and disappointments already quite numerous enough come supper has been announced and young Oliver who's all alone in the next room are begun to think by this time that we'd weary of his company and entered into some dark conspiracy to thrust him forth upon the world with these words the old gentleman gave his hand to Mrs. Mayley and escorted her to the supper room mr. looseborn followed leading roles and the counten was for the present affectionately broken up end of chapter 41 chapter 42 of Oliver twist by Charles Dickens this LibriVox recording is in the public domain chapter 42 an old acquaintance of Oliver's exhibiting decided marks of genius becomes a public character in the metropolis upon the night when Nancy having lulled mr. Slikes to sleep hurried on a self-imposed mission to Rose Mayley her advanced towards London by the great north road two persons upon whom it is expedient that this history should bestow some attention it were a man and a woman perhaps they will be better described as a male and a female for the former was one of those long-limbed not need shambling bony people to whom it is difficult to do a song in any precise age looking as they do when they are yet boys like undergrown men and when they are almost men like overgrown boys the woman was young but of a robust and hardy make as she needed being to bear the weight of the heavy bundle which was strapped to her back a companion was not encumbered with much luggage as they are merely dangled from a stick which he carried over his shoulder a small parcel wrapped in a common handkerchief and apparently light enough this circumstance added to the length of his legs which were of an unusual extent enabled him with much ease to keep some half dozen places in advance of his companion to whom he occasionally turned with the impatient jerk of the head as if reproaching her tarniness and urging her to greater exertion thus they had towed along the dusty road taking little heed of any object within sight save when they stepped aside to allow a wider passage for the mile coaches which were whirling out of town until they passed through Highgate Archway when the foremost traveller stopped and called him patiently to his companion come on culture or lacy bones you are a shallot it's a heavy load I can tell you said the female coming up almost breathless with fatigue heavy what are you talking about what are you made for enjoying the male traveller changing his own little bundle as he spoke to the other shoulder oh there you are resting again and ain't enough to tire anybody's patience out I don't know what is how much further us the woman resting herself against the bank and looking up the perspiration streaming from her face much further you're as good as there said the long leaky tramper pointing out before him look there those are the lights of London very good two mile off at least said the woman desponding me never mind whether they're two mile off or twenty said no a clay bowl for he it was but get up and come on or I'll kick her and so I'll give you notice as Noah's red nose grew redder with anger and as he crossed the road while speaking as they fully prepared to put his threat into execution the woman rose without any further remark and trudged on wood by his side where do you mean to stop for the night now as she asked after they walked a few hundred yards how should I know replied Noah whose temper had been considerably impaired by walking near our hope said Charlotte no not near replied Mr. Capell there not near so don't think it why not well I'll tell you that I don't mean to do a thing that's enough I'm not any why or because I though replied Mr. Capell with dignity well you needn't be so cross at his companion a pretty thing it would be wouldn't it to go and stop at the very first public house outside the town so that soberly if he come up after us might poke in his old nose and never take him back in the car with handcuffs on said Mr. Capell in a cheering turn no I shall go and lose myself among the narrowest streets I can find and not stop till we come out of the very end of the wayest house I can set eyes on God you may thank your stars I've got a head for if we haven't gone up first the wrong road of purpose and come back across country that have been locked up hard and fast a week ago my lady and serve your right for being a fool I know I ain't as cunning as you are replied Charlotte but don't put all the blame on me and say I should have been locked up you would have been if I'd been anyway you took the money from the till you know you did say Mr. Capell I took it for you know a dear a drawing Charlotte did I keep it as Mr. Capell no you trusted me and let me carry it like a dear son so you are said the lady chucking him under the chin and throwing her arm through his this was indeed the case but it was not Mr. Capell's habit to repose a blind and foolish confidence in anybody it should be observed injustice to that gentleman and he had trusted to Charlotte to this extent in order that if they were pursued the money might be found on her which would leave him an opportunity of asserting his innocence of any theft and would greatly facilitate his chances of escape of course he entered at this juncture into no explanation of his motives they walked on very lovingly together in pursuance of the Scorsese plan Mr. Capell went on without holding till he arrived at the Angel at Islington where he wisely judged from the crowd of passengers the numbers of vehicles that London began in earnest just pausing to observe which appeared the most crowded streets and consequently the most to be avoided he crossed into St John's Road and was soon deep in the obscurity of the intricate and dirty ways which lying between Grey's Inn Lane and Smithfield render that part of the town one of the lowest and worst of improvement as left in the midst of London through these streets Noah Capell walked dragging Charlotte after him now stepping into the kennel to embrace at a glance the whole external character of some small public house now jogging on again as some fancied appearance induced him to believe it too public for his purpose but lengthy stopped in front of one more humble in appearance and more dirty than any he had yet seen and having crossed over and surveyed it from the opposite pavement graciously announced his intention of putting up there for the night so give us a bundle said no just hanging it from the woman's shoulders just slinging it over his own and don't you speak except when you spoke to what's the name of the house three what cripples said Charlotte three cripples repeated Noah and a very good someone too now they keep close at my heels and come along with these injunctions he pushed the rattling ball with his shoulder and entered the house followed by his companion there was nobody in the bar but a young Jew who with his two elbows on the counter was reading a dirty newspaper he stared very hard at Noah and Noah stared very hard at him if Noah had been a tired in his charity boy's dress there might have been some reason for the Jew opening his eyes so wide and as he had discarded the coat and badge of more a short smock flock over his leathers there seemed to be no particular reason for his appearance exciting so much attention in a public house just the three cripples asked Noah that uh that's the dabelous house replied the tune gentleman we met on the road coming up from the country recommended us here said no nudging Charlotte perhaps to call her attention to this most ingenious device for attracting respect perhaps the warner to portray no surprise we want to sleep here tonight i'm not certain that you could said Barney was the attendant sprite but only quarter show us a tap and give us a bit of cold meat in the drop of beer while you're inquiring where you said Noah Barney complied by ushering him into a small back room and setting the required vions before them having done which he informed the travelers that they could be lodged at night and left the amiable couple to their refreshment and this back room was immediately behind the bar some steps lower so that any person connected with the house and drawing a small curtain which consumed a single pane of glass fixed in the wall of the last named apartment about five foot from the slurry not only looked down upon any guests in the back room without any great hazard of being observed the glass being in a dark angle of the wall between which and a large upright being the observer had to thrust himself but could by applying his ear to the partition ascertain with tolerable distinctness their subject to conversation the landlord of the house have not withdrawn his eye from this place in a spiral for five minutes and Barney had only just returned from making the communication above related went flagging in the course of his evenings business coming to the bar to inquire up to some of his young pupils usher said Barney strangers in the next group strangers replied the old man always adverbs to added Barney from the country but something in your way I'll be bestate flag and appear to receive this communication with great interest mounting the stool he cautiously applied his eye to the pane of glass from which secret post you can see mr. Claiborne taking cold beef from the dish and porter from the pot and administering homopathic doses of both to charlotte who sat patiently by eating and drinking at his pleasure aha he whispered looking around at Barney I like that fellow's looks he'd be of use to us he knows how to train the girl already don't make as much noise as a mouse my dear and let me hear him talk let me hear him he again applied his eye to the glass and turning his ear to the partition listened attentively with a subtle and eager look upon his face that might have appetite into some old goblin so I mean to be a gentleman said mr. Claiborne kicking out his legs and continuing a conversation the commencement of which fagan had arrived too late to hear no more jolly old coffin shallot but a gentleman's life for me if you like you should be a lady I should like that well enough dear replied shallot but till's ain't going to be emptied every day and people to get clear off after it till's be blowed said mr. Claiborne there's more things beside till's to be emptied what do you mean now this companion pockets women's riddikules houses smile coaches banks said mr. Claiborne rising with the water you can't do all that dear said shallot I should look out to get into company with him as can replied Noah they'll be able to make us useful some way or another or you yourself are worth 50 women I've never seen such a precious sly and deceitful creature as you could be when I let you law how nice it is to hear you say so explain shallot in printing a kiss upon his ugly face there that'll do don't be too affectionate in case I'm cross with you said Noah disengaging himself with great gravity I should like to be the captain of some band and have the whooping of them and following them about unbeknownt themselves that would suit me if there was a good profit and if we could only get in with some gentleman resort I say it would be cheaper that 20 pound note you've got especially as we don't very well know how to get rid of it ourselves after expressing this opinion mr. Claiborne looked into the porta pot with an aspect of deep wisdom and having well shaken its contents nodded condescendingly to charlotte took a draft where with the appeared greatly refreshed he was meditating another when the sudden opening of the door when the appearance of a stranger interrupted him the stranger was mr. Fagan very aimable he looked and very low bow he made as he advanced and setting himself down at the nearest table ordered something to drink from the grinning barn a pleasant night sir but cool for the time of year said Fagan rubbing his hands from the country I see how'd you see that I was now a Claiborne we have not so much dust as that in London replied Fagan pointing from Noah's shoes to those of his companion and from them to the two bundles Fagan followed up this remark by striking the side of the nose with his right forefinger a gesture which no attempted to imitate though not with complete success in consequence of his own nose not being large enough for the purpose I have a mr. Fagan seem to interpret the endeavor as expressing the perfect coincidence with his opinion and put about the liquor which Barney reappeared with in very friendly manner good stuff that observed mr. Claiborne smacking his lips dear said Fagan a man need be always emptying a till or a pocket or a woman's reticule or a house or a male coach or a bank if he drinks it regularly mr. Claiborne no sooner heard this extract from his own remarks then he fell back in his chair I looked from the tube to solve with a contents of ashy pounds and excessive terror don't mind me my dear said Fagan drawing his chair tasting haha I was lucky it was only me that heard you by chance it was very lucky it was only me I didn't take it stammered no I no longer stretching it with legs like an independent gentleman but calling out as well as he could under his chair it was all worth doing you've got it now charlotte you know you're out no matter who's got it or who did it my dear replied Fagan glancing nevertheless with a hawk's eye at the girl and the two bundles I'm in that way myself and I like you for it in what way you asked mr. Claiborne a little recovering in that way of business for joint fate and so are the people in the house if it the right nail upon the head and as safe here as you could be there's not a safer place in all this town than the cripples that is when I like to make it so I've taken a fancy to you and the young one so I said the word and you may make your minds easy not a Claiborne's mind might have been at ease after his assurance but his body certainly was not very shuffled and writhed about into various uncouth positions eyeing his new friend meanwhile with mingled fear and suspicion I'll tell you more said Fagan after he reassured the girl what did to friendly nonce and muttered encouragements I've got a friend that I think can gratify your darling wish and put you in the right way where you can take whatever department of the business you think will suit you best at first and be taught all the others your speakers if you're in earnest replied now what advantage would it be to me to be anything else in quite Fagan shrugging his shoulders you know let me have a good with you outside there's no occasion to trouble ourselves to move said Noah getting his legs by gradual decrees abroad again she'll take the luggage upstairs while Charlotte seat and in bundles the mandate which had been delivered with great majesty was obeyed without the slightest demure and Charlotte made the best of her way off with the packages or Noah held the door open and watched her out she's kept totally well under inching he asked as he resumed his seat in the tone of a keeper who had tamed some mild animal quite perfect rejoined Fagan clapping him on the shoulder you're a genius my dear well I suppose if I wasn't it shouldn't be here replied Noah but I say she'll be back if you lose time now what do you think said Fagan if you was to like my friend you could do better than join in is he in a good way of business that's where it is responded Noah winking one of his little eyes top of the tree employs a power of hands and has the very best society in the profession regular town maiders asked mr. Claiborne what a country man among them and I don't think he'd take you even on my recommendation if he didn't run rather short of assistance just now replied Fagan should I have to hand over said Noah slapping his breaches pocket it couldn't possibly be done without it replied Fagan in a most decided manner 20 pound now it's a lot of money not when it's in a note that you can't get rid of reported Fagan number and date taken I suppose payment stopped at the bank it's not worth much to him it'll have to go abroad and he couldn't sell it for a great deal on the market when could I see him I know a doubt for him tomorrow morning where here hmm said no what's the wages live like a gentleman bored and lodging pipes and spirits free half of all you earn and half of all the young woman earns replied mr. Fagan with another Claiborne whose rapacity was none of the least comprehensive with the seeded even to these growing terms have been a perfectly free agent is really doubtful as he recollected that in the event of his refusal that was in the power of his new acquaintance to give him up to justice immediately and more unlikely things had come to pass he gradually relented and said he thought that would suit him but you see observed Noah she would be able to do a good deal I should like to take something very light a little fancy work just in favor something on that sort replied no what do you think would suit me I think not to try for the strength and not be dangerous you know I heard you talk of something in the spy way upon the others my dear said Fagan my friend wants somebody who would do that well very much well I did mention that and I shouldn't mind turning my hand to it sometimes which one mr. Claiborne slowly but it wouldn't pay by itself you know that is true observed that you ruminating or pretending to ruminate no it might not what do you think that arson our anxiously regarding something in the sneaky way where it's pretty sure work and not much more risk of being at home what do you think of the old ladies as Fagan there's a good deal of money to be made in snatching their bags and parcels running around the corner don't they holler out a good deal and scratch sometimes arson I was shaking his head I don't think that would answer more purpose ain't there any other line open stop said Fagan laying his hand on Noah's knee the kinship lay or sat the mother mr. Claiborne the kinship my dear said Fagan it's the young children that's sent on errands by their mothers with sixpences and shillings and the lay is just to take their money away they've always got it ready in their hands they're knocked them into the kennel walk off very slow as if there was nothing else in the matter but a child falling down and hurt itself haha haha raw mr. Claiborne kicking up his legs in ecstasy lord that's the very thing to be sure it is replied Fagan and you can have a good few beats chalked out in Camden town and battle bridge and neighborhoods like that they're always going out and as you can upset as many kitchens as you want any hour of the day haha with this Fagan poke mr. Claiborne in the side and they joined in a burst of laughter both long and loud well that's all right I said no need to cover himself and shall it return what time tomorrow shall we say we'll tend to ask Fagan adding as mr. Claiborne none of the same what name shall I tell him my good friend mr. Bolter replied Noah who had prepared himself for such an emergency mr. Morris Bolter this is mrs. Bolter mrs. Bolter's humble servant said Fagan bowing with grotesque politeness I hope I shall know her better very shortly dear the gentleman Charlotte thundered mr. Claiborne yes Noah dear replied mrs. Bolter extending her hand she calls me now as a sort of fun way of talking said mr. Morris Bolter late Claibor turning to Fagan you understand oh yes I understand perfectly right Fagan telling the truth once good night good night with many adduce and good wishes mr. Fagan went his way now Claiborne will be speaking his good lady's attention proceeded to enlighten her relative to the arrangement he had made and with all the haughtiness and air of superiority becoming not only a member of the stern of sex who appreciated the dignity of a very special appointment on the kitchen lane London and its vicinity end of chapter 42 chapter 43 of Oliver twist by Charles Dickens this LibriVox recording is in the public domain chapter 43 wherein is shown how the artful Dodger got into trouble and so it was that you was your own friend was it asked mr. Claibor otherwise Bolter when by virtue of the compact entered into between them he had removed next day to Fagan's house God I thought as much last night every man's his own friend my dear replied Fagan with his most insinuating grin he isn't as good a one as himself anywhere except sometimes replied Morris Bolter assuming the air of a man of the world some people are nobody's enemies but their own you know don't believe that said Fagan will amends his own enemy it's only because he's too much his own friend not because he's careful of everybody but himself there ain't such a thing in nature there ought to be if there is replied mr. Bolter that stands to reason some conjurers say that the number three is the magic number and some say number seven it's neither my friend it's number one cried mr. Bolter number one forever in a little community like I was my dear said Fagan who felt it necessary to qualify this position we have a general number one without considering me two is the same and all the other young people I would a devil exclaimed mr. Bolter you see pursued Fagan affecting to disregard this interruption we are so mixed up together and identified in our interests that it must be so for instance it's your object take care of number one meaning yourself certainly replied mr. Bolter you're about right there but you can't take care of yourself number one without taking care of me number one number two you mean said mr. Bolter who was largely endowed with a quality of selfishness no more don't retorted Fagan I'm of the same importance to you as you are to yourself what I say interrupted mr. Bolter you're a very nice man and I'm very fond of you but we ain't quite so thick together as all that comes to only think said Fagan shrugging his shoulders and stretching out his hands only consider you've done what's a very pretty thing and what I love you for doing but what at the same time would put the cravat around your throat that's so very easily tied it's so very difficult to unloose in plain English the halter mr. Bolter put his hand to his neck achieve as if he felt it inconveniently tied and murmured an ascent qualified in tone but not in substance the gallows continued Fagan the gallows my dear is an ugly finger post which points out a very short and sharp turning that has stopped many a bold fellow's career on the broad highway to keep in the easy road and to keep it at a distance is an object number one with you oh of course it is replied mr. Bolter what do you talk about such things for only to show you my meaning clearly said the Jew raising his eyebrows to be able to do that you depend upon me to keep my little business all snug I depend upon you the first is your number one the second my number one the more you value your number one the more careful you must be of mine so we come at last and what I told you at first tell a regard for number one holds us all together I must do so unless we would all go to pieces in company that's true rejoice mr. Bolter thoughtfully oh you're a cunning old codger mr. Fagan saw with the light that this tribute to his powers was no mere compliment that he had really impressed his recruit with a sense of his wily genius which it was most important that he should entertain in the outset of their acquaintance to strengthen an impression so desirable and useful he followed up the blow by equating him in some detail with the magnitude and extent of his operations blending truth and fiction together as best served his purpose and bringing both to bear with so much heart that mr. Bolter's respect visibly increased and he became tempered at the same time with a degree of wholesome fear which it was highly desirable to awaken it's this mutual trust we have in each other that consoles me under heavy losses said Fagan my best hand was taken from me yesterday morning you don't mean to say died cried mr. Bolter no no replied Fagan not as bad as that but quite so bad what i suppose he was wanted into post fagan yes he was wanted very particular inquired mr. Bolter no replied Fagan not very he was charged with attempting to pick a pocket and they found a silver snuff box on him his own my dear his own for he took snuff himself and was very fond of it they remanded him till today before they thought they knew the owner haha he was worth 50 boxes and i give the price of as many to have him back you should have known the dodger well but i shall know him i hope don't you think so sir mr. Bolter i'm doubtful about it replied Fagan with a sigh if they don't get any fresh evidence it'll only be a somebody conviction and we shall have him back again after six weeks or so but if they do it's a case of lagging they know what a clever lad he is he'll be a lifer don't make the art form nothing less than a lifer what do you mean lagging a lifer demanded mr. Bolter what's the good of talking in that way to me why don't you speak so as i can understand you Fagan was about to translate these mysterious expressions into the vulgar tongue and being interrupted mr. Bolter would have been informed that they represented a combination of words transportation for life and the dialogue was cut short by the entry of masterbates with his hands in his bridge's pocket and his face twisted into a look of semi-comical woe so what Fagan said charlie when he and his new companion had been made known to each other what do you mean they found the gentleman as own in the box two or three mourners are coming to identify him and the art force booked for a passage out replied masterbates i must have a full suit of mourning fagan and i had to visit him in before he sets out upon his travels i think a jack dork in slummy jack the dodger an artful dodger going abroad for a common two penny eight knee sneeze box never thought he'd done it under a gold watch chain and seals at the lowest oh why didn't he rub some rich old gentleman of all his valuables and go out as a gentleman and not like a common prick without no honor nor glory with this expression of feeling for his unfortunate friend masterbates set himself on the nearest chair with an aspect of chagrin and despondency what do you talk about is having neither honor nor glory for exclaimed fagan darting an angry look at his pupil wasn't he always the top soya among you all is there one of you that could touch him or come near him on any scent there not one replied masterbates and the voice rendered husky by regret not one and what do you talk of replied fagan angrily what are you blubbering for because it isn't on the record is it said charlie chafed into a perfect defiance of his venerable friend by the current of his regrets because it can't come out any indictment because nobody will ever know half of what he was how will he stand in the new gate calendar perhaps not be there at all oh my eye my eye what a blow it is ha ha cried fagan extending his right hand and turning to mr bolster in a fit of chuckling which shook him as though he had the palsy see what pride they're taking their profession my dear ain't it beautiful mr bolster nodded in the scent and fagan after contemplating the grief of charlie bates for some seconds with evident satisfaction stepped up to the young gentleman and patted him on the shoulder never mind charlie said fagan soothingly it'll come out it'll be sure to come out they all know what a clever fellow he was he'll show it himself and not disgrace his old pals and teachers they go young years too what a distinction charlie to be lagged at his time of well it is an honor that is said charlie a little consoled he shall have all he wants continuing to do he should be kept in the stone jug charlie like a gentleman like a gentleman with his beer every day and money in his pocket to pitch and toss with if he can't spend it no charlie though cried charlie base either he shall reply fagan and will have a big wig charlie one that's got the greatest gift of the gab to carry out his defense he shall make a speech for himself too if he likes and will read it all in the papers artful dodger shrieks of laughter here the court was convulsed hey charlie hey laugh master base what a luck that would be wouldn't it fagan i say how the artful would bother him wouldn't he would cried fagan he shall he will i'd be sure so he will repeat charlie rubbing his hands i think i see him now cried the tune bending his eyes upon his pupil so do i cried charlie base so do i i sit all for me upon my soul i do fagan what a game what a regular game all the big wigs trying to look solemn and jack dorkings addressing him as an intimate and comfortable as if he were to judge his own son making a speech after dinner in fact mr fagan had so well human his young friends eccentric disposition that master base who had at first been disposed consider the imprisoned dodger rather in the light of a victim now looked upon him as the chief actor in the scene of most uncommon and exquisite humor and felt quite impatient for the arrival of the time when his old companion should have so favorable an opportunity of displaying his abilities we must know how he gets on today by some handy means or other said fagan let me think shall i go ask charlie not for the world replied fagan are you mad my dear start mad that you'd walk into the very place where no charlie no one is enough to lose at a time you don't mean to go yourself i suppose said charlie with a humorous layer that wouldn't quite fit replied fagan shaking his head and why don't you send this new co-vast master base laying his hand on Noah's arm nobody knows him why if he didn't mind observe fagan mind in the post charlie what should he have to mind really nothing more dear said fagan turning to mr bolter really nothing oh i dare say about that you know who observed Noah backing towards the door and shaking his head with a kind of sober alarm no no no no that it's not my department that ain't what department has he got fagan inquired master baits surveying Noah's lamp form with much disgust the cutting away when there's anything wrong and he eating all the whittles when there's everything right is that his branch never mind retorted mr bolter don't you take liberties with your superior's little boy or find yourself in a wrong shop master baits laugh so vehemently at this magnificent threat that it was some time before fagan could interpose and represent to mr bolter that he'd incurred no possible danger in visiting the police office that in as much as no account of the little fair in which he'd engage or any description of his person had yet been forwarded to the metropolis it was very probable that he was not even suspected of having resorted to it for shelter and that if he were properly disguised it would be a safer spot for him to visit as any in london in as much as it would be of all places the very last to which he could be supposed likely to resort of his own free will persuaded in part by these representations but overborn in a much greater degree by his fear of fagan mr bolter at length consented with a very bad grace to undertake the expedition by fagan's directions he immediately substituted for his own attire a wagonous frock velveteen breeches and leather leggings all of which articles that you had at hand it is like rice furnished with a felt hat well garnished with turnpike tickets and a carter's whip thus equipped he was to sort her into the office of some country fellow from covent garden market might be supposed to do for the gratification of his curiosity and as he was awakened and gain lyon raw bonder fellow as need be mr fagan had no fear but that he would look the part to perfection these arrangements completed he was informed of the necessary signs and tokens by which to recognize the artful dodger and was conveyed by master baits through dark and winding ways to within a very short distance of bow street having described the precise situation of the office and accompanied it with copious directions so he was to walk straight up the passage and when he got into the side and pull off his hat as he went into the room charlie baits bade him hurry on alone and promised to buy his return on the spot of their party now clay poll or morris bolter as the reader pleases punctually followed the directions he'd received which master baits being pretty well acquainted with the locality was so exact that he was enabled to gain the magisterial presence without asking any question or meeting with any interruption by the way he found himself jostled among a crowd of people chiefly women who were huddled together in a dirty frowsy room at the upper end of which was a raised platform riled off in the rest with a dock for the prisoners on the left hand against the wall a box for the witnesses in the middle and the desk for the magistrate on the right the awful locality last name being screened off by a partition which concealed the bench from the common gaze and left the vulgar to imagine if they could the full majesty of justice there were only a couple of women in the dock who were nodding to their admiring friends or the clock read some depositions to a couple of policemen and a man in plain clothes who lent over a table a jailer stood reclining against the clock grail tapping his nose listlessly with a large key except when he repressed an undue tendency to conversation among the idlers by proclaiming silence or looked sternly up to bid some woman take that baby out when the gravity of justice was disturbed by feeble cries half smuggled in the mother's shawl for some meager infant the room smelt close and unwholesome the walls were dirt discoloured and the ceiling blackened there was an old smoky bust over the mantle shelf and a dusty clock above the dock the only thing present that seemed to go on as though it ought for depravity or poverty or an habitual acquaintance with both had left a taint on all the animate matter hardly less unpleasant than the thick greasy scum on every inanimate object that frowned upon it Noah looked eagerly about him for the dodger but although there were several women who would have done very well for that distinguished character's mother or sister and more than one man who might be supposed to bear a strong resemblance to his father nobody at all answering that description given him of Mr Dawkins was to be seen he waited in a state of much suspense and uncertainty until the women being committed for trial went flaunting out and then was quickly relieved by the appearance of another prisoner who he felt at once could be no other than the object of his visit it was indeed Mr Dawkins who shuffling into the office with big coat sleeves tucked up as usual his left hand in his pocket and his hat in his right hand proceeded the jailer with a rolling gate altogether indescribable and taking his place in the dock requested in an audible voice to know what he was placed in that a disgraceful situation for old your tongue when you said the jailer i'm an Englishman ain't i we're doing the dodger where are my privileges you'll get your privileges soon enough retorted the jailer and pepper with them we'll see what the secretary of state for home affairs has got to say to the bigs if i don't reply mr Dawkins now then what is this here business i should thank the magistrates to dispose of see a little affair and not keep me while they read the paper i've got an appointment with a gentleman in the city and as i'm a man of my word and worry punching in business matters you'll go away if i ain't there at my time and perhaps there won't be an action for damage against them has kept me away oh no certainly not at this point the dodger with the show being very particular with the view to proceedings to be had thereafter desired the jailer to communicate and names that m2 files as was on the bench which so tickled the spectators that they laughed almost as heartily as a master baits could have done if he had heard the request silence there cried the jailer what is this inquiring one of the magistrates a pickpocketing case your worship has whatever been here before he ought to have been many times replied the jailer he's been pretty well everywhere else i know him well your worship oh you know me do you cried the artful making a note of the statement very good that's a case of defamation of character anyway here there was another laugh and another cry of silence now then where are the witnesses of the clerk ah that's right added the dodger where are they i should like to see him the wish was immediately gratified for a policeman stepped forward who had seen the prisoner attempt the pocket of an unknown gentleman in the crowd and indeed take a handkerchief there from which being a very old one he deliberately put back again after trying it on his own countenance for this reason he took the dodger into custody as soon as he could get near him and said the dodger being searched had upon his person a silver snuff box with the owner's name engraved upon the lid a gentleman had been discovered on reference to the court guide and being then and their president swore that the snuff box was his and that he had missed it on the previous day the moment he had disengaged himself from the crowd before being referred to he had also remarked a young gentleman in the throng particularly active in making his way about and that young gentleman was the prisoner before him have you anything to ask this witness boy said the magistrate i wouldn't have based myself by descending to hold no conversation with him replied the dodger have you anything to say at all do you hear his worship ask if you've got anything to say inquire the jailer nudging the silent dodger with his elbow i beg your pardon said the dodger looking up with an air of abstraction did you redress yourself to me my man i'll never see such an out and out young vagabond your worship observe the officer with a grin do you mean to say anything you young shaver no replied the dodger not here for this ain't the shop for justice besides rich my attorney is a breakfast in this morning with the vice president at the ouster commons but i shall have something to say elsewhere and so will he and so will a very numerous and respectable circle of acquaintances as i'll make them beats wish they'd never been born or that they got their footmen to hang them up to their own hat pegs before they let them come out this morning to try it on upon me oh there he's fully committed into post the clerk take him away come on said the jailer oh come on replied the dodger brushing his hat with a palm of his hand ah to the bench it's no issue looking frightened i'll show you no mercy not a hate worth of it you'll pay for this my fine fellows i wouldn't be you for something i wouldn't go free now if you used to fall down on your knees and ask me here carry me off to prison take me away with these last words the dodger suffered himself to be led off by the collar threatening till he got into the yard to make a parliamentary business of it and then grinning at the officer's face with great glee and self-approval having seen him locked up by himself in a little cell now i made the best of his way back to where he had left master boats after waiting here some time he was joined by that young gentleman who had prudently abstained from showing himself until he had looked carefully abroad from a snug seat and ascertained that his new friend had not been followed by any impertinent person the two hastened back together to bear to mr fagan the animating news that the dodger was doing full justice to his bringing up and establishing for himself a glorious reputation end of chapter 43