 Chapter number 14 of Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens This LibriVox recording is in the public domain. Chapter 14. Comprising further particulars of Oliver stay at Mr Brown nows with the remarkable prediction which won Mr Grimmwick uttered concerning him when he went out on an errand. Oliver soon recovered from the fainting fit into which Mr Brown nows abrupt exclamation had thrown him. The subject of the picture was carefully avoided both by the old gentleman and Mrs Bedwing in the conversation that ensued which indeed bore no reference to Oliver's history or prospects when it was assigned to such topics as mine amused with that exciting him. He was still too weak to get up at breakfast. But when he came down into the housekeeper's room next day, his nexus dax was to cast an eager glance at the wall and the hope of begin looking on the face of the beautiful lady. His expectations were disappointed however for the picture had been removed. Ah! said the ghostkeeper, watching a direction of Oliver's eyes. It is calm, you see. I think it is, ma'am. Plied Oliver. Why have they taken it away? It isn't taken down, child, before as Mr Brandlow said that as it seemed to worry you, perhaps it might prevent you from getting well, you know. Rejoined the old lady. Oh, no indeed. It didn't worry me, ma'am. Didn't Oliver? I liked to see it. I loved it. Well, well, said the old lady, you're tumouredly. You get well as fast as ever you can, dear, and it shall be hung up again. There! I promise you that. Now, let us talk about something else. This was all the information Oliver contained about the picture at that time. As the old lady had been so kind to him in his illness he endeavoured to think no more of the subject you'll stand, so he listened attentively to a great many stories she told him. About an amiable and handsome daughter of hers who was married to an amiable and handsome man, who lived in the country and but her son was clerked to a merchant in the West Indies, and was also such a good young man and wrote such dutiful letters home for all times of year that brought the tears to her eyes to talk about them. When the old lady had created a good long time on the excellences of her children and the merits of a kind good husband beside, so had been dead in garden, pulled her soul just six and twenty years, it was time to have tea. After tea she began to teach Oliver cribbage, which he learned as quickly as she could teach, and at which game they played, with great interest and gravity, until it was time for the invalid to have some warm wine and water. Another slice of dried toast and then go cosily to bed. They were happy days, those of Oliver's recovery. Everything was so quiet and neat and orderly. Everybody so kind and gentle that after the noise and turbulence and the midst of which he had always lived it seemed like heaven itself. He was no sooner strong enough to put his clothes on properly than Mr Brownlow caused a complete new suit and a new cap and a new pair of shoes that he provided for him. As Oliver was told that he might do what he liked with the new clothes he gave them to a servant who had been kind to him and asked her to sell them to a Jew. He kept the money for herself, as she very readily did and as Oliver looked out at the window and saw that Jew rolled them up in his bag and walked away. He felt quite delighted to think that he was safely gone and there was no possible danger of his ever being able to wear them again. There were sad rags to tell the truth and Oliver had never had a new suit before. One evening about a week after the affair of the picture as he was sitting talking to Miss Bedwin there came a message down from Mr Brownlow that if Oliver twisted out pretty well he should likely see him in his study and talk to him over the while. Yes, I said save us! Wash your hands and let me park your night here nicely before your child, Mrs Bedwin. Dear heart alive! If we had known we would have asked for you we would have put you in a clay and collar on and made you as smart as in sixpence. Oliver did as the old lady bait him and although she lamented grievously meanwhile that there was not even time to crib the little thrill that bordered his shirt collar he looked so delicate and handsome despite that important personal advantage that she went as far as to say looking at him with great complacency from head to foot that she didn't really think it would have been possible on the longest notice to have made such a difference when him for the better. Thus encouraged Oliver up at the sturdy door while Mr Brownlow calling him to come in he found himself in a little back room quite full of books with a window looking into some pleasant little gardens and was a table drawn up before the window and which Mr Brownlow was seated reading and he saw Oliver he pushed the book away from him and told him to come near the table and sit down. Oliver complied, marvelling where the people could be found to reach that a great number of books are seen to be buttoned to make the world wiser which has still marvelled more to experience people than Oliver twist every day of their lives. There are a good many books are there not my boy said Mr Brownlow observing the curiosity with which Oliver surveyed the sheet and all of us that reached from the floor to the ceiling a great number but quite Oliver I never saw so many you shall read them if you behave well said the old gentleman kindly and even like that better than looking at the outsides that is some cases because there are books of which the vaccine covers are by far the best parts I suppose those are the happy ones sir said Oliver pointing to some large quarters with a good deal of gilding about the binding not always though said the old gentleman patting Oliver on the head smiling as he did sir there are some other equally heavy ones though of a much smaller size I shouldn't like to grow up to a clever man and write books eh I think I would rather read them sir read by Oliver what wouldn't you like to be a book writer said the old gentleman well if I considered that a little while and said it last you should think it would be a much better thing to be a book seller but upon the old gentleman laughed heartily ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha and clearly it said a very good thing which Oliver felt glad to have done though he by no means knew what it was very well said the old gentleman composing his features don't be afraid we should make an alter of you well there is an honest trade to be learnt or brick making to turn to thank you sir said Oliver at the earnest manner of his reply the old gentleman laughed again ha ha ha ha ha ha and said something about a curious instinct which Oliver not understanding paid no very great attention to now said Mr Brown no speaking of the possible and the kinder but the same time in a much more serious manner than Oliver had ever known him assume yet I want you to pay great attention my boy to what I am going to say I shall talk to you without any reserve because I am sure you will be able to understand me as many older persons would be I don't tell me you are going to send me away so pray examined Oliver alarmed at the serious tone of the old gentleman's commencement don't turn me out of doors to wander on the streets again let me sit here and be a servant don't send me back to the richard place I came from poor sire and poor boys sir my dear child said the old gentleman moved by the warmth of Oliver's sudden appeal you need not be afraid of my deserting you lest you give me cause I never will never will sir imposed Oliver I hope not join the old gentleman I do not think you ever will I've been deceived before in the objects we will mine never to benefit but I feel strongly disposed to trust you nevertheless and I am more interested in your benefit than I can well account even to myself persons upon whom I have disposed my deepest love lie deep in their graves but although the happiness and delight of my life lies buried there too I know of my heart and sealed it up forever on my best affections deep affliction has but strengthened and refined them as the old gentleman said this in low voice Mordor himself and his dear companion as he's been silent for a short time afterwards Oliver sat quite still well well to the old gentleman at length and a more cheerful tune I only say this because you have a young heart and knowing that I have suffered pain and sorrow you will be more careful perhaps not to wound me again you'll say you were an orphan without a friend in the world all the inquiries I've been able to make confirm the statements letting me hear your story where you've come from who brought you up and how you got into the company in which I found you speak the truth and you shall not be friendless when I lie live Oliver Sarbs checked his utterance for some minutes when he was on the point of beginning to relate how he'd been brought up at the farm and carried the work as when Mr Bumble peculiar impatient little double knock was heard at the street door and the surgeon running upstairs amounts Mr Grimwig is he coming up inquired Mr Browner yes sir yes if there were any muffins in the house and when I told him yes he said he had come to tea Mr Browner smiled and turned Oliver said that Mr Grimwig was an old friend of his and he must not mind his being a little rough in his manners but he was a worthy creature at bottom as he had reason to know shall I go dance to you sir inquired Oliver no, required Mr Browner I would rather you remained here at this moment they walked into the room supporting himself by a thick stick a stout old gentleman rather lame in one leg who was dressed in a blue coat striped waistcoat nankine breeches and gaiters and a brawl brimmed white hat with the sides turned up with green a very small plate did shirt frill stuck up from his waistcoat and a very long steel watch chain with nothing but a key at the end dangled loosely below it the ends of his white neckkerchief were twisted into a ball about the size of an orange the variety of shapes into which his countenance was twisted defied description he had a manner of screwing his head on one side when he spoke and looking out of the corners of his eyes at the same time which irresistibly reminded the beholder of a parrot in his attitude he fixed himself the moment he made his appearance and holding out a small piece of orange peel at arm's length exclaimed in a growling disconcerted voice look here, do you see this isn't it the most wonderful and extraordinary thing that I can take all that a man's house when I find a piece of this wall surgeon's friend on the staircase and lay with the orange boy once and I know orange peel with my my death, what I'll be content to eat my own head, sir this was also handsome an offer which Schmitt Greenwick backed and confirmed nearly every assertion he made and it was the most singular in his case because even admitting for the sake of argument the possibility of scientific improvements being brought to that past which will enable a gentleman to eat his own head in the event of his being so disposed Mr Greenwick's head was such a particularly large one that the most sanguine man alive could hardly entertain a hope of being able to get through it as a sitting to pull entirely out of the question of very thick coating of powder I'll eat my head, sir repeated Mr Greenwick striking a stick on the ground on the ground hello, what's that looking at Oliver and then retreating a pace at two this is young Oliver Trist whom we were speaking about Mr Brown now, Oliver Bowd you don't mean to say that it's a boy who had the fever I hope Mr Wake coiling at more wait a minute, don't speak stop Mr Greenwick losing all dread of the fever in his triumphal discovery that's the boy who had an orange that's not the boy, sir who had the orange and threw this peel upon the staircase I'll eat my head and his too no, he's not had one said Mr Brown, laughing come, pull down your hat and speak to my young friend I feel strongly on this subject, sir the irritable old gentleman drawing of his gloves there's always more or less orange peel on the pavement in our street he's put there by the surgeon's boy, the corner a young woman stole over a bit last night and fell against my garden railing as direction she got up I saw her look upon all the his infernal red lamp with a panda my life, don't go to him I called out of the window he's an assassin, a man trap so he is if he is not the irrastable old gentleman gave a great knock on the ground with his stick which was always understood by his friends to imply the customary offer whenever it was not expressed in words then, still keeping a stick in his hand, he sat down an opening and a double eyeglass which he wore attached to a broad black reband, took a view of Oliver who's seen that he was the object of inspection coloured and bowed again that's the boy, is it and Mr Grimwick had learnt that's the boy Mr Brown now are you boy Mr Grimwick a great deal better, thank you sir blind Oliver, Mr Brown knows he means to a friend that his single friend was about to say something disagreeable, asked Oliver to step downstairs and tell Mrs Bedwin they were ready for tea, which he did not have like the visitors manner he was very happy to do he's a nice looking boy is he not, inquired Mr Brown now I don't know Mr Grimwick don't know no, I don't know, I never see any difference in boys I only knew two sorts of boys mealy boys and beef face boys and which is Oliver mealy I knew a friend of a beef face boy a fine boy they called him with a round head and red cheeks and glaring eyes a horrid boy with bodily limbs that appear to be swelling out of the seams of his blue clothes the voice of a pilot and the appetite of a wolf I know him the wretch calm said Mr Brown though these are not the characteristics of the young Oliver twist so he needn't incite your wrath they are not blind Mr Grimwick he may be worse Mr Brown looked coughed impatiently coughed which appeared to have fooled Mr Grimwick he may have worse I say he did Mr Grimwick where does he come from who is he what is he, he has entered the fever what of that he was an opportunity to good people are they bad people have fever sometimes haven't they I knew a man who was hung in Jamaica for murdering his master he had a fever six times he wasn't recommended a mercy on that account oof nonsense now the fact was that in most recesses of his own heart Mr Grimwick was very only disposed to admit that all of his appearance and manner were unusually proposing but he had a strong appetite for contradiction sharp and boneless occasion by the finding of the orange peel it inwardly determining that no man should state to him whether a boy was good looking or not he had rid of all from the first to oppose his friend Mr Brown though admitted that on no one point of inquiry could he yet return a satisfactory answer and he'd postponed any investigation in all of his previous history until the boy was strong enough to hear it Mr Grimwick chuckled maliciously and he demanded with a sneer whether housekeeper was in the habit of counting a plate at night because if she didn't find a tablespoon missing some sunshine in the morning why he would be content too and so forth all of this Mr Brown though himself somewhat of an impetuous gentleman knowing his friend's peculiarity is bore with great good humour asked Mr Grimwick at tea was graciously pleased to express his entire approval of the muffins that as went on very smoothly and Oliver who made one of the party feel more at ease than he had yet done in the fierce old gentleman's presence and when all you're going to hear an old true and particular account of a life and adventures of all of it twist asked Mr Grimwick of Mr Brown though at the conclusion of the meal looking sideways at Oliver as he resumed his subject tomorrow morning I'd Mr Brown though I would rather he was alone with me at the time come up to me at the morning at ten o'clock my dear yes sir applied Oliver he re-answered to some hesitation because of his confused by Mr Grimwick's looking so hard at him I'll tell you what I spurt the gentleman Mr Brown now he won't come up to you tomorrow morning I tell him hesitate he is deceiving you my good friend I'll swear he's not I'm glad Mr Brown now warmly and Mr Grimwick all and Dan with the stick all answer for the boys truth with my life and Mr Brown now knocking at table and I for his fools hooded with my head Mr Grimwick knocking at table also we shall see and Mr Brown now checking his rising anger we will I'd Mr Grimwick with a young smile as fate would have it Mrs Bedwin chance to bring in at this moment of small parcel books which Mr Brown now had that morning purchase of the identical bookstore keeper who'd already figured in his history having laid them on the table she prepared leave the room stop the boy Mr Brown Mr Bedwin and Mr Brown listen something to do come back it's gone sir reply Mrs Bedwin call him Mr Brown it's particular he's a poor man and they're not paid for there's some books to be taken back too the strict doors opens Oliver ran one way and the girl ran another and Mrs Bedwin stood on the step and screamed for the boy but there was no boy in sight Oliver and the girl returned in the breath of the state to report there was no tidings of him dear me I am very sorry for that it's them Mr Brown I particularly wish those books to be returned tonight stay in Oliver with him had Mr Greenwick with an iron onical smile you'd be sure to deliver him safely oh no yes do let me take them if please sir and Oliver run all the way sir the gentleman was just going to say that Oliver should not go out on any account when the minister just coughed Mr Greenwick determined that he should and that by his prompt discharge of the commission he should prove to him the injustice of his suspicions on his head at least at once you shall go my dear sir the old gentleman the books are on a chair by my table fetch them down Oliver delighted to be of use brought down the books under his arm and a great bustle and waited cap in hand to hear what message he was to take you are to say to Mr Brown glancing steadily at Greenwick you want to say that you've brought the book's back and you've come to pay the £4.10 I owe him this is a £5 note so you have to bring me back ten shillings change I won't be ten minutes sir said Oliver eagerly having buttons up the bag note in his Jack pocket carefully under his arm he made a respectful bow and left the room Mrs Bedwin followed him to the street door giving many directions about the nearest way and the name of the bookseller and the name of the street all of which Oliver said he clearly understood having superded many injunctions to be sure and not take cold the old lady at length permitted him to bid part bless his sweet face said the old lady looking after him I can't bear somehow to let him out of my sight at this moment Oliver looked gaily round and knotted before he turned the corner the old lady smiling with a return desiratation and closing the door went back to her own room let me see he'll be back in twenty minutes at the longest said Mr Brown now pulling out his watch placing it on the table it will be dark by that time oh you really expect him to come back do you inquired Mr Grimmwig don't you asked Mr Brown no smiling the spirit of contradiction was strong in Mr Grimmwig's breast at the moment and he was rendered stronger by his friends caught for dead smile no he said smiting the table with his fist I do not a boy has a new suit of clothes on his back a set of valuable books under his arm and a five pound note in his pocket he joins his old friends at these and laugh at you if ever that boy returns at his house sir or eat my head with those words he drew his hair closer to the table and there the two friends sat in silent expectation with a launch between them it is worthy of remark as illustrating the importance we attach the pride with which he put forth our most rash and hasty conclusions though Mr Grimmwig was not by any means a bad-hearted man no he would have admitted unfauntedly sorry to see his respected friend duped and deceived he really did most honestly and strongly hope at that moment that Oliver Twist might not come back it grew so dark that the figures on the dial plate were scarcely discernible but there the two old gentlemen continued to sit in silence with a watch between end of chapter 14 of Oliver Twist chapter number 15 of Oliver Twist by Charles as Dickens Oliver Vox recordings are in the public domain recording by Arthur Piantidosi chapter 15 showing a very fond of Oliver Twist the merry old Jew in Miss Nancy were in the obscure parlour of a low public house in the filthiest part of Little Saffron Hill a dark and gloomy den where a flaring glass lights burnt all day in the wintertime and where no ray of sun ever shone in the summer they sat brooding over a little pewter measure and a small glass strongly impregnated with a smell of liquor a man had a velveting coat drab shorts half boots and stockings whom even by that dim light no experienced agent of the police was of hesitated to recognise as Mr William Sykes as his feet set a white coated red-eyed dog all could date himself alternatively in winking at his master with both eyes at the same time in licking a large fresh cut on one side of his mouth which appeared to be the result of some recent conflict keep quiet you vomit keep quiet and Mr Sykes suddenly breaking silence whether his meditations were so intense as to be disturbed by the dog's winking or his feelings were so wrought upon by his reflections that required all the relief derivable from kicking an unabending animal to allay them as matter for argument and consideration whatever was the cause the effect was a kick and a curse bestowed upon the dog simultaneously dogs are not generally apt to revenge injuries inflicted upon them by the masters but Mr Sykes's dog having folds of temper in common with his owner laboring perhaps at this moment under a powerful sense of injury made no more ado but at once fixed his teeth in one of the hat boots having given in the heart his shake he retired growling under a form just escaping a pewter measure with Mr Sykes level at his head wouldn't you then Sykes seizing a poker and one hand and ability opening with the other a large clasp knife which he drew from his pocket come here you born devil come here dear the dog no doubt heard because Mr Sykes spoke in the very harsh key of a very harsh voice but appearing to entertain some uncountable objection having his throat cut and growl more fiercely than before at the same time grasping the end of the poker between his teeth and biking like a wild beast the resistance only infuriated Mr Sykes the more who dropping to his knees began to assail the animal most furiously the dog jumped from right to left and from left to right snapping growling and barking a man thrust and swore and struck and blasphemed and the struggle was reaching a most critical point for one or the other when the door suddenly opening the dog darted out leaving Bill Sykes with a poker and clasp knife in his hands there must always be two parties and the quarrel says the old adage Mr Sykes being disappointed of the dog's participation at one strength at his share in the quarrel to the newcomer what the devil you'd come in between me and my dog for said Sykes with a fierce gesture I didn't know my dear I didn't know replied Fagan humbly the Jew was the newcomer didn't know you what live a thief growled Sykes who knew the noise there was a sound of it as I'm a living man Bill replied the Jew oh no you hear nothing you don't you're told it Sykes with a fierce snare sneaking in and out there is nobody here so you come and go I wish you had been the dog Fagan half a minute ago why inquired the Jew with a small smile calls a government as cares for the life of men such as you as I'm about to pluck a curse there's a man killer dog how he likes replied Sykes shutting up the knife with a very expressive look that's why the Jew rubbed his hands and sitting down at the table affected to laugh at the pleasantry of his friend he was obviously very ill with ease however green away said Sykes facing the poker and surveying him with savage intent green away you'll never have a laugh on me unless it's by the nightclub I've got the other hand over you Fagan and dumb you'll keep it there if I go you go so take care of me well well my dear said the Jew I know all that we have a mutual interest Bill a mutual interest huh then Sykes as if he thought that interest lay rather more on the Jew's side than on his well what have you got to say to me it's all past safe through the melting pot replied Fagan and this is your share it's rather more than it ought to be my dear but as I know you'll do me a good turn at the time and steal that gum on and oppose a robber and patiently where is it and over yes yes Bill give me time give me time here it is all safe as he spoke he drew forth an old cotton handkerchief from his breast and untying a large knot in one corner produced a small brown paper packet Sykes snatching it from him distantly opened it and proceeded to count the sovereigns and contained this is all is it inquired Sykes all applied the Jew you haven't opened the parcel and spoiled one or two as you come along have you inquired Sykes suspiciously don't put on an angel look to that question you've done it many times jerk that tingler there is words and plain English conveyed in injunction to ring the bell was answered by another Jew younger than Fagan but nearly as vile and repulsive in appearance Bill Sykes merely pointed to the empty measure the Jew perfectly understanding a hint retired to fill it previously exchanging a remarkable look with Fagan who raised his eyes for an instant as if in expectation of it look his head in reply so slightly that the action would have been almost imperceptible to an observant third person he was lost upon Sykes who was stooping at the moment to tie the boot lace which the dog had torn possibly if he had observed the briefing into change of singles he might have thought that it boated no good to him is anybody here Barney inquired Fagan speaking now that Sykes was looking on without raising his eyes from the ground daughter show I'd Barney whose words and whether they came from the heart or not made their way through the nose nobody inquired Fagan in a tone of surprise which perhaps might mean that Barney was at liberty to tell the truth nobody but Miss Nolsey implied Barney Nolsey and Sykes swore at me blind if I don't know what I hear girl for a native talents he'd been out and up laid a poor beef in the bar replied Barney send her here said Sykes pouring out a glass of liquor send her here Barney looked timidly at Fagan as if for permission the Jew remained silent and not lifting his eyes from the ground he retired the pleasantry returned ushering in Nancy who was decorated with the bonnet apron, basket and street door key complete you all must said are you Nolsey inquired Sykes preferring a glass yes I am Bill replied the young lady disposing of its contents and tired of enough of it I am too the young brat spin you and could find her the crib and ah Nancy dear at Fagan looking up no whether a peculiar contraction the Jewels red eyebrows and a half closing as deeply said eyes warned Miss Nancy that she was disposed to be too communicative it's not a matter of much importance the fact is all we need careful here and the fact is that she suddenly checked herself in which several gracious smiles upon Mr Sykes turned this conversation to other matters in about ten minutes time Mr Fagan was seized with the fit of coughing upon which Nancy pulled a shawl over her shoulders cleared it was time to go Mr Sykes finding that he was walking a short part of her way himself and it brushed his intention of accompanying her they went away together followed at a little distant by the dog who slunk out of a backyard as soon as his master was out of sight the Jewel thrust his head out the brimble door when Sykes had left it looked after him as he walked up the dark passage shook his clenched fist muttered a deep curse dumb and then with horrible grin they seated himself at the table what it was soon deeply absorbed an interesting pages of the hue and cry meanwhile all of a twist little dreaming that he was within so very short a distance of the merry old gentleman was on his way to the bookstore when he had got into clerken well he accidentally turned down a by street which was not exactly in his way but not discovered his mistake until he had got halfway down it and knowing it must lead in the right direction you'd not think it worth while to turn back and so marched on as quickly as he caught with books under his arm he was walking along thinking how happy and contented he ought to feel and how much he would give for only one look at a poor old little dick who starved and beaten might be weeping bitterly at that very moment when he was startled by a young woman screaming for very loud oh my dear brother and he finally looked up to see what the matter was when he was stopped by having a pair of arms through and tight around his neck don't! lied all of a struggle it gave me! who is this? what are you shopping me for? the only reply to this was a great number of loud lamentations from the young woman who had embraced him and with a little basket and a street door key in her hand oh my gracious! said the young woman I found him! oh! all of her! all of her! oh you naughty boy! to make me stop your distress when you account oh! come! oh! I found him! thank gracious goodness heavens I found him! with these incoherent exclamations the young woman burst into another fit of crying and not so dreadfully hysterical that a couple of women came up at the moment asked a butcher's boy with a shining head of hair anointed with suet who was also looking on whether he didn't think he had better run for the doctor to which the butcher's boy who appeared of a lounging not to say an ingolib disposition reply that he thought not oh no! no! no! never mind! said the young woman rasping all of her's hand I'm better now! come home directly you cruel boy! come! oh! perm! implied the young woman he ran away near a monderco from his parents were hard-working and respectable people and went to join a set of thieves and bad characters almost broke his mother's heart young wretch! said one woman go home! do you little brute! at the other I'm not! a blind Oliver greatly are I don't know her I haven't called any sister or father or mother either I'm a orphan! I love it Pentonville only hear him how he braves it out! replied the young woman why it's Nancy exclaimed Oliver who now saw her face for the first time and started back from the irresistible astonishment you see he knows me and see appealing to the bystanders he can't help himself make him come home there's good people want to kill his dear mother and father and break my heart what the devil's this a man bursting out of a beer shop with a dog at his heels young wretch! come home to your poor mother you young dog come home directly I don't belong to them I don't know them help help that Oliver struggling the man smaller for grasp help! that older man yes or help you you young rascal what books are these you better steal in them have you give them here with these words a man told the devil you miss from his grasp and struck him on the head that's right I don't go on from a garret window that's the only way of bringing him to his senses to be sure right a sleepy face carpenter flasting an improving look at the garret window it'll do him good said the two women and it'll have it too to join the man administering the mother blow and seizing Oliver the cacoga come on you young villain here bullseye mind him boy mind him weak with rinse and illness stupefied by the blows and the suddenness of the attack terrified by the fierce growling of the dog and the brutality of the man overpowered by the conviction of the bystanders that he really was the heart little wretch he was described to be what could one poor child do darkness had set in it was a low neighborhood no help was near resistance was useless in another moment it was dragged by the operant of dark narrow courts and was forced along them at a pace which rendered the few cries he dared to give operants to unintelligible it was a little moment indeed whether they were intelligible or no for there was nobody to care for them had they been ever so plain the gas lamps were lighted Mrs Bedwin was waiting anxiously they opened all the servant had run up the street many times to see there were any traces of Oliver and still the two old gentlemen sat perseveringly in the dark pal with a watch between them the end of chapter 15 of Oliver Twist chapter 16 of Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens this Liberock's recording is in the public domain recording by Arthur Bianca dosing chapter 16 believes what became of Oliver Twist after he had been claimed by Nancy the narrow streets and courts at length terminated in a large open space scattered about which were pens and beasts and under indications of a cattle market Sykes slackened his pace when they reached this spot any longer at the rapid rate at which they had here to walk turning to Oliver he roughly commanded him to take hold of Nancy's hand round Sykes as Oliver hesitated and looked round they were in dark corner quite out of the track of passengers all of his soul but too plainly the resistance would be of no avail he held at his hand tight in hers give me the Oliver said Sykes yeah bulls-eye a dog looked up and growled said Sykes putting his other hand to all of his throat if he speaks some sort of word hold him do you mind a dog growled again licking his li-eyed Oliver as if he were anxious to attach himself to his windpipe without delay ease as well as a Christian struck me blind if he is ant at Sykes resounding the animal with the kind of grim and ferocious approval neither you know where you go is spack master so go all the way as quick as you like and a dog will soon saw that game get on your gun bulls-eye wagged his tail in the acknowledgement of thus the endeavouring form of speech in giving vent to an old admiral and nontory growl for the benefit of Oliver lay the way onward it was Smithfield that they were crossing although it might have been Grossfena square for anything Oliver knew to the contrary the night was dark and foggy the lights in the shops would scarcely strutting all their heavy mist which thickened every moment and shrouded the streets and houses in bloom rendering the strange place still stranger in Oliver's eyes and making this uncertainty a more dismal and dispressing they had hurried on a few paces when a deep-erked bell struck the hour dung-dung-dung-dung but its first stroke as two conductor stopped and turned their heads in the direction whence the sound receded eight o'clock bell said Nancy when the bell ceased what's gonna tell me that I can hear it, can't I? replied Sykes I wonder what they can hear it said Nancy of course they can sighed Sykes it was both telling me at the time when I was shocked and there wasn't a penny trumpet in the fair as I couldn't hear the squeaking on I was locked up on the night the rowan did outside and there's under an old jail all so silent that I almost had beat my brains out against the iron plague to the door poor fellow said Nancy who was still had a face turned or the quarter in which the bell would sound oh, Bill, such fine-nice young chap as them yes, there's all you women think of answered Sykes fine-york shops well there as good as dead martyr! with this consolation Mr Sykes appeared to repress a rising tendency to jealousy and splasping all of his wrist more firmly he told him to step up again wait a minute said the girl I wouldn't hurt it by but if I was you who was coming out to be hung next I made a crook stroke, Bill I walked round and round the place still had dropped I went into shawl to cover me and what good would that do inquired of unsentimental Mr Sykes oh, let your adventure of violence will be vehicles out of rope tomorrow as well be walking with my awful walking awful golden do me come on I don't stand preaching there the girl burst into a laugh drew a shawl more closely round her and then walked away all of her felt her hand tremble and looking up in her face as they faced a gas lamp sorted to turn to deadly white they walked on by little frequented in dirty ways for our full half hour meeting very few people and those appearing from their looks to hold much the same position in society as Mr Sykes himself at length they turned into a varied filthy narrow street nearly full of old clothes shops the dog running forward as if conscious that there was no further occasion for his keeping on guard stopped before the door of a shop that was closed and apparently untended the house was in a ruinous condition and on the door was nailed a bald intimating that it was too let which looked as if it had hung there for many years alright cried Sykes glancing cautiously about Nancy stood below the shuttles and Oliver heard the sound of a bell do-ding do-ding they crossed to the opposite side of the street and stood for a few moments under a lamp a noise as if a sash window were gently raised was heard and soon afterwards the door slowly opened Mr Sykes then sees the terrified boy by the collar with very little ceremony and all three were clickily inside the house the passage was perfectly dark they waited while the person who had let them in chained and barred the door anyone there no applied a voice which Oliver thought he had heard before is you one here asked the robber yes applied the voice yes Ben won't you be glad to see you oh no a sigh of his reply as well as the voice which delivered it seemed familiar to all of his ears but it was impossible to distinguish even the form of the speaker in the darkness let's have a glim said Sykes we should go breaking our necks or treading on the dog look after your legs if you do stand still a moment replied the voice the receding footsteps of the speaker were heard and in another minute the form of Mr John Dawkins otherwise the artful daughter appeared he borne in right hand a tallor candle stock in the end of a cleft stick the young gentleman did not stop to stir any other mark of recognition upon Oliver than a humorous grin but turning away beckoned the visitors to follow him down a felt of stairs they crossed at the kitchen and opened the door of a low earthy smelling room which seemed to have been built in a small backyard and received by a shout of laughter oh my wig my wig cried Mr Charlie Bates from his lungs after he'd receded here he is oh cry here he is oh faggot look at him faggot do look at him I can't bear it such a joy game I can't bear it only somebody would have loved that with his irresistible abuledition of mirth Mr Bates laid himself apart on the floor and kicked him all severely for five minutes in an ecstasy a facetious joy then jumping to his feet he'd snatched the cleft stick from the dodger and ran to Omova viewing him round and round while the Jew taking off his nightcap made a great number of low bows to the bewildered boy the artful, meantime was of rather saturnine disposition and seldom gave way to merriment when he interfered with business rifled Omova's pockets with steady assiduancy look at his togs faggot said Charlie putting a nice so close to his new jacket as nearly to set him on fire look at his togs superfine claw the heaviest wheel car oh my God what a game and his box too nothing but a gentleman thing delighted to see you looking so well my dear so the Jew bowing with mockability the artful shall give you another suit my dear for fear you should spoil that Sunday one why didn't you write my dear and say you were coming we'd have got something warm for supper at this nurse debates ruled again ha ha ha ha I in himself relaxed and even the dodger smile but as the artful drew phone with the five pound note at that instant the fool whether the sally of the discovery awakened his merriment oh no what's this being quiet Sykes lepping forward as the Jew sees the note that's my faggot no no my dear said the Jew mine bill mine you shall have the box if that ain't mine said bill Sykes putting all his hack there to terminate mine and nun's use that is all take the boy back again the Jew started all of us started too from a very different course for he hoped that the dispute might nearly end with his being taken back come and over with you said Sykes this is hardly fair bill hardly fair is it Nancy inquired the Jew fair or not fair retorted Sykes I know what I tell you you ain't Nancy and me has got nothing else to do with our precious time but to spend it in scouting outer and kidnapping even young boys get grung through you give it here you whether this is old skeleton give it here with this gentle remonstrance Mr Sykes plucked the note from between the Jew's finger and thumb and looking the old man coolly in the face folded up small and tidied it and snagged her shift that's for our share of the trouble then Sykes and no havin' up neither you may keep the books if you're for no reading if you ain't sell em they're very pretty that Charlie Bates who with sundry glimpses had been effecting to read one of the volumes in question beautiful writing isn't it Oliver at sight of the dismayed look with which Oliver regarded his tormentors master Bates whose breath was a lively sense of the ludicrous fell into another ecstasy more boisterous than the first they belong to the old gentleman sir Oliver bringing his hands to the good old kind old gentleman who took me to his house and had me nursed when I was near dying of fever oh pray send me back send him back the books and money keep me out of all life long but pray pray send them me back you'll think I stole them the old lady all them were so kind to me you'll think I stole them oh do have mercy upon me and send them back with these words which were uttered with all the energy of passionate grief you sit the Jew's feet and beat his hands together in perfect desperation the boys are right we're marked fagin if we can covertly round and hitting his shaggy eyebrows and doing haught not you're right Oliver you're right they will think you've stolen them chuckle the Jew rubbing his hands it couldn't have happened better if we had chosen our time of course it couldn't there you are Sykes I know that directly I see him coming through Kirk and well with the books under his arm he's all right enough there's half-tarded psalms singers they wouldn't have taken him in at all and alas no questions after him for fear they should be obliged to prosecute and so get him lagged he's saving off Oliver looked from one to the other while these words were being spoken as if he were bewildered he could scarcely understand what passed when Bill Sykes concluded he jumped suddenly with his feet and tore wildly from the room uttering streaks for help which made the bare old house circle to the roof be back the door Bill cried Nancy springing before the door and closing it and the puke boom started out in pursuit get back the dog he'll tear the boys to pieces serve him right cried Sykes struggling to disengage him from the girl's grass stand off from me and I'll split your head against the wall I don't care for that Bill I don't care for that scraping the girl struggling violently with a man the child should be torn down by the dog first shunned said Sykes atting his teeth oh soon do that if you don't keep off a housebreaker flung the girl from him to the further end of the room just as the Jew and the two boys returned dragging Oliver among them what's the matter here said Sykes again looking round the girls got mad I think replied Sykes savagely no she hasn't said Nancy pale and breathed from the scuffle no she hasn't faked don't think it keep quiet will you said the Jew with a threatening look no I won't do that neither replied Nancy speaking very loud come what do you think of that Mr Fagan was sufficiently well acquainted with the manners and customs of that particular species of humanity to which Nancy belonged to feel tolerably certain that it would be rather unsafe to prolong any conversation with the present with a view of diverting attention of the company turned Oliver so you wanted to get away my dear didn't you said the Jew taking up a jagged knotted club which lay in the corner of the fireplace eh but he wants the Jew's motions and breathed quietly you wanted to get assistance called for the police did you sneered the Jew catching him over the arm will you cure your vat my young master the Jew inflicted a smart blow on Oliver's shoulders with the club and was raising it for a second when the girl rushing forward rested it from his hand she flung it in the fire with a force that brought some of the glowing coals ruining out into the room why and see it done Fagan right there girl you've got the boy and what more could you have let him be, let him be or I shall put that mark on some of you that will bring me to the gallows before my time the girl stamped her foot violently on the floor as she ventured this threat and with her lips compressed and her hands clenched looked alternatively at the Jew and the other robber her face quite colourless and the passion of rage and which she had gradually worked herself why and see said the Jew in a soothing tone after a pause during which he and Mr. Sykes had stared at one another in a disconcerted manner you you're more clever than ever tonight ha ha my dear you are acting beautifully am I said the girl take care I don't overdue it you will be the worst for it Fagan if I do and so I tell you in good time to keep clear of me there is something about a row's woman especially if she add to all her rather strong passions the fierce impulses of recklessness and despair which few men like to provoke and the Jew saw it would be hopeless to affect any further mistake regarding the reality of Miss Nancy's rage and shrinking involuntarily back a few paces just a glance half imploring and half cowardly at Sykes as if to hint that he was the fittest person to pursue the dialogue Mr. Sykes thus mutely appealing to and possibly feeling his personal pride and influence interested in the immediate reduction of Miss Nancy to reason gave utterance to about a couple of score of curses and threats the rapid reduction of which reflected great credit on the fertility of his invention as it produced no visible effect on the object against whom they were discharged however he resulted in all tangible arguments What do you mean by this said Sykes lacking inquiry with a very common implication concerning the most beautiful human futures which if it were heard above only one out of every few thousand times that is uttered below would ready blindness as common to disorder as measles What do you mean by it Burn my body Do you know who you are and what you are Oh yes I know all about it Applied the girl laughing hysterically and shaking her head from side to side with a poor assumption of indifference We'll then keep quiet rejoin Sykes with a growl like that he would custom to use when addressing a stall We'll all quiet you for a good long time to come The girl laughed again Ha ha ha ha ha ha even less compositely than before and arting along as to look at Sykes learned to face its side and bit a lip till the blood came You're a nice one Added Sykes as his surveyed her with a contemptuous air to take up the humane and gentile side a pretty subject for the child as you call him to make a friend of God almighty help me I am ride the girl passionately and I wish I'd been struck dead in the street or a chain places with them we'd pass so near tonight before I lend a hand in bringing him here Is it thief a liar devil all that's bad from this night forth enough for the old wretch without blows come come Sykes said the Jew appealing to him in a remnant street tone all the boys were eagerly attentive to all that passed we must have civil words civil words bill civil words ride the girl whose passion was frightful to see civil words you villain yes you deserve him from me I think for you when I was a child now half as old as this pointing to Oliver I have been in the same trade and in the same service for self years since don't you know it speak out don't you know it well well applied the Jew with an attempted classification and if you have it's your living aye it is who turned the girl not speaking but pouring out the words and one chimeart and being met scream it is my living and the cold wet dirty streets are my home and you're the wretch that drove me to them long ago and they'll keep me there day and night day and night till I die I shall do you a mischief and oppose the Jew goaded by those reproaches a mischief worse than that if you say much more the girl said nothing more but tearing her hair and dress in a transport of passion made such a rash as the Jew as would probably have left signal marks of her revenge upon him had an utter risk being seized by Sykes at the right moment upon which she made a few ineffectual struggles and fainted she's all right now said Sykes laying her down in a corner she's uncommon strong in the arms when she's up in this way the Jew wiped his forehead and smiled as if it were a leaf toward the disturbance over but neither he nor Sykes nor the dog nor the boy seemed to consider it in any other light than a common occurrence incidental to business it's the worst having to do with women so the Jew replacing his club but they're clever and we can't get on in our life without them Charlie she all of her to bed I suppose he'd better not wear his best clothes tomorrow fading out he inquired Charlie Bates certainly not replied the Jew reciprocating a grin with which Charlie put the question Master Bates apparently much delighted with his commission took the cleft stick and led all of her into a adjacent kitchen where there were two or three of the beds on which he had slept before and here with many uncontrollable after they produced the identical old suit of clothes which Oliver had so much confided himself upon leaving off at Mr Brown those and the accidental display of which Fagin purchased them and in the very first clue received of his whereabout put it off as smart ones not Charlie and all give him the Fagin of it click here or what fun it is for Oliver unwillingly complied Master Bates rolling up the new clothes under his arm it parted from the room leaving Oliver in the dark locking a door behind him the noise of Charlie's laughter and the voice of Miss Betsy opportunely arrived to throw water over a friend and to form other feminine offices for their emotional recovery might have kept many people awake under more happy circumstances than those in which Oliver was placed but he was sick and weary and he soon fell sound asleep the end of chapter 16 of Oliver Twist chapter number 17 of Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens this liver box recording is in public domain recording by Arthur Piantodosi chapter 17 Oliver's destiny continuing on propitiousness brings a great man to London to injure his reputation it is the custom on the stage in all good murderous melodramos to present the tragic and the comic scenes in its regular alternation as the layers of red and white on the side of streaky bacon the hero sinks into a straw bed weighing down my fetters and misfortunes in the next scene his fateful but unconscious squire regales the audience with a comic song we beheld with throwing bosoms the heroine in the grasp of a proud and ruthless baron a virtue in her life a like in danger drawing forth a dagger to reserve the one at the cost of the other and just as our expectations are wrought up to the highest pitch a whistle is heard and we are straight out of the way and sported to the great hall of a castle where a grey-headed senatul sings a funny chorus with a funny abortive of vessels full of three of all sorts of places from church vaults to palaces and a robo-barricade company carry a link perpetually such changes appear absurd that they are not so unnatural as they would seem at first sight and transitions in real life from well-spread boards to deathbeds from morning weeds to holiday garments well not a witless startling only there we are busy actors at a passive look-as-on which makes a vast difference the actors in the imbic life of the theatre are blind to violent transitions and abrupt impulses of passion or feeling which presented before the eyes of mere spectators are at once condemned as outrageous and preposterous as sudden shifting of the scene and rapid changes of time and place are not only sanctioned in books by long usage but are by many considered as the great art of authorship an author's skill in his craft being by such critics chiefly estimated with relation to the dilemmas in which he leaves his characters at the end of every chapter this brief introduction to the present one may perhaps be deemed unnecessary if so, let it be considered a delicate intimation on the part of the historian that he is going back to the town in which all of a twist was born the reader taking it for granted that there are good and substantial reasons for making the journey or he would not be invited to proceed upon such an expedition Mr Bumble emerged an early morning from the workhouse gate and walking with poorly carriage and commanding steps up the high street he was in full bloom and cried a beetle hood his cock-tat and coat were dazzling in the morning sun he clutched his cane with a vigorous capacity of health and power Mr Bumble always carried his head high but this morning was higher than usual and then it was an abstraction in his eye an elevation in his air which might have worn an observant stranger that thoughts were passing in the beetle's mind too great for utterance Mr Bumble stepped not to converse with the small shopkeepers and others who spoke to him differentially as he passed along to return the salutations the waiver's hand relaxed not in his dignified pace until he reached the farm when Mrs Mann tended the infant paupers with prodigal care Trot that beetle said Mrs Mann hearing the unknown shaking at the balcony if it isn't him at this time in the morning Lark master Bumble only think of it being you oh dear it is a pleasure that it is come into the parlour sir please the first sentence was addressed to Susan and the exclamations of a light were uttered by Mr Bumble as a good lady unlocked the burden gate and showed him with great attention and respect into the house Mrs Mann said Mr Bumble not sitting upon or dropping himself into a seat as any common jack and apes would but letting himself gradually and slowly down into a chair Mrs Mann mom good morning well then good morning to you sir applied Mrs Mann with many smiles and hoping you will find yourself well sir so so Mrs Mann applied the beetle a proude view life is not a bed of roses Mrs Mann ah that it isn't Mr Bumble applied the lady and all the infant paupers might have chorus rejoined her with great propriety if they had heard it a proude view life ma'am continues Mrs Bumble tracking a table of this can it is a life of warwick and vexation and ardued and all public characters as I may say of persecution Mrs Mann very well knowing what the beetle meant raised her hands with a look of sympathy and sighed oh you may well saw I Mrs Mann said the beetle finding she had done right Mrs Mann sighed again I've eventually to the satisfaction of the public character who repressing a complacent smile by looking sternly at his cocked ad said Mrs Mann I am going to London look Mr Bumble alright Mrs Mann starting back to London ma'am resume the instructable beetle boy coach I am two paupers Mrs Mann an eagle action isn't coming on about this settlement the board has appointed me me Mrs Mann to dispose of the matter of all the call and sessions at Kirk and Will and I very much question added Mr Bumble drawing himself up whether the Kirk and Will sessions will not find themselves in the wrong box with all they have done with me oh you must meant due to hard on them sir said Mrs Mann coaxly the Kirk and Will sessions are brought upon themselves ma'am applied Mr Bumble and if the Kirk and Will sessions find they have come off rather worse than they expected the Kirk and Will sessions are only themselves to thank there was so much determination depth of purpose about the menacing manner in which Mr Bumble delivered himself of those words and Mrs Mann appeared quite awl by them hey Lenk she said you're going by coach sir I thought they was always usual to send them paupers in carts that's when they're you Mrs Mann we put the sick paupers in open carts in the rainy weather to prevent them taking cold oh Mrs Mann the opposition coach contracts police too and takes them cheap said Mr Bumble both in a very low state and we find it would come £2 cheaper to move them than to bury them that is to throw them upon an old parish which I think we should be able to do and if they don't die upon the road to spoil us ah ah ah then Mr Bumble laughed a little while his eyes again encountered the cocked hat and became grave we are for catching business mom said the beetle here is your porokeal stipend for the month Mr Bumble produced some silver money rolled up in paper from his pocketbook and requested a receipt which Mrs Mann wrote it's very much bloated sir said the farmer of infants but it's four million off I dare say thank you Mr Bumble sir I'm very much obliged to you I'm sure Mr Bumble nodded blandly in acknowledgement of Mrs Mann's curtsy inquire of the children were Mr dear little heart that Mrs Mann in emotion as well as can be the dears of course except the two that died last week little dick as a nut boy no better inquire Mr Bumble Mrs Mann shook her head it's an ill conditioned vicious bar disposed porokeal child at that then Mr Bumble angry where is he bring him to you in one minute sir reply Mr Mann here you dick after some calling this was discovered having had his face put under the pump and dried upon Mrs Mann's gown he was led into the awful presence of Mr Bumble the beetle the child was pale and thin his cheeks were sunken and his eyes large and bright he was under stress delivery of his misery hung loosely on his people body and his young limbs were wasted away like those of an old man such was the little being would stood trembling beneath Mr Bumble's gaze not daring to lift his eyes from the floor and dreading even to hear the beetle's voice can't you look at the gentleman you obstinate boy and Mrs Mann the child meekly raised his eyes and encountered those of Mr Bumble what's the matter with you porokeal dick inquired Mr Bumble with a little shame jocularity nothing sir replied the child faintly I should think not said Mrs Mann would of course laugh very much at Mr Bumble's humour you want for nothing I'm sure I should like all to the child hey day into both Mrs Mann I suppose you're going to say that you do want for something now why you wish you're rich stop Mrs Mann stop said the beetle raising his hand with a show of authority like what sir I should like all to the child if somebody thinking right give you words down for me on a piece of paper and fold it up and seal it and keep it for me after I'm laid in the ground why what does that boy mean and shame Mr Bumble with whom the innermatter and wan aspect of the child made some impression a custom as he was to such things what do you mean sir I should like said the child what more wrong of a twist and let him know how often I have sat by myself and cried to think of his wandering about in the dark night but nobody'd help him and I should like to tell him says the child pressing his small hands together and speaking with great fervour that I was glad to die when I was very young for perhaps if I lived to be a man and grown old my little sister is in heaven might forget me unlike me and be so much happier if we were both children together Mr Bumble surveyed the little speaker from head to foot with indescribable astonishment and turning to his companion said they are all in one story Mrs Mann that out dangerous all of us demon galleys them all I couldn't have believed it sir Mrs Mann holding up her hands and looking malignantly at Dick I've never seen such a heart little wretch they came away Mr Bumble imperiously this must be stated in the board Mrs Mann I hope the gentleman will understand that it is my fault so Mrs Mann whimpering pathetically I shall own a son that mom they should be acquainted true state of the case Mrs Bumble take him away I can't bear the sight of him Dick was immediately taken away and knocked up in the coal cellar Mr Bumble shortly afterwards took himself off to prepare for his journey at six o'clock next morning Mr Bumble having exchanged his cocked hat for a round one encased his person in a great coat with a capel to it took his place on the outside of the coach accompanied by the criminals whose settlement was disputed with whom in due course of time he arrived in London in spirit and snow all the crosses on the way then those which originated in the perverse behaviour of the few paupers who persisted in shivering in the cladding of a cold in a manner which Mr Bumble declared causing his tea chatter in his head made him feel quite uncomfortable although he had a great coat on having disposed of these evil minded persons for the night Mr Bumble sat himself down in the house at which the coach stopped and took a temperate dinner steaks, oyster sauce and polter putting glass of hot gin in water on the chimney piece he drew his chair to the fire and with sundry moral reflections on the true prevalent sin his content and complaining was himself to read the paper the very first paragraph upon which Mr Bumble's eye rested was a full limit of advertisement five guineas reward where he has a young boy named Oliver Twist absconded or was enticed on Thursday evening last through his home at Pentonville and has not since been heard of the appalled reward repaid any person who would give such information as will lead to the discovery of the said Oliver Twist or tend to throw any light upon his previous history in which he advertiser is for many reasons warmly interested and then followed a full description of Oliver's dress person, appearance and disappearance the name and address Mr Browner at length Mr Bumble opened his eyes read the advertisement slowly and carefully three several times and in something more than five minutes was on his way to Pentonville and they actually in his excitement left the glass of gin and water untasted is Mr Browner at home inquired Mr Bumble of the girl opened the door in his inquiry the girl returned the heart on common read the revasive reply of I don't know where do you come from Mr Bumble no sooner altered Oliver's name an explanation of his error and Mrs Bedwin who had been listening at the parlor door racing into the passage in a breathless state come in, come in the old lady I knew we should hear of him poor dear I knew we should I was certain of it bless his heart I said so all along having heard this the worthy old lady hurried back into the parlor again and seated herself on the sofa burst into tears who was not quite so sustable and thus meanwhile and now returned with a request that Mr Bumble would follow her immediately which he did he was shown into the little vaxtel he wears that Mr Browner and his friend Mr Grimwig with the cantors and glasses before them later gentlemen at once burst into an explanation a peddler a perished peddler or I'll eat my head pray don't interrupt just now Mr Browner take a seat with you Mr Bumble sat himself down quite confounded by the oddity of Mr Grimwig's manner Mr Browner moved the lamp so as to obtain an uninterrupted view of the beedle's cut and said with a little impatience now sir you come in consequence of having seen the advertisement yes sir Mr Bumble and you are a beedle are you not inquired Mr Grimwig I am a parochial beedle gentlemen rejoin Mr Bumble proudly of course Mr Grimwig aside to his friend I knew he was a beedle all over Mr Browner gently shook his head and imposed silence on his friend and resumed do you know whether this poor boy is now no more than nobody replied Mr Bumble well what do you know of him inquired the old gentleman speak out my friend if you have anything to say what do you know of him you don't happen to know any gore to him do you said Mr Grimwig sastically after an attentive perusal of Mr Bumble's features Mr Bumble catching at the inquiry very quickly shook his head with a portentous solemnity you see triumphantly at Mr Brownlow Mr Brownlow looked apprehensively at Mr Bumble's post up countenance and requested him to communicate what he knew regarding Oliver in as few words as possible Mr Bumble put down his hat out and buttoned his coat for his arms and climbed his head in a special respective manner and after a few moments through a collection it would be tedious if given it was occupying as it did some twenty minutes in their telling but the summons' substance of it was that Oliver was a founding born of low and vicious parents that he had from his birth displayed no better qualities and treachery in gratitude and malice that he had terminated his grief career in the place of his birth by making a sanguary and cowardly attack on an unoffending lad and running away in the night time from his master's house of his relay being the person he represented himself Mr Bumble laid upon the table the papers he had brought to town folding his arms again he then awaited Mr Brownlow's observations I fear it is all too true the old gentleman sonorfully looking over the papers this is not much for your intelligence but I would gladly have given you trivial the money if it had been favourable to the boy it is not improbable that if Mr Bumble had been possessed of this information until earlier period of the interview he might have been part of a very different colouring to his little history it was too late to do so now however so he took his head gravely and pocketed it to the five kinnies with true Mr Brownlow paced the room to and fro for some minutes I would eventually so much disturbed by the Beatles' tale that even Mr Grimwing fall bold to entwax him further a lengthy stop in Ragnabel quietly do-do-ding! do-do-ding! Missus Bedwin said Mrs Brownlow when the hoes keeper appeared That boy Oliver is an imposter it can't be sir it cannot be so the old lady and jettically I tell you he is but all to the gentleman what do you mean by can't be we have just heard the full account of him from his birth, and he has been a thorough-paced little villain all his life. I never will believe it, sir. That was why the old lady, firmly, never. You old woman never believe anything but quack doctors, lying storybooks. Ah, Mr Greenweig, I knew it all along. Why didn't you take my advice in the beginning? You had what if he had never fever, I suppose. Hey! It was interesting, wasn't it? Interesting! Bah! Mr Greenweig poked the fire, the flourish. It was dear, grateful, gentle child, sir, who taught Mrs Bedwee indignantly. I know what children are, sir, and have done these war-to-years, and people who can't say the same shouldn't say anything about them. That's my opinion. This was a hard hit at Mr Greenweig, who was a bachelor. As it extorted nothing from that gentleman but a smile, you lady tossed her head and smoothed down her apron proctoriet to another speech when she was stopped by Mr Browne now. Silence! The old gentleman, feigning in anger, he was far from feeling. Never let me hear that boy's name again. I rang you to tell you that. Never on any pretense mind, you may leave the room, Mrs Bedwee. Remember, I am in earnest. There were sad hearts at Mr Browne's nose at night. All of his heart sank within him when he thought of his good friends. It was well for him that he could not know what they had heard. But it might have broken more outright. End of Chapter 17 Chapter number 18 Oliver twists by Charles Dickens. This Liberock's recording is in the public domain. Chapter 18 How all of her past is time in the improving society of his reputable friends. But new next day when the daughter-in-mars debates had gone out to pursue their customary advocations, Mr Fagin thought the opportunity of reading Oliver a long lecture on the crying sin of ingratitude, which he clearly demonstrated he had been guilty to no ordinary extent in willfully absenting himself from the society of his anchorous friends, and, still more, in endeavouring to escape from them after so much trouble and expense had been incurred in his recovery, Mr Fagin laid great stress on the fact of his having taken Oliver in and cherished him when, without his timely aid, he might have perished with hunger, and he related the dismal and affecting history of a young lad whom, as his philanthropy, succumbed under peril circumstances, but who, proving unworthy of his confidence and inventing a desire to communicate with the police, had unfortunately come to be hanged the old Bailey one morning. Mr Fagin did not seek to conceal his share in the catastrophe, but remended with tears in his eyes that the wrong-headed and treacherous behaviour of the young person in question had rendered it necessary that he should become the victim of certain evidence for the crime, which, if it were not precisely true, was indispensable in necessary for the safety of him, Mr Fagin, and a few select friends, Mr Fagin concluded by drawing a rather disagreeable picture of the discomforts of hanging, and, with great friendliness and politeness of manner, expressing his anxious hopes that he might never be obliged to submit Oliver twist to that unpleasant operational. It will Oliver's blood run cold, as he listened to the Jewel's words, and imperfectly comprehended the dark threats conveyed in them, that it was possible, even for justies itself to confound the innocent with the guilty when they were in accidental companionship he knew already, and the deeply laid plans for the destruction of inconveniently knowing or over-communicative persons had really redivised and carried out by the Jew on more occasions than one. He thought by no means unlikely, when he collected the general nature of altercations between that gentleman and Mr Sykes, which seemed to bear reference to some foregone conspiracy of some kind, as he glanced timidly up and met the Jewel's searching look. He felt that his pale face and trembling limbs were neither unnoticed nor unernished by that weary old gentleman. The Jewel's smiling hideously patted Oliver on the head, and said that he kept himself quiet, and applied himself to business. He said, oh they wouldn't be very good friends yet. Then, taking his hat and covering himself with an ill patched redcoat, he went out and locked the room door behind him. And so Oliver remained all that day, and for the rate apart many subsequent days, seeing nobody between early morning and midnight, and left during the long hours commune with his own thoughts, which never failing to revert to his own friends, and the opinion they must long ago formed of him was sad indeed. After the lapse of a week or so, the Jewel left the room door unlocked, and he was in liberty to wander about the house. It was a very dirty place. The rooms upstairs had great high wooden chimney pieces and large doors with paneled walls and cornices to the ceiling, which although they were black with neglect and dust, were all invented in various ways. From all of these tokens Oliver concluded that long ago, before the old Jew was born, it belonged to better people, and that perhaps had been quite gay and handsome, dismal and dreary as it looked now. Spiders had built their webs in the angles of walls and ceilings, and sometimes, when Oliver walked softly into a room, the mice would scamper across the floor, and run terrified to the hells. With these exceptions there was neither sight nor sound of any living thing, and often when it grew dark, he was tired of wandering from room to room. He would crouch in the corner of the passage by the street door to be as near living people as he could, and would remain there, listening and counting the hours until the Jew or the boys returned. In all the rooms and mouldering shutters were fast closed, the bars which held them were screwed tight into the wood. The only light which was asmeeted, stealing its way through round hills at the top, which made the rooms more gloomy and filled them with strange shadows. There was a backyard window with rusty bars outside which had no shutter, and out of this all were often gazed with a melancholy face for hours together, but nothing was to be described from it but a confused and crowded mass of housetops, blackened chimneys and gable ends. Sometimes indeed a grizzly head might be seen, peering over the peripet wall of a distant house, but it was quickly redone again, and as the window of all of his observatory was kneeled down and dimmed with the rain and smoke of years, it was as much as he could do to make out the forms of the different objects beyond, without making an attempt to be seen or heard, which he had as much chance of being as if he had lived inside the ball of St. Paul's Cathedral. One afternoon the daughter and master Bates being engaged at that evening, the first name young gentleman, took it into his head to evict some anxiety erecting a decoration of his person to do him justice. This was by no means a bit of a true weakness with him, and with this end and aim he condescendingly have amended Oliver to assist him in his toilet straight away. Oliver was but too glad to make himself useful, too happy to have some faces, however bad to look upon, too desirous to conciliate those about him when he could honestly do so. They throw any objection in the way of this proposal, so he once expressed his readiness and kneeling on the floor while the daughter sat upon the tables as he could take his foot in his laps. He applied himself to a process which Mr Dawkins designated as, Japan in his trodder cases. The phrase rendered in plain English signifyeth cleaning his boots. Whether it was a sense of freedom and independence which a rational animal may be supposed to feel when he sits on a table and an easy attitude smoking a pipe, swinging on leg carelessly to on the throne, and having his boots clean all the time, without even the past trouble of having taken them off, or the prospective misery of putting them on to disturb his reflections, or whether it was the goodness of the debacle that sealed the feelings of the dodger, or the myrtle is of the beer that mollified his thoughts, he was evidentially tinctured for the nonce, with a spite of romance and enthusiasm foreign to his general nature. He looked down on Oliver with a thoughtful countenance for a brief space, and then raising his head, and heaving a gentle sigh, said half in inflection and half to master Bates, well pity it is, it isn't a prick, and asked to Charlie Bates, he don't know what school for him, or daughter sighed again, and resumed his pipe, as did Charlie Bates, they both smoked for some seconds in silence. I've spilt you don't even know what prick is, said the dodger mournfully, I think I know that, implied Oliver looking up, it's the, you're one, or you're not, inquired Oliver checking himself, I am, implied the dodger, I scorn to be anywhere else, Mr Dawkins gave his half ferocious cock after delivering this sentiment, and looked at master Bates as if to denote that he would feel obliged by saying anything to the contrary, I am, repeated the dodger, so's Charlie, so's Vagan, so's Sykes, so's Nancy, so's Bat, so we all are down to the dock, and he's a donious one a lot, and at least given the peach in, added Charlie Bates, he wouldn't get that much as bark, and the witness balks for fear of commiting himself, no, no, you tied him, do one one, and left him there without vitals for fortnight, said the dodger, not a bit of it, but observed Charlie, he's a wrong dog, don't he look fierce as any strength over the laughs and sings when he's in company, that's the dodger, won't he growl at all when he is a fiddle player, and don't he hate other dogs as any of his breed, oh no, he's a Christian, said Charlie, this was merely intended as a tribute to the animal's abilities, but it was a proctory remark in another sense, and Master Bates had only known it, for there are a group of many ladies and gentlemen claiming to be out and out Christians, between whom, and Mr Sykes Dogg, there is just strong and singular points of resemblance, well, well, said the dodger, recurring to the point from which they had strayed, with that mindfulness of his profession which influenced all his proceedings, us hadn't got anything to do with young Green here, no more it has, said Charlie, why don't you go put yourself all of Faye in Oliver, and make your ford not a hand, out of the dodger with the Green, and so be able to retire on your property, and do the gentile as I may to do in the very next leap year before it ever comes, and the 42nd Tuesday and Trinity week, said Charlie Bates, I don't like it, behind Oliver, timidly, I wish they would let me go, I would rather go, I'll Faye in one rather not, rejoined Charlie, Oliver knew this too well, that thinking it might be dangerous to express his feelings more openly in his sight, and went on with his boot cleaning, go, exclaimed the dodger, what were your spirit, don't you take any pride out of yourself, will you go and be dependent on all your friends, oh, blow that, said Master Bates, drawing two or three silk-hanger chips on his pocket, and tossing him into a cupboard, that's to me, nutters, I couldn't do it, said the dodger with an air of hotty disgust, you can leave your friends though, said Oliver with a half smile, and let them be punished for what you did, that, rejoined the dodger with a wave of his pipe, that was all out of consideration for Faye, Inc. cause the traps know that we work together, any more going to trouble if we hadn't made our lucky, that was a move, wasn't it Charlie, Master Bates noted a scent, and would have spoken, but the recollection of Oliver's flight came so subtly upon him that the smoke he was inhaling got untangled for life, and went into his head, and down into his throat, and brought out a cold of coughing and stamping, but five minutes long, look here, said the dodger, drawing full the handful of shillings and fathbunts, here's a joy in life, what's yours, where it comes from, here catch, oh, there's plenty more where they were took from, you won't, won't you, oh, you priceless lot, it's naughty, ain't it Oliver, inquired Charlie Bates, you've come to be scrawled, won't you, I don't know what that means, applying Oliver, some in this way, oh, fellow, said Charlie, as he said it, Master Bates called up an end of his neckerchief, and holding it erect in the air, dropped his head on his shoulder, and jerked a curious sound through his teeth, thereby indicating by a lively pantomynomic representation that's scragging, and hanging, were one and the same thing. Those were, it means, said Charlie, look at this, Jack, I never did see your prime company's out of here, boy, you'll be the death of me, I know you will. Master Charlie Bates, having laughed heartily again, resumed his pipe with tears in his eyes, you've been brought up bad, said the dodger, surveying his boots with much satisfaction when Oliver had polished them, for a game will make something of you, oh, you'll be the first year out that turned out unprofitable, you better begin it once, while you'll come to the train, long before you think of it, in your own illusory time, Oliver. Master Bates backed this advice with sundry moral admittitions of his own, which, being exhausted, he and his friendness Dawkins launched into a glowing description of the numerous pleasures interdental to the life they led, in dispense with a variety of hints to Oliver that the best thing he could do would be to secure, in favour of that more delay, where the means which they themselves employed again it, and always put this in your pipe, nor they, said the dodger, as the jewel was heard unlocking the door below off, if you don't take four ghouls and tickers, what's the good talking in that way, inquire Master Bates, he don't know what you mean, if you don't take four in the necker, oh, walshies, and the dodger, reducing his conversation to the level of Oliver's capacity, some other call will, so that the cause at Luzon will be all the worse, and you will be all the worse too, when nobody have a penny or what, the butter, except a sharp as wall gets then, and you just as good a right to them as they have, to be sure, to be sure, said the jewel who had entered unseen by Oliver, it all lies in a nutshell, my dear, in a nutshell take the dodgers apart for it, he understands the catechism of his trade, the old man rubbed his hands believably together, as he corroborated the dodgers reasoning and these terms, and chuckled with the light, as his pupils proficiency, the conversation proceeded no farther at this time, for the Jew had returned home accompanied by Miss Betsy, and the gentleman whom Oliver had never seen before, but what was accosted by the dodger is Tom Chittling, and who, having lingered on the stairs, would change a few gallantries with the lady, now made his appearance. Mr. Chittling was older in years than the dodger, having perhaps numbered 18 winters, but there was a degree of deference in his deportment to that young gentleman, which seemed to indicate that he felt himself conscious of a slight inferiority in point of genius and professional acquirements. His small twinkly eyes and a pork-marked face wore a clear cap, a dark cauldron jacket, greasy Faustian trousers and an apron. His wardrobe was in truth rather out of repair, but he excused himself to the company by stating that his time was only out over an hour before, and that, in consequence of having worn the regimentals for six weeks past, he had not been able to restore any attention on his private clothes. Mr. Chittling added with strong marks of irritation that a new way of fumigating clothes op yonder was infernal, unconstitutional, for it burnt holes in them, and there was no remedy against the county. The same remark he considered to apply to regulation mode of cutting a hair, which he had held to be decidedly unlawful. Mr. Chittling wound up his observations by stating that he had not trotched a drop of anything for 42 moral, long, hard working days, and that he wished he might have embossed if he wasn't a droid-aligned basket. Where do you think the gentleman has come from, Oliver? inquired the Jew with the grin, as the other boys put the bottle of spirits on the table. I don't know, sir, replied Oliver. Who's that? inquired Tom Chittling, casting a contemptuous look at Oliver. A young friend of mine, my dear, applied the Jew. Is it not, then? said the young man, with a meaningful look on Fagan. Never mind where I come from, you'll find your way there soon enough, old better grown. At this sally the boys laughed. After some old jokes on the same subject, they exchanged a few short whispers with Fagan, and withdrew. After some words apart between the last Cumber and Fagan, they drew their chairs toward the fire, and the Jew, telling Oliver to come and sit by him, led the conversation to the topics most calculated to interest his hearers. These were the great advantage of those of the trade, the proficiency of the daughter, the amiability of Charlie Bates, and the liberality of the Jew himself. A length these subjects displayed signs of being thoroughly exhausted, and Mr. Chittling did the same, for the House of Correction becomes fatiguing after a week or two. Mrs. Betsy accordingly threw and left the party to their repose. For this day Oliver was seldom left alone, was placed in almost constant communication to two boys, and played the old game with the Jew every day. Whether for their own improvement or else, Mr. Fagan best knew. Other times the old man would tell them stories of robberies he had committed in his younger days, mixed up with so much that it was droll and curious, that Oliver could not help laughing heartily, and showing that he was amused in spite of all his better feelings. In short, the wildly old Jew with the boy and his toils, and who repaired his mind by solitude and gloom, to prefer any society the companionship of his own sad thoughts in such a dreary place, it was now sterily instilling into his soul the poison which he hoped would blacken it, and change its hue, forever. Oliver Twist Chapter 18 End