Theyounggentelmansmiled，asiftointimatethatthelatterfragmentsofdiscoursewereplayfullyironical；andfinishedthebeerashedidso。
Thisunexpectedofferofshelterwastootemptingtoberesisted；
especiallyasitwasimmediatelyfollowedup，bytheassurancethattheoldgentlemanreferredto，woulddoubtlessprovideOliverwithacomfortableplace，withoutlossoftime。Thisledtoamorefriendlyandconfidentialdialogue；fromwhichOliverdiscoveredthathisfriend\'snamewasJackDawkins，andthathewasapeculiarpetandprotegeoftheelderlygentlemanbeforementioned。
Mr。Dawkin\'sappearancedidnotsayavastdealinfavourofthecomfortswhichhispatron\'sinterestobtainedforthosewhomhetookunderhisprotection；but，ashehadaratherflightlyanddissolutemodeofconversing，andfurthermoreavowedthatamonghisintimatefriendshewasbetterknownbythesobriquetof\'TheArtfulDodger，\'Oliverconcludedthat，beingofadissipatedandcarelessturn，themoralpreceptsofhisbenefactorhadhithertobeenthrownawayuponhim。Underthisimpression，hesecretlyresolvedtocultivatethegoodopinionoftheoldgentlemanasquicklyaspossible；and，ifhefoundtheDodgerincorrigible，ashemorethanhalfsuspectedheshould，todeclinethehonourofhisfartheracquaintance。
AsJohnDawkinsobjectedtotheirenteringLondonbeforenightfall，itwasnearlyeleveno\'clockwhentheyreachedtheturnpikeatIslington。TheycrossedfromtheAngelintoSt。
John\'sRoad；struckdownthesmallstreetwhichterminatesatSadler\'sWellsTheatre；throughExmouthStreetandCoppiceRow；
downthelittlecourtbythesideoftheworkhouse；acrosstheclassicgroundwhichonceborethenameofHockley-in-the-Hole；
thenceintoLittleSaffronHill；andsointoSaffronHilltheGreat:alongwhichtheDodgerscuddedatarapidpace，directingOlivertofollowcloseathisheels。
AlthoughOliverhadenoughtooccupyhisattentioninkeepingsightofhisleader，hecouldnothelpbestowingafewhastyglancesoneithersideoftheway，ashepassedalong。Adirtierormorewretchedplacehehadneverseen。Thestreetwasverynarrowandmuddy，andtheairwasimpregnatedwithfilthyodours。
Therewereagoodmanysmallshops；buttheonlystockintradeappearedtobeheapsofchildren，who，evenatthattimeofnight，werecrawlinginandoutatthedoors，orscreamingfromtheinside。Thesoleplacesthatseemedtoprosperamidthegeneralblightoftheplace，werethepublic-houses；andinthem，thelowestordersofIrishwerewranglingwithmightandmain。
Coveredwaysandyards，whichhereandtheredivergedfromthemainstreet，disclosedlittleknotsofhouses，wheredrunkenmenandwomenwerepositivelywallowinginfilth；andfromseveralofthedoor-ways，greatill-lookingfellowswerecautiouslyemerging，bound，toallappearance，onnoverywell-disposedorharmlesserrands。
Oliverwasjustconsideringwhetherhehadn\'tbetterrunaway，whentheyreachedthebottomofthehill。Hisconductor，catchinghimbythearm，pushedopenthedoorofahousenearFieldLane；anddrawinghimintothepassage，closeditbehindthem。
\'Now，then！\'criedavoicefrombelow，inreplytoawhistlefromtheDodger。
\'Plummyandslam！\'wasthereply。
Thisseemedtobesomewatchwordorsignalthatallwasright；
forthelightofafeeblecandlegleamedonthewallattheremoteendofthepassage；andaman\'sfacepeepedout，fromwhereabalustradeoftheoldkitchenstaircasehadbeenbrokenaway。
\'There\'stwoonyou，\'saidtheman，thrustingthecandlefartherout，andshieldinghiseyeswithhishand。\'Who\'sthet\'otherone?\'
\'Anewpal，\'repliedJackDawkins，pullingOliverforward。
\'Wheredidhecomefrom?\'
\'Greenland。IsFaginupstairs?\'
\'Yes，he\'sasortin\'thewipes。Upwithyou！\'Thecandlewasdrawnback，andthefacedisappeared。
Oliver，gropinghiswaywithonehand，andhavingtheotherfirmlygraspedbyhiscompanion，ascendedwithmuchdifficultythedarkandbrokenstairs:whichhisconductormountedwithaneaseandexpeditionthatshowedhewaswellacquaintedwiththem。
Hethrewopenthedoorofaback-room，anddrewOliverinafterhim。
Thewallsandceilingoftheroomwereperfectlyblackwithageanddirt。Therewasadealtablebeforethefire:uponwhichwereacandle，stuckinaginger-beerbottle，twoorthreepewterpots，aloafandbutter，andaplate。Inafrying-pan，whichwasonthefire，andwhichwassecuredtothemantelshelfbyastring，somesausageswerecooking；andstandingoverthem，withatoasting-forkinhishand，wasaveryoldshrivelledJew，whosevillainous-lookingandrepulsivefacewasobscuredbyaquantityofmattedredhair。Hewasdressedinagreasyflannelgown，withhisthroatbare；andseemedtobedividinghisattentionbetweenthefrying-panandtheclothes-horse，overwhichagreatnumberofsilkhandkerchiefslwerehanging。Severalroughbedsmadeofoldsacks，werehuddledsidebysideonthefloor。Seatedroundthetablewerefourorfiveboys，noneolderthantheDodger，smokinglongclaypipes，anddrinkingspiritswiththeairofmiddle-agedmen。TheseallcrowdedabouttheirassociateashewhisperedafewwordstotheJew；andthenturnedroundandgrinnedatOliver。SodidtheJewhimself，toasting-forkinhand。
\'Thisishim，Fagin，\'saidJackDawkins；\'myfriendOliverTwist。\'
TheJewgrinned；and，makingalowobeisancetoOliver，tookhimbythehand，andhopedheshouldhavethehonourofhisintimateacquaintance。Uponthis，theyounggentlemanwiththepipescameroundhim，andshookbothhishandsveryhard——especiallytheoneinwhichheheldhislittlebundle。Oneyounggentlemanwasveryanxioustohanguphiscapforhim；andanotherwassoobligingastoputhishandsinhispockets，inorderthat，ashewasverytired，hemightnothavethetroubleofemptyingthem，himself，whenhewenttobed。Thesecivilitieswouldprobablybeextendedmuchfarther，butforaliberalexerciseoftheJew\'stoasting-forkontheheadsandshouldersoftheaffectionateyouthswhoofferedthem。
\'Weareverygladtoseeyou，Oliver，very，\'saidtheJew。
\'Dodger，takeoffthesausages；anddrawatubnearthefireforOliver。Ah，you\'rea-staringatthepocket-handkerchiefs！eh，mydear。Thereareagoodmanyof\'em，ain\'tthere?We\'vejustlooked\'emout，readyforthewash；that\'sall，Oliver；that\'sall。Ha！ha！ha！\'
Thelatterpartofthisspeech，washailedbyaboisterousshoutfromallthehopefulpupilsofthemerryoldgentleman。Inthemidstofwhichtheywenttosupper。
Oliveratehisshare，andtheJewthenmixedhimaglassofhotgin-and-water:tellinghimhemustdrinkitoffdirectly，becauseanothergentlemanwantedthetumbler。Oliverdidashewasdesired。Immediatelyafterwardshefelthimselfgentlyliftedontooneofthesacks；andthenhesunkintoadeepsleep。
CHAPTERIX
CONTAININGFURTHERPARTICULARSCONCERNINGTHEPLEASANTOLD
GENTLEMAN，ANDHISHOPEFULPUPILS
ItwaslatenextmorningwhenOliverawoke，fromasound，longsleep。TherewasnootherpersonintheroombuttheoldJew，whowasboilingsomecoffeeinasaucepanforbreakfast，andwhistlingsoftlytohimselfashestirreditroundandround，withanironspoon。Hewouldstopeverynowandthentolistenwhentherewastheleastnoisebelow:andwhenhehadsatistifiedhimself，hewouldgoonwhistlingandstirringagain，asbefore。
AlthoughOliverhadrousedhimselffromsleep，hewasnotthoroughlyawake。Thereisadrowsystate，betweensleepingandwaking，whenyoudreammoreinfiveminuteswithyoureyeshalfopen，andyourselfhalfconsciousofeverythingthatispassingaroundyou，thanyouwouldinfivenightswithyoureyesfastclosed，andyoursenseswraptinperfectunconsciousness。Atsuchtime，amortalknowsjustenoughofwhathismindisdoing，toformsomeglimmeringconceptionofitsmightypowers，itsboundingfromearthandspurningtimeandspace，whenfreedfromtherestraintofitscorporealassociate。
Oliverwaspreciselyinthiscondition。HesawtheJewwithhishalf-closedeyes；heardhislowwhistling；andrecognisedthesoundofthespoongratingagainstthesaucepan\'ssides:andyettheself-samesenseswerementallyengaged，atthesametime，inbusyactionwithalmosteverybodyhehadeverknown。
Whenthecoffeewasdone，theJewdrewthesaucepantothehob。
Standing，theninanirresoluteattitudeforafewminutes，asifhedidnotwellknowhowtoemployhimself，heturnedroundandlookedatOliver，andcalledhimbyhisname。Hedidnotanswer，andwastoallappearancesasleep。
Aftersatisfiyinghimselfuponthishead，theJewsteppedgentlytothedoor:whichhefastened。Hethendrewforth:asitseemedtoOliver，fromsometrapinthefloor:asmallbox，whichheplacedcarefullyonthetable。Hiseyesglistenedasheraisedthelid，andlookedin。Dragginganoldchairtothetable，hesatdown；andtookfromitamagnificentgoldwatch，sparklingwithjewels。
\'Aha！\'saidtheJew，shrugginguphisshoulders，anddistortingeveryfeaturewithahideousgrin。\'Cleverdogs！Cleverdogs！
Staunchtothelast！Nevertoldtheoldparsonwheretheywere。
NeverpoacheduponoldFagin！Andwhyshouldthey?Itwouldn\'thaveloosenedtheknot，orkeptthedropup，aminutelonger。
No，no，no！Finefellows！Finefellows！\'
Withthese，andothermutteredreflectionsofthelikenature，theJewoncemoredepositedthewatchinitsplaceofsafety。Atleasthalfadozenmorewereseverallydrawnforthfromthesamebox，andsurveyedwithequalpleasure；besidesrings，brooches，bracelet，andotherarticlesofjewellery，ofsuchmagnificentmaterials，andcostlyworkmanship，thatOliverhadnoidea，evenoftheirnames。
Havingreplacedthesetrinkets，theJewtookoutanother:sosmallthatitlayinthepalmofhishand。Thereseemedtobesomeveryminuteinscriptiononit；fortheJewlaiditflatuponthetable，andshadingitwithhishand，poredoverit，longandearnestly。Atlengthheputitdown，asifdespairingofsuccess；and，leaningbackinhischair，muttered:
\'Whatafinethingcapitalpunishmentis！Deadmenneverrepent；
deadmenneverbringawkwardstoriestolight。Ah，it\'safinethingforthetrade！Fiveof\'emstrungupinarow，andnonelefttoplaybooty，orturnwhite-livered！\'
AstheJewutteredthesewords，hisbrightdarkeyes，whichhadbeenstaringvacantlybeforehim，fellonOliver\'sface；theboy\'seyeswerefixedonhisinmutecuriousity；andalthoughtherecognitionwasonlyforaninstant——forthebriefestspaceoftimethatcanpossiblybeconceived——itwasenoughtoshowtheoldmanthathehadbeenobserved。
Heclosedthelidoftheboxwithaloudcrash；and，layinghishandonabreadknifewhichwasonthetable，startedfuriouslyup。Hetrembledverymuchthough；for，eveninhisterror，Olivercouldseethattheknifequiveredintheair。
\'What\'sthat?\'saidtheJew。\'Whatdoyouwatchmefor?Whyareyouawake?Whathaveyouseen?Speakout，boy！Quick——quick！
foryourlife。
\'Iwasn\'tabletosleepanylonger，sir，\'repliedOliver，meekly。
\'IamverysorryifIhavedisturbedyou，sir。\'
\'Youwerenotawakeanhourago?\'saidtheJew，scowlingfiercelyontheboy。
\'No！No，indeed！\'repliedOliver。
\'Areyousure?\'criedtheJew:withastillfiercerlookthanbefore:andathreateningattitude。
\'UponmywordIwasnot，sir，\'repliedOliver，earnestly。\'Iwasnot，indeed，sir。\'
\'Tush，tush，mydear！\'saidtheJew，abruptlyresuminghisoldmanner，andplayingwiththeknifealittle，beforehelaiditdown；asiftoinducethebeliefthathehadcaughtitup，inmeresport。\'OfcourseIknowthat，mydear。Ionlytriedtofrightenyou。You\'reabraveboy。Ha！ha！you\'reabraveboy，Oliver。\'TheJewrubbedhishandswithachuckle，butglanceduneasilyatthebox，notwithstanding。
\'Didyouseeanyoftheseprettythings，mydear?\'saidtheJew，layinghishanduponitafterashortpause。
\'Yes，sir，\'repliedOliver。
\'Ah！\'saidtheJew，turningratherpale。\'They——they\'remine，Oliver；mylittleproperty。AllIhavetoliveupon，inmyoldage。Thefolkscallmeamiser，mydear。Onlyamiser；that\'sall。\'
Oliverthoughttheoldgentlemanmustbeadecidedmisertoliveinsuchadirtyplace，withsomanywatches；but，thinkingthatperhapshisfondnessfortheDodgerandtheotherboys，costhimagooddealofmoney，heonlycastadeferentiallookattheJew，andaskedifhemightgetup。
\'Certainly，mydear，certainly，\'repliedtheoldgentleman。
\'Stay。There\'sapitcherofwaterinthecornerbythedoor。
Bringithere；andI\'llgiveyouabasintowashin，mydear。\'
Olivergotup；walkedacrosstheroom；andstoopedforaninstanttoraisethepitcher。Whenheturnedhishead，theboxwasgone。
Hehadscarcelywashedhimself，andmadeeverythingtidy，byemptyingthebasinoutofthewindow，agreeablytotheJew\'sdirections，whentheDodgerreturned:accompaniedbyaverysprightlyyoungfriend，whomOliverhadseensmokingonthepreviousnight，andwhowasnowformallyintroducedtohimasCharleyBates。Thefoursatdown，tobreakfast，onthecoffee，andsomehotrollsandhamwhichtheDodgerhadbroughthomeinthecrownofhishat。
\'Well，\'saidtheJew，glancingslylyatOliver，andaddressinghimselftotheDodger，\'Ihopeyou\'vebeenatworkthismorning，mydears?\'
\'Hard，\'repliedtheDodger。
\'Asnails，\'addedCharleyBates。
\'Goodboys，goodboys！\'saidtheJew。\'Whathaveyougot，Dodger?\'
\'Acoupleofpocket-books，\'repliedthatyounggentlman。
\'Lined?\'inquiredtheJew，witheagerness。
\'Prettywell，\'repliedtheDodger，producingtwopocket-books；
onegreen，andtheotherred。
\'Notsoheavyastheymightbe，\'saidtheJew，afterlookingattheinsidescarefully；\'butveryneatandnicelymade。Ingeniousworkman，ain\'the，Oliver?\'
\'Veryindeed，sir，\'saidOliver。AtwhichMr。CharlesBateslaugheduproariously；verymuchtotheamazementofOliver，whosawnothingtolaughat，inanythingthathadpassed。
\'Andwhathaveyougot，mydear?\'saidFagintoCharleyBates。
\'Wipes，\'repliedMasterBates；atthesametimeproducingfourpocket-handkerchiefs。
\'Well，\'saidtheJew，inspectingthemclosely；\'they\'reverygoodones，very。Youhaven\'tmarkedthemwell，though，Charley；sothemarksshallbepickedoutwithaneedle，andwe\'llteachOliverhowtodoit。Shallus，Oliver，eh?Ha！ha！ha！\'
\'Ifyouplease，sir，\'saidOliver。
\'You\'dliketobeabletomakepocket-handkerchiefsaseasyasCharleyBates，wouldn\'tyou，mydear?\'saidtheJew。
\'Verymuch，indeed，ifyou\'llteachme，sir，\'repliedOliver。
MasterBatessawsomethingsoexquisitelyludicrousinthisreply，thatheburstintoanotherlaugh；whichlaugh，meetingthecoffeehewasdrinking，andcarryingitdownsomewrongchannel，verynearlyterminatedinhisprematuresuffocation。
\'Heissojollygreen！\'saidCharleywhenherecovered，asanapologytothecompanyforhisunpolitebehaviour。
TheDodgersaidnothing，buthesmoothedOliver\'shairoverhiseyes，andsaidhe\'dknowbetter，byandby；uponwhichtheoldgentleman，observingOliver\'scolourmounting，changedthesubjectbyaskingwhethertherehadbeenmuchofacrowdattheexecutionthatmorning?Thismadehimwondermoreandmore；foritwasplainfromtherepliesofthetwoboysthattheyhadbothbeenthere；andOlivernaturallywonderedhowtheycouldpossiblyhavefoundtimetobesoveryindustrious。
Whenthebreakfastwasclearedaway；themerryoldgentlmanandthetwoboysplayedataverycuriousanduncommongame，whichwasperformedinthisway。Themerryoldgentleman，placingasnuff-boxinonepocketofhistrousers，anote-caseintheother，andawatchinhiswaistcoatpocket，withaguard-chainroundhisneck，andstickingamockdiamondpininhisshirt:
buttonedhiscoattightroundhim，andputtinghisspectacle-caseandhandkerchiefinhispockets，trottedupanddowntheroomwithastick，inimitationofthemannerinwhicholdgentlmenwalkaboutthestreetsanyhourintheday。Sometimeshestoppedatthefire-place，andsometimesatthedoor，makingbelievethathewasstaringwithallhismightintoshop-windows。Atsuchtimes，hewouldlookconstantlyroundhim，forfearofthieves，andwouldkeepslappingallhispocketsinturn，toseethathehadn\'tlostanything，insuchaveryfunnyandnaturalmanner，thatOliverlaughedtillthetearsrandownhisface。Allthistime，thetwoboysfollowedhimcloselyabout:gettingoutofhissight，sonimbly，everytimeheturnedround，thatitwasimpossibletofollowtheirmotions。Atlast，theDodgertroduponhistoes，orranuponhisbootaccidently，whileCharleyBatesstumbledupagainsthimbehind；andinthatonemomenttheytookfromhim，withthemostextraordinaryrapidity，snuff-box，note-case，watch-guard，chain，shirt-pin，pocket-handkerchief，eventhespectacle-case。Iftheoldgentlmanfeltahandinanyoneofhispockets，hecriedoutwhereitwas；andthenthegamebeganalloveragain。
Whenthisgamehadbeenplayedagreatmanytimes，acoupleofyoungladiescalledtoseetheyounggentleman；oneofwhomwasnamedBet，andtheotherNancy。Theyworeagooddealofhair，notveryneatlyturnedupbehind，andwereratheruntidyabouttheshoesandstockings。Theywerenotexactlypretty，perhaps；
buttheyhadagreatdealofcolourintheirfaces，andlookedquitestoutandhearty。Beingremarkablyfreeandagreeableintheirmanners，Oliverthoughtthemverynicegirlsindeed。Asthereisnodoubttheywere。
Thevisitorsstoppedalongtime。Spiritswereproduced，inconsequenceofoneoftheyoungladiescomplainingofacoldnessinherinside；andtheconversationtookaveryconvivialandimprovingturn。Atlength，CharleyBatesexpressedhisopinionthatitwastimetopadthehoof。This，itoccurredtoOliver，mustbeFrenchforgoingout；fordirectlyafterwards，theDodger，andCharley，andthetwoyoungladies，wentawaytogether，havingbeenkindlyfurnishedbytheamiableoldJewwithmoneytospend。
\'There，mydear，\'saidFagin。\'That\'sapleasantlife，isn\'tit?
Theyhavegoneoutfortheday。\'
\'Havetheydonework，sir?\'inquiredOliver。
\'Yes，\'saidtheJew；\'thatis，unlesstheyshouldunexpectedlycomeacrossany，whentheyareout；andtheywon\'tneglectit，iftheydo，mydear，dependuponit。Make\'emyourmodels，mydear。
Make\'emyourmodels，\'tappingthefire-shovelonthehearthtoaddforcetohiswords；\'doeverythingtheybidyou，andtaketheiradviceinallmatters——especiallytheDodger\'s，mydear。
He\'llbeagreatmanhimself，andwillmakeyouonetoo，ifyoutakepatternbyhim——Ismyhandkerchiefhangingoutofmypocket，mydear?\'saidtheJew，stoppingshort。
\'Yes，sir，\'saidOliver。
\'Seeifyoucantakeitout，withoutmyfeelingit；asyousawthemdo，whenwewereatplaythismorning。\'
Oliverheldupthebottomofthepocketwithonehand，ashehadseentheDodgerholdit，anddrewthehandkerchieflightyoutofitwiththeother。
\'Isitgone?\'criedtheJew。
\'Hereitis，sir，\'saidOliver，showingitinhishand。
\'You\'reacleverboy，mydear，\'saidtheplayfuloldgentleman，pattingOliverontheheadapprovingly。\'Ineversawasharperlad。Here\'sashillingforyou。Ifyougoon，inthisway，you\'llbethegreatestmanofthetime。Andnowcomehere，andI\'llshowyouhowtotakethemarksoutofthehandkerchiefs。\'
Oliverwonderedwhatpickingtheoldgentleman\'spocketinplay，hadtodowithhischancesofbeingagreatman。But，thinkingthattheJew，beingsomuchhissenior，mustknowbest，hefollowedhimquietlytothetable，andwassoondeeplyinvolvedinhisnewstudy。
CHAPTERX
OLIVERBECOMESBETTERACQUAINTEDWITHTHECHARACTERSOFHISNEW
ASSOCIATES；ANDPURCHASESEXPERIENCEATAHIGHPRICE。BEINGA
SHORT，BUTVERYIMPORTANTCHAPTER，INTHISHISTORY
Formanydays，OliverremainedintheJew\'sroom，pickingthemarksoutofthepocket-handkerchief，ofwhichagreatnumberwerebroughthome，andsometimestakingpartinthegamealreadydescribed:whichthetwoboysandtheJewplayed，regularly，everymorning。Atlength，hebegantolanguishforfreshair，andtookmanyoccasionsofearnestlyentreatingtheoldgentlemantoallowhimtogoouttoworkwithhistwocompanions。
Oliverwasrenderedthemoreanxioustobeactivelyemployed，bywhathehadseenofthesternmoralityoftheoldgentleman\'scharacter。WhenevertheDodgerorCharleyBatescamehomeatnight，empty-handed，hewouldexpatiatewithgreatvehemenceonthemiseryofidleandlazyhabits；andwouldenforceuponthemthenecessityofanactivelife，bysendingthemsupperlesstobed。Ononeoccasion，indeed，heevenwentsofarastoknockthembothdownaflightofstairs；butthiswascarryingouthisvirtuouspreceptstoanunusualextent。
Atlength，onemorning，Oliverobtainedthepermissionhehadsoeagerlysought。Therehadbeennohandkerchiefstoworkupon，fortwoorthreedays，andthedinnershadbeenrathermeagre。
Perhapsthesewerereasonsfortheoldgentleman\'sgivinghisassent；but，whethertheywereorno，hetoldOliverhemightgo，andplacedhimunderthejointguardianshipofCharleyBates，andhisfriendtheDodger。
Thethreeboyssalliedout；theDodgerwithhiscoat-sleevestuckedup，andhishatcocked，asusual；MasterBatessaunteringalongwithhishandsinhispockets；andOliverbetweenthem，wonderingwheretheyweregoing，andwhatbranchofmanufacturehewouldbeinstructedin，first。
Thepaceatwhichtheywent，wassuchaverylazy，ill-lookingsaunter，thatOliversoonbegantothinkhiscompanionsweregoingtodeceivetheoldgentleman，bynotgoingtoworkatall。
TheDodgerhadaviciouspropensity，too，ofpullingthecapsfromtheheadsofsmallboysandtossingthemdownareas；whileCharleyBatesexhibitedsomeveryloosenotionsconcerningtherightsofproperty，bypilferingdiversapplesandonionsfromthestallsatthekennelsides，andthrustingthemintopocketswhichweresosurprisinglycapacious，thattheyseemedtounderminehiswholesuitofclothesineverydirection。Thesethingslookedsobad，thatOliverwasonthepointofdeclaringhisintentionofseekinghiswayback，inthebestwayhecould；
whenhisthoughtsweresuddenlydirectedintoanotherchannel，byaverymysteriouschangeofbehaviouronthepartoftheDodger。
TheywerejustemergingfromanarrowcourtnotfarfromtheopensquareinClerkenwell，whichisyetcalled，bysomestrangeperversionofterms，\'TheGreen\':whentheDodgermadeasuddenstop；and，layinghisfingeronhislip，drewhiscompanionsbackagain，withthegreatestcautionandcircumspection。
\'What\'sthematter?\'demandedOliver。
\'Hush！\'repliedtheDodger。\'Doyouseethatoldcoveatthebook-stall?\'
\'Theoldgentlemanovertheway?\'saidOliver。\'Yes，Iseehim。\'
\'He\'lldo，\'saidtheDoger。
\'Aprimeplant，\'observedMasterCharleyBates。
Oliverlookedfromonetotheother，withthegreatestsurprise；
buthewasnotpermittedtomakeanyinquiries；forthetwoboyswalkedstealthilyacrosstheroad，andslunkclosebehindtheoldgentlemantowardswhomhisattentionhadbeendirected。Oliverwalkedafewpacesafterthem；and，notknowingwhethertoadvanceorretire，stoodlookingoninsilentamazement。
Theoldgentlemanwasaveryrespectable-lookingpersonage，withapowderedheadandgoldspectacles。Hewasdressedinabottle-greencoatwithablackvelvetcollar；worewhitetrousers；andcarriedasmartbamboocaneunderhisarm。Hehadtakenupabookfromthestall，andtherehestood，readingaway，ashardasifhewereinhiselbow-chair，inhisownstudy。Itisverypossiblethathefanciedhimselfthere，indeed；foritwasplain，fromhisabstraction，thathesawnotthebook-stall，northestreet，northeboys，nor，inshort，anythingbutthebookitself:whichhewasreadingstraightthrough:turningovertheleafwhenhegottothebottomofapage，beginningatthetoplineofthenextone，andgoingregularlyon，withthegreatestinterestandeagerness。
WhatwasOliver\'shorrorandalarmashestoodafewpacesoff，lookingonwithhiseyelidsaswideopenastheywouldpossiblygo，toseetheDodgerplungehishandintotheoldgentleman\'spocket，anddrawfromthenceahandkerchief！ToseehimhandthesametoCharleyBates；andfinallytobeholdthem，bothrunningawayroundthecorneratfullspeed！
Inaninstantthewholemysteryofthehankerchiefs，andthewatches，andthejewels，andtheJew，rushedupontheboy\'smind。
Hestood，foramoment，withthebloodsotinglingthroughallhisveinsfromterror，thathefeltasifhewereinaburningfire；then，confusedandfrightened，hetooktohisheels；and，notknowingwhathedid，madeoffasfastashecouldlayhisfeettotheground。
Thiswasalldoneinaminute\'sspace。IntheveryinstantwhenOliverbegantorun，theoldgentleman，puttinghishandtohispocket，andmissinghishandkerchief，turnedsharpround。Seeingtheboyscuddingawayatsucharapidpace，heverynaturallyconcludedhimtobethedepredator；andshouting\'Stopthief！\'
withallhismight，madeoffafterhim，bookinhand。
Buttheoldgentlemanwasnottheonlypersonwhoraisedthehue-and-cry。TheDodgerandMasterBates，unwillingtoattractpublicattentionbyrunningdowntheopenstreet，hadmerelyreturedintotheveryfirstdoorwayroundthecorner。Theynosoonerheardthecry，andsawOliverrunning，than，guessingexactlyhowthematterstood，theyissuedforthwithgreatpromptitude；and，shouting\'Stopthief！\'too，joinedinthepursuitlikegoodcitizens。
AlthoughOliverhadbeenbroughtupbyphilosophers，hewasnottheoreticallyacquaintedwiththebeautifulaxiomthatself-preservationisthefirstlawofnature。Ifhehadbeen，perhapshewouldhavebeenpreparedforthis。Notbeingprepared，however，italarmedhimthemore；soawayhewentlikethewind，withtheoldgentlemanandthetwoboysroaringandshoutingbehindhim。
\'Stopthief！Stopthief！\'Thereisamagicinthesound。Thetradesmanleaveshiscounter，andthecar-manhiswaggon；thebutcherthrowsdownhistray；thebakerhisbasket；themilkmanhispail；theerrand-boyhisparcels；theschool-boyhismarbles；
thepaviourhispickaxe；thechildhisbattledore。Awaytheyrun，pell-mell，helter-skelter，slap-dash:tearing，yelling，screaming，knockingdownthepassengersastheyturnthecorners，rousingupthedogs，andastonishingthefowls:andstreets，squares，andcourts，re-echowiththesound。
\'Stopthief！Stopthief！\'Thecryistakenupbyahundredvoices，andthecrowdaccumulateateveryturning。Awaytheyfly，splashingthroughthemud，andrattlingalongthepavements:
upgothewindows，outrunthepeople，onwardbearthemob，awholeaudiencedesertPunchintheverythickestoftheplot，and，joiningtherushingthrong，swelltheshout，andlendfreshvigourtothecry，\'Stopthief！Stopthief！\'
\'Stopthief！Stopthief！\'ThereisapassionFORHUNTING
SOMETHINGdeeplyimplantedinthehumanbreast。Onewretchedbreathlesschild，pantingwithexhaustion；terrorinhislooks；
agaonyinhiseyes；largedropsofperspirationstreamingdownhisface；strainseverynervetomakeheaduponhispursuers；andastheyfollowonhistrack，andgainuponhimeveryinstant，theyhailhisdecreasingstrengthwithjoy。\'Stopthief！\'Ay，stophimforGod\'ssake，wereitonlyinmercy！
Stoppedatlast！Acleverblow。Heisdownuponthepavement；
andthecrowdeagerlygatherroundhim:eachnewcomer，jostlingandstrugglingwiththeotherstocatchaglimpse。\'Standaside！\'\'Givehimalittleair！\'\'Nonsense！hedon\'tdeserveit。\'\'Where\'sthegentleman?\'\'Herehisis，comingdownthestreet。\'\'Makeroomthereforthegentleman！\'\'Isthistheboy，sir！\'\'Yes。\'
Oliverlay，coveredwithmudanddust，andbleedingfromthemouth，lookingwildlyroundupontheheapoffacesthatsurroundedhim，whentheoldgentlemanwasofficiouslydraggedandpushedintothecirclebytheforemostofthepursuers。
\'Yes，\'saidthegentleman，\'Iamafraiditistheboy。\'
\'Afraid！\'murmuredthecrowd。\'That\'sagood\'un！\'
\'Poorfellow！\'saidthegentleman，\'hehashurthimself。\'
\'_I_didthat，sir，\'saidagreatlubberlyfellow，steppingforward；\'andpreciouslyIcutmyknuckleagin\'hismouth。I
stoppedhim，sir。\'
Thefollowtouchedhishatwithagrin，expectingsomethingforhispains；but，theoldgentleman，eyeinghimwithanexpressionofdislike，lookanxiouslyround，asifhecontemplatedrunningawayhimself:whichitisverypossiblehemighthaveattemptedtodo，andthushaveaffordedanotherchase，hadnotapoliceofficerwhoisgenerallythelastpersontoarriveinsuchcasesatthatmomentmadehiswaythroughthecrowd，andseizedOliverbythecollar。
\'Come，getup，\'saidtheman，roughly。
\'Itwasn\'tmeindeed，sir。Indeed，indeed，itwastwootherboys，\'saidOliver，claspinghishandspassionately，andlookinground。\'Theyareheresomewhere。\'
\'Ohno，theyain\'t，\'saidtheofficer。Hemeantthistobeironical，butitwastruebesides；fortheDodgerandCharleyBateshadfiledoffdownthefirstconvenientcourttheycameto。
\'Come，getup！\'
\'Don\'thurthim，\'saidtheoldgentleman，compassionately。
\'Ohno，Iwon\'thurthim，\'repliedtheofficer，tearinghisjackethalfoffhisback，inproofthereof。\'Come，Iknowyou；
itwon\'tdo。Willyoustanduponyourlegs，youyoungdevil?\'
Oliver，whocouldhardlystand，madeashifttoraisehimselfonhisfeet，andwasatonceluggedalongthestreetsbythejacket-collar，atarapidpace。Thegentlemanwalkedonwiththembytheofficer\'sside；andasmanyofthecrowdascouldachievethefeat，gotalittleahead，andstaredbackatOliverfromtimetotime。Theboysshoutedintriumph；andontheywent。
CHAPTERXI
TREATSOFMR。FANGTHEPOLICEMAGISTRATE；ANDFURNISHESASLIGHT
SPECIMENOFHISMODEOFADMINISTERINGJUSTICE
Theoffencehadbeencommittedwithinthedistrict，andindeedintheimmediateneighborhoodof，averynotoriousmetropolitanpoliceoffice。ThecrowdhadonlythesatisfactionofaccompanyingOliverthroughtwoorthreestreets，anddownaplacecalledMuttonHill，whenhewasledbeneathalowarchway，andupadirtycourt，intothisdispensaryofsummaryjustice，bythebackway。Itwasasmallpavedyardintowhichtheyturned；
andheretheyencounteredastoutmanwithabunchofwhiskersonhisface，andabunchofkeysinhishand。
\'What\'sthematternow?\'saidthemancarelessly。
\'Ayoungfogle-hunter，\'repliedthemanwhohadOliverincharge。
\'Areyouthepartythat\'sbeenrobbed，sir?\'inquiredthemanwiththekeys。
\'Yes，Iam，\'repliedtheoldgentleman；\'butIamnotsurethatthisboyactuallytookthehandkerchief。I——Iwouldrathernotpressthecase。\'
\'Mustgobeforethemagistratenow，sir，\'repliedtheman。\'Hisworshipwillbedisengagedinhalfaminute。Now，younggallows！\'
ThiswasaninvitationforOlivertoenterthroughadoorwhichheunlockedashespoke，andwhichledintoastonecell。Herehewassearched；andnothingbeingfounduponhim，lockedup。
Thiscellwasinshapeandsizesomethinglikeanareacellar，onlynotsolight。Itwasmostintolablydirty；foritwasMondaymorning；andithadbeentenantedbysixdrunkenpeople，whohadbeenlockedup，elsewhere，sinceSaturdaynight。Butthisislittle。Inourstation-houses，menandwomenareeverynightconfinedonthemosttrivialcharges——thewordisworthnoting——indungeons，comparedwithwhich，thoseinNewgate，occupiedbythemostatrociousfelons，tried，foundguilty，andundersentenceofdeath，arepalaces。Letanyonewhodoubtsthis，comparethetwo。
TheoldgentlemanlookedalmostasruefulasOliverwhenthekeygratedinthelock。Heturnedwithasightothebook，whichhadbeentheinnocentcauseofallthisdisturbance。
\'Thereissomethinginthatboy\'sface，\'saidtheoldgentlemantohimselfashewalkedslowlyaway，tappinghischinwiththecoverofthebook，inathoughtfulmanner；\'somethingthattouchesandinterestsme。CANhebeinnocent?Helookedlike——Byethebye，\'exclaimedtheoldgentleman，haltingveryabruptly，andstaringupintothesky，\'Blessmysoul！——wherehaveIseensomethinglikethatlookbefore?\'
Aftermusingforsomeminutes，theoldgentlemanwalked，withthesamemeditativeface，intoabackanteroomopeningfromtheyard；
andthere，retiringintoacorner，calledupbeforehismind\'seyeavastamphitheatreoffacesoverwhichaduskycurtainhadhungformanyyears。\'No，\'saidtheoldgentleman，shakinghishead；\'itmustbeimagination。
Hewanderedoverthemagain。Hehadcalledthemintoview，anditwasnoteasytoreplacetheshroudthathadsolongconcealedthem。Therewerethefacesoffriends，andfoes，andofmanythathadbeenalmoststrangerspeeringintrusivelyfromthecrowd；therewerethefacesofyoungandbloominggirlsthatwerenowoldwomen；therewerefacesthatthegravehadchangedandclosedupon，butwhichthemind，superiortoitspower，stilldressedintheiroldfreshnessandbeauty，callingbackthelustreoftheeyes，thebrightnessofthesmile，thebeamingofthesoulthroughitsmaskofclay，andwhisperingofbeautybeyondthetomb，changedbuttobeheightened，andtakenfromearthonlytobesetupasalight，toshedasoftandgentleglowuponthepathtoHeaven。
ButtheoldgentlemancouldrecallnoonecountenanceofwhichOliver\'sfeaturesboreatrace。So，heheavedasighovertherecollectionsheawakened；andbeing，happilyforhimself，anabsentoldgentleman，buriedthemagaininthepagesofthemustybook。
Hewasrousedbyatouchontheshoulder，andarequestfromthemanwiththekeystofollowhimintotheoffice。Heclosedhisbookhastily；andwasatonceusheredintotheimposingpresenceoftherenownedMr。Fang。
Theofficewasafrontparlour，withapanelledwall。Mr。Fangsatbehindabar，attheupperend；andononesidethedoorwasasortofwoodenpeninwhichpoorlittleOliverwasalreadydeposited；tremblingverymuchattheawfulnessofthescene。
Mr。Fangwasalean，long-backed，stiff-necked，middle-sizedman，withnogreatquantityofhair，andwhathehad，growingonthebackandsidesofhishead。Hisfacewasstern，andmuchflushed。Ifhewerereallynotinthehabitofdrinkingrathermorethanwasexactlygoodforhim，hemighthavebroughtactionagainsthiscountenanceforlibel，andhaverecoveredheavydamages。
Theoldgentlemanbowedrespectfully；andadvancingtothemagistrate\'sdesk，saidsuitingtheactiontotheword，\'Thatismynameandaddress，sir。\'Hethenwithdrewapaceortwo；and，withanotherpoliteandgentlemanlyinclinationofthehead，waitedtobequestioned。
Now，itsohappenedthatMr。Fangwasatthatmomentperusingaleadingarticleinanewspaperofthemorning，advertingtosomerecentdecisionofhis，andcommendinghim，forthethreehundredandfiftiethtime，tothespecialandparticularnoticeoftheSecretaryofStatefortheHomeDepartment。Hewasoutoftemper；andhelookedupwithanangryscowl。
\'Whoareyou?\'saidMr。Fang。
Theoldgentlemanpointed，withsomesurprise，tohiscard。
\'Officer！\'saidMr。Fang，tossingthecardcontemptuouslyawaywiththenewspaper。\'Whoisthisfellow?\'
\'Myname，sir，\'saidtheoldgentleman，speakingLIKEagentleman，\'myname，sir，isBrownlow。Permitmetoinquirethenameofthemagistratewhooffersagratuitousandunprovokedinsulttoarespectableperson，undertheprotectionofthebench。\'Sayingthis，Mr。Brownlowlookedaroundtheofficeasifinsearchofsomepersonwhowouldaffordhimtherequiredinformation。
\'Officer！\'saidMr。Fang，throwingthepaperononeside，\'what\'sthisfellowchargedwith?\'
\'He\'snotchargedatall，yourworship，\'repliedtheofficer。\'Heappearsagainstthisboy，yourworship。\'
Hisworshpknewthisperfectlywell；butitwasagoodannoyance，andasafeone。
\'Appearsagainsttheboy，doeshe?\'saidMr。Fang，surveyingMr。
Brownlowcontemptuouslyfromheadtofoot。\'Swearhim！\'
\'BeforeIamsworn，Imustbegtosayoneword，\'saidMr。
Brownlow；\'andthatis，thatIreallynever，withoutactualexperience，couldhavebelieved——\'
\'Holdyourtongue，sir！\'saidMr。Fang，peremptorily。
\'Iwillnot，sir！\'repliedtheoldgentleman。
\'Holdyourtonguethisinstant，orI\'llhaveyouturnedoutoftheoffice！\'saidMr。Fang。\'You\'reaninsolentimpertinentfellow。Howdareyoubullyamagistrate！\'
\'What！\'exclaimedtheoldgentleman，reddening。
\'Swearthisperson！\'saidFangtotheclerk。\'I\'llnothearanotherword。Swearhim。\'
Mr。Brownlow\'sindignatonwasgreatlyroused；butreflectingperhaps，thathemightonlyinjuretheboybygivingventtoit，hesuppressedhisfeelingsandsubmittedtobeswornatonce。
\'Now，\'saidFang，\'what\'sthechargeagainstthisboy?Whathaveyougottosay，sir?\'
\'Iwasstandingatabookstall——\'Mr。Brownlowbegan。
\'Holdyourtongue，sir，\'saidMr。Fang。\'Policeman！Where\'sthepoliceman?Here，swearthispoliceman。Now，policeman，whatisthis?\'
Thepoliceman，withbecominghumility，relatedhowhehadtakenthecharge；howhehadsearchedOliver，andfoundnothingonhisperson；andhowthatwasallheknewaboutit。
\'Arethereanywitnesses?\'inquiredMr。Fang。
\'None，yourworship，\'repliedthepoliceman。
Mr。Fangsatsilentforsomeminutes，andthen，turningroundtotheprosecutor，saidinatoweringpassion。
\'Doyoumeantostatewhatyourcomplaintagainstthisboyis，man，ordoyounot?Youhavebeensworn。Now，ifyoustandthere，refusingtogiveevidence，I\'llpunishyoufordisrespecttothebench；Iwill，by——\'
Bywhat，orbywhom，nobodyknows，fortheclerkandjailorcoughedveryloud，justattherightmoment；andtheformerdroppedaheavybookuponthefloor，thuspreventingthewordfrombeingheard——accidently，ofcourse。
Withmanyinterruptions，andrepeatedinsults，Mr。Brownlowcontrivedtostatehiscase；observingthat，inthesurpriseofthemoment，hehadrunaftertheboybecausehehadsawhimrunningaway；andexpressinghishopethat，ifthemagistrateshouldbelievehim，althoughnotactuallythethief，tobeconnectedwiththethieves，hewoulddealaslenientlywithhimasjusticewouldallow。
\'Hehasbeenhurtalready，\'saidtheoldgentlemaninconclusion。
\'AndIfear，\'headded，withgreatenergy，lookingtowardsthebar，\'Ireallyfearthatheisill。\'
\'Oh！yes，Idaresay！\'saidMr。Fang，withasneer。\'Come，noneofyourtrickshere，youyoungvagabond；theywon\'tdo。What\'syourname?\'
Olivertriedtoreplybuthistonguefailedhim。Hewasdeadlypale；andthewholeplaceseemedturningroundandround。
\'What\'syourname，youhardenedscoundrel?\'demandedMr。Fang。
\'Officer，what\'shisname?\'
Thiswasaddressedtoabluffoldfellow，inastripedwaistcoat，whowasstandingbythebar。HebentoverOliver，andrepeatedtheinquiry；butfindinghimreallyincapableofunderstandingthequestion；andknowingthathisnotreplyingwouldonlyinfuriatethemagistratethemore，andaddtotheseverityofhissentence；hehazardedaguess。
\'Hesayshisname\'sTomWhite，yourworship，\'saidthekind-heartedthief-taker。
\'Oh，hewon\'tspeakout，won\'the?\'saidFang。\'Verywell，verywell。Wheredoeshelive?\'
\'Wherehecan，yourworship，\'repliedtheofficer；againpretendingtoreceiveOliver\'sanswer。
\'Hasheanyparents?\'inquiredMr。Fang。
\'Hesaystheydiedinhisinfancy，yourworship，\'repliedtheofficer:hazardingtheusualreply。
Atthispointoftheinquiry，Oliverraisedhishead；and，lookingroundwithimploringeyes，murmuredafeebleprayerforadraughtofwater。
\'Stuffandnonsense！\'saidMr。Fang:\'don\'ttrytomakeafoolofme。\'
\'Ithinkhereallyisill，yourworship，\'remonstratedtheofficer。
\'Iknowbetter，\'saidMr。Fang。
\'Takecareofhim，officer，\'saidtheoldgentleman，raisinghishandsinstinctively；\'he\'llfalldown。\'
\'Standaway，officer，\'criedFang；\'lethim，ifhelikes。\'
Oliveravailedhimselfofthekindpermission，andfelltothefloorinafaintingfit。Themenintheofficelookedateachother，butnoonedaredtostir。
\'Iknewhewasshamming，\'saidFang，asifthiswereincontestableproofofthefact。\'Lethimliethere；he\'llsoonbetiredofthat。\'
\'Howdoyouproposetodealwiththecase，sir?\'inquiredtheclerkinalowvoice。
\'Summarily，\'repliedMr。Fang。\'Hestandscommittedforthreemonths——hardlabourofcourse。Cleartheoffice。\'
Thedoorwasopenedforthispurpose，andacoupleofmenwerepreparingtocarrytheinsensibleboytohiscell；whenanelderlymanofdecentbutpoorappearance，cladinanoldsuitofblack，rushedhastilyintotheoffice，andadvancedtowardsthebench。
\'Stop，stop！don\'ttakehimaway！ForHeaven\'ssakestopamoment！\'criedthenewcomer，breathlesswithhaste。
AlthoughthepresidingGeniiinsuchanofficeasthis，exerciseasummaryandarbitrarypowerovertheliberties，thegoodname，thecharacter，almostthelives，ofHerMajesty\'ssubjects，expeciallyofthepoorerclass；andalthough，withinsuchwalls，enoughfantastictricksaredailyplayedtomaketheangelsblindwithweeping；theyareclosedtothepublic，savethroughthemediumofthedailypress。Footnote:Orwerevirtually，then。
Mr。Fangwasconsequentlynotalittleindignanttoseeanunbiddenguestenterinsuchirreverentdisorder。
\'Whatisthis?Whoisthis?Turnthismanout。Cleartheoffice！\'criedMr。Fang。
\'IWILLspeak，\'criedtheman；\'Iwillnotbeturnedout。Isawitall。Ikeepthebook-stall。Idemandtobesworn。Iwillnotbeputdown。Mr。Fang，youmusthearme。Youmustnotrefuse，sir。\'
Themanwasright。Hismannerwasdetermined；andthematterwasgrowingrathertooserioustobehushedup。
\'Sweartheman，\'growledMr。Fang。withaveryillgrace。\'Now，man，whathaveyougottosay?\'
\'This，\'saidtheman:\'Isawthreeboys:twoothersandtheprisonerhere:loiteringontheoppositesideoftheway，whenthisgentlemanwasreading。Therobberywascommittedbyanotherboy。Isawitdone；andIsawthatthisboywasperfectlyamazedandstupifiedbyit。\'Havingbythistimerecoveredalittlebreath，theworthybook-stallkeeperproceededtorelate，inamorecoherentmannertheexactcircumstancesoftherobbery。
\'Whydidn\'tyoucomeherebefore?\'saidFang，afterapause。
\'Ihadn\'tasoultomindtheshop，\'repliedtheman。\'Everybodywhocouldhavehelpedme，hadjoinedinthepursuit。Icouldgetnobodytillfiveminutesago；andI\'verunherealltheway。\'
\'Theprosecutorwasreading，washe?\'inquiredFang，afteranotherpause。
\'Yes，\'repliedtheman。\'Theverybookhehasinhishand。\'
\'Oh，thatbook，eh?\'saidFang。\'Isitpaidfor?\'
\'No，itisnot，\'repliedtheman，withasmile。
\'Dearme，Iforgotallaboutit！\'exclaimedtheabsentoldgentleman，innocently。
\'Anicepersontopreferachargeagainstapoorboy！\'saidFang，withacomicalefforttolookhumane。\'Iconsider，sir，thatyouhaveobtainedpossessionofthatbook，underverysuspiciousanddisreputablecircumstances；andyoumaythinkyourselfveryfortunatethattheownerofthepropertydeclinestoprosecute。
Letthisbealessontoyou，myman，orthelawwillovertakeyouyet。Theboyisdischarged。Cleartheoffice！\'
\'D——nme！\'criedtheoldgentleman，burstingoutwiththeragehehadkeptdownsolong，\'d——nme！I\'ll——\'
\'Cleartheoffice！\'saidthemagistrate。\'Officers，doyouhear?
Cleartheoffice！\'
Themandatewasobeyed；andtheindignantMr。Brownlowwasconveyedout，withthebookinonehand，andthebamboocaneintheother:inaperfectphrenzyofrageanddefiance。Hereachedtheyard；andhispassionvanishedinamoment。LittleOliverTwistlayonhisbackonthepavement，withhisshirtunbuttoned，andhistemplesbathedwithwater；hisfaceadeadlywhite；andacoldtrembleconvulsinghiswholeframe。
\'Poorboy，poorboy！\'saidMr。Brownlow，bendingoverhim。\'Callacoach，somebody，pray。Directly！\'
Acoachwasobtained，andOliverhavingbeencarefullylaidontheseat，theoldgentlemangotinandsathimselfontheother。
\'MayIaccompanyyou?\'saidthebook-stallkeeper，lookingin。
\'Blessme，yes，mydearsir，\'saidMr。Brownlowquickly。\'I
forgotyou。Dear，dear！Ihavethisunhappybookstill！Jumpin。Poorfellow！There\'snotimetolose。\'
Thebook-stallkeepergotintothecoach；andawaytheydrove。
CHAPTERXII
INWHICHOLIVERISTAKENBETTERCAREOFTHANHEEVERWASBEFORE。
ANDINWHICHTHENARRATIVEREVERTSTOTHEMERRYOLDGENTLEMANAND
HISYOUTHFULFRIENDS。
Thecoachrattledaway，overnearlythesamegroundasthatwhichOliverhadtraversedwhenhefirstenteredLondonincompanywiththeDodger；and，turningadifferentwaywhenitreachedtheAngelatIslington，stoppedatlengthbeforeaneathouse，inaquietshadystreetnearPentonville。Here，abedwasprepared，withoutlossoftime，inwhichMr。Brownlowsawhisyoungchargecarefullyandcomfortablydeposited；andhere，hewastendedwithakindnessandsolicitudethatknewnobounds。
But，formanydays，Oliverremainedinsensibletoallthegoodnessofhisnewfriends。Thesunroseandsank，androseandsankagain，andmanytimesafterthat；andstilltheboylaystretchedonhisuneasybed，dwindlingawaybeneaththedryandwastingheatoffever。Thewormdoesnotworkmoresurelyonthedeadbody，thandoesthisslowcreepingfireuponthelivingframe。
Weak，andthin，andpallid，heawokeatlastfromwhatseemedtohavebeenalongandtroubleddream。Feeblyraisinghimselfinthebed，withhisheadrestingonhistremblingarm，helookedanxiouslyaround。
\'Whatroomisthis?WherehaveIbeenbroughtto?\'saidOliver。
\'ThisisnottheplaceIwenttosleepin。\'
Heutteredthesewordsinafeeblevoice，beingveryfaintandweak；buttheywereoverheardatonce。Thecurtainatthebed\'sheadwashastilydrawnback，andamotherlyoldlady，veryneatlyandpreciselydressed，roseassheundrewit，fromanarm-chaircloseby，inwhichshehadbeensittingatneedle-work。
\'Hush，mydear，\'saidtheoldladysoftly。\'Youmustbeveryquiet，oryouwillbeillagain；andyouhavebeenverybad，——asbadasbadcouldbe，prettynigh。Liedownagain；there\'sadear！\'Withthosewords，theoldladyverygentlyplacedOliver\'sheaduponthepillow；and，smoothingbackhishairfromhisforehead，lookedsokindlyandlovinginhisface，thathecouldnothelpplacinghislittlewitheredhandinhers，anddrawingitroundhisneck。
\'Saveus！\'saidtheoldlady，withtearsinhereyes。\'Whatagratefullittledearitis。Prettycreetur！WhatwouldhismotherfeelifshehadsatbyhimasIhave，andcouldseehimnow！\'
\'Perhapsshedoesseeme，\'whisperedOliver，foldinghishandstogether；\'perhapsshehassatbyme。Ialmostfeelasifshehad。\'
\'Thatwasthefever，mydear，\'saidtheoldladymildly。
\'Isupposeitwas，\'repliedOliver，\'becauseheavenisalongwayoff；andtheyaretoohappythere，tocomedowntothebedsideofapoorboy。ButifsheknewIwasill，shemusthavepitiedme，eventhere；forshewasveryillherselfbeforeshedied。Shecan\'tknowanythingaboutmethough，\'addedOliverafteramoment\'ssilence。\'Ifshehadseenmehurt，itwouldhavemadeheresorrowful；andherfacehasalwayslookedsweetandhappy，whenIhavedreamedofher。\'
Theoldladymadenoreplytothis；butwipinghereyesfirst，andherspectacles，whichlayonthecounterpane，afterwards，asiftheywerepartandparcelofthosefeatures，broughtsomecoolstuffforOlivertodrink；andthen，pattinghimonthecheek，toldhimhemustlieveryquiet，orhewouldbeillagain。
So，Oliverkeptverystill；partlybecausehewasanxioustoobeythekindoldladyinallthings；andpartly，totellthetruth，becausehewascompletelyexhaustedwithwhathehadalreadysaid。Hesoonfellintoagentledoze，fromwhichhewasawakenedbythelightofacandle:which，beingbroughtnearthebed，showedhimagentlemanwithaverylargeandloud-tickinggoldwatchinhishand，whofelthispulse，andsaidhewasagreatdealbetter。
\'YouAREagreatdealbetter，areyounot，mydear?\'saidthegentleman。
\'Yes，thankyou，sir，\'repliedOliver。
\'Yes，Iknowyouare，\'saidthegentleman:\'You\'rehungrytoo，an\'tyou?\'
\'No，sir，\'answeredOliver。
\'Hem！\'saidthegentleman。\'No，Iknowyou\'renot。Heisnothungry，Mrs。Bedwin，\'saidthegentleman:lookingverywise。
Theoldladymadearespectfulinclinationofthehead，whichseemedtosaythatshethoughtthedoctorwasaverycleverman。
Thedoctorappearedmuchofthesameopinionhimself。
\'Youfeelsleepy，don\'tyou，mydear?\'saidthedoctor。
\'No，sir，\'repliedOliver。
\'No，\'saidthedoctor，withaveryshrewdandsatisfiedlook。
\'You\'renotsleepy。Northirsty。Areyou?\'
\'Yes，sir，ratherthirsty，\'answeredOliver。
\'JustasIexpected，Mrs。Bedwin，\'saidthedoctor。\'It\'sverynaturalthatheshouldbethirsty。Youmaygivehimalittletea，ma\'am，andsomedrytoastwithoutanybutter。Don\'tkeephimtoowarm，ma\'am；butbecarefulthatyoudon\'tlethimbetoocold；willyouhavethegoodness?\'
Theoldladydroppedacurtsey。Thedoctor，aftertastingthecoolstuff，andexpressingaqualifiedapprovalofit，hurriedaway:hisbootscreakinginaveryimportantandwealthymannerashewentdownstairs。
Oliverdozedoffagain，soonafterthis；whenheawoke，itwasnearlytwelveo\'clock。Theoldladytenderlybadehimgood-nightshortlyafterwards，andlefthiminchargeofafatoldwomanwhohadjustcome:bringingwithher，inalittlebundle，asmallPrayerBookandalargenightcap。Puttingthelatteronherheadandtheformeronthetable，theoldwoman，aftertellingOliverthatshehadcometositupwithhim，drewherchairclosetothefireandwentoffintoaseriesofshortnaps，chequeredatfrequentintervalswithsundrytumblingsforward，anddiversmoansandchokings。These，however，hadnoworseeffectthancausinghertorubhernoseveryhard，andthenfallasleepagain。
Andthusthenightcreptslowlyon。Oliverlayawakeforsometime，countingthelittlecirclesoflightwhichthereflectionoftherushlight-shadethrewupontheceiling；ortracingwithhislanguideyestheintricatepatternofthepaperonthewall。
Thedarknessandthedeepstillnessoftheroomwereverysolemn；
astheybroughtintotheboy\'smindthethoughtthatdeathhadbeenhoveringthere，formanydaysandnights，andmightyetfillitwiththegloomanddreadofhisawfulpresence，heturnedhisfaceuponthepillow，andferventlyprayedtoHeaven。
Gradually，hefellintothatdeeptranquilsleepwhicheasefromrecentsufferingaloneimparts；thatcalmandpeacefulrestwhichitispaintowakefrom。Who，ifthisweredeath，wouldberousedagaintoallthestrugglesandturmoilsoflife；toallitscaresforthepresent；itsanxietiesforthefuture；morethanall，itswearyrecollectionsofthepast！
Ithadbeenbrightday，forhours，whenOliveropenedhiseyes；
hefeltcheerfulandhappy。Thecrisisofthediseasewassafelypast。Hebelongedtotheworldagain。
Inthreedays\'timehewasabletositinaneasy-chair，wellproppedupwithpillows；and，ashewasstilltooweaktowalk，Mrs。Bedwinhadhimcarrieddownstairsintothelittlehousekeeper\'sroom，whichbelongedtoher。Havinghimset，here，bythefire-side，thegoodoldladysatherselfdowntoo；and，beinginastateofconsiderabledelightatseeinghimsomuchbetter，forthwithbegantocrymostviolently。
\'Nevermindme，mydear，\'saidtheoldlady；\'I\'monlyhavingaregulargoodcry。There；it\'sallovernow；andI\'mquitecomfortable。\'
\'You\'revery，verykindtome，ma\'am，\'saidOliver。
\'Well，neveryoumindthat，mydear，\'saidtheoldlady；\'that\'sgotnothingtodowithyourbroth；andit\'sfulltimeyouhadit；
forthedoctorsaysMr。Brownlowmaycomeintoseeyouthismorning；andwemustgetupourbestlooks，becausethebetterwelook，themorehe\'llbepleased。\'Andwiththis，theoldladyappliedherselftowarmingup，inalittlesaucepan，abasinfullofbroth:strongenough，Oliverthought，tofurnishanampledinner，whenreducedtotheregulationstrength，forthreehundredandfiftypaupers，atthelowestcomputation。
\'Areyoufondofpictures，dear?\'inquiredtheoldlady，seeingthatOliverhadfixedhiseyes，mostintently，onaportraitwhichhungagainstthewall；justoppositehischair。
\'Idon\'tquiteknow，ma\'am，\'saidOliver，withouttakinghiseyesfromthecanvas；\'IhaveseensofewthatIhardlyknow。Whatabeautiful，mildfacethatlady\'sis！\'
\'Ah！\'saidtheoldlady，\'paintersalwaysmakeladiesoutprettierthantheyare，ortheywouldn\'tgetanycustom，child。
Themanthatinventedthemachinefortakinglikenessesmighthaveknownthatwouldneversucceed；it\'sadealtoohonest。A
deal，\'saidtheoldlady，laughingveryheartilyatherownacuteness。
\'Is——isthatalikeness，ma\'am?\'saidOliver。
\'Yes，\'saidtheoldlady，lookingupforamomentfromthebroth；
\'that\'saportrait。\'
\'Whose，ma\'am?\'askedOliver。
\'Why，really，mydear，Idon\'tknow，\'answeredtheoldladyinagood-humouredmanner。\'It\'snotalikenessofanybodythatyouorIknow，Iexpect。Itseemstostrikeyourfancy，dear。\'
\'Itissopretty，\'repliedOliver。
\'Why，sureyou\'renotafraidofit?\'saidtheoldlady:observingingreatsurprise，thelookofawewithwhichthechildregardedthepainting。
\'Ohno，no，\'returnedOliverquickly；\'buttheeyeslooksosorrowful；andwhereIsit，theyseemfixeduponme。Itmakesmyheartbeat，\'addedOliverinalowvoice，\'asifitwasalive，andwantedtospeaktome，butcouldn\'t。\'
\'Lordsaveus！\'exclaimedtheoldlady，starting；\'don\'ttalkinthatway，child。You\'reweakandnervousafteryourillness。
Letmewheelyourchairroundtotheotherside；andthenyouwon\'tseeit。There！\'saidtheoldlady，suitingtheactiontotheword；\'youdon\'tseeitnow，atallevents。\'
OliverDIDseeitinhismind\'seyeasdistinctlyasifhehadnotalteredhisposition；buthethoughtitbetternottoworrythekindoldlady；sohesmiledgentlywhenshelookedathim；
andMrs。Bedwin，satisfiedthathefeltmorecomfortable，saltedandbrokebitsoftoastedbreadintothebroth，withallthebustlebefittingsosolemnapreparation。Olivergotthroughitwithextraordinaryexpedition。Hehadscarcelyswallowedthelastspoonful，whentherecameasoftrapatthedoor。\'Comein，\'saidtheoldlady；andinwalkedMr。Brownlow。
Now，theoldgentlemancameinasbriskasneedbe；but，hehadnosoonerraisedhisspectaclesonhisforehead，andthrusthishandsbehindtheskirtsofhisdressing-gowntotakeagoodlonglookatOliver，thanhiscountenanceunderwentaverygreatvarietyofoddcontortions。Oliverlookedverywornandshadowyfromsickness，andmadeanineffectualattempttostandup，outofrespecttohisbenefactor，whichterminatedinhissinkingbackintothechairagain；andthefactis，ifthetruthmustbetold，thatMr。Brownlow\'sheart，beinglargeenoughforanysixordinaryoldgentlemenofhumanedisposition，forcedasupplyoftearsintohiseyes，bysomehydraulicprocesswhichwearenotsufficientlyphilosophicaltobeinaconditiontoexplain。