PENGUIN READERS hey ee ee ae rT aePraron Education Limited Edinburgh Gate. Hsslow, Emex CM20 2), Engdarnl an Anocised Companies theowphous the woth ISBN 0 582 42608% ‘Thin edition fir paibluhed 2008) 108 Copyright © Penguin Books Led 2000 ‘Comer denigg by Bender Richanion Wise “Type by Pantek Art, Maxdrone, Kent Setin 11/%4pt Bemba Primed 9 China SWIG AB eights weve me tof this pct my beep eed fea emievel ryt er Pamesmted i amy, Serm oy ary mca, letmani, machanieal, phosscipying, eovonding oF wihtraie, without the (prior witien persion of she Plabaher. Publiahed by FResrson Education Linsined i amocation with Penguin Books Lad, both campanicy being sulniduuries of Hearson Ple Adlnowledgemens, Phosographe by Nobby Clark © Copyrighe TV Led 199 For a caraplote tit of tithes available in the Penguin Readers series, please write to your locel Pearson Educetion office or ter Penguin Readen Marketing Department, Pearson Educatker, Edinburgh Gate, Harlow, Basen CM 20 2/6,Introduction ‘The boys whispered and made signs to Oliver, He stead wp fitin the tablor aid weett to the master, with his bout aiid sport i his hands, * Please, sir! he said, ‘7 vat some mere.’ Poor litle Oliver's request for more food must be ‘some of the © most famous words that Charles Dickens ever white. We pity Oliver, a poor hungry boy, with nothing to ear except a baw! of thin soup every day. And we afe angry with the unkind adults who control his young lite but give him litle food and no lowe. Oliver's mother dies when he is born. His first years are cold and lonely — and then he runs away: Bur wall he tind a betcer life in London? Or wall other adules use hum for their own purposes? Charles Dickens is one of the most famous writers in the English language. He was born in 1812. His father worked in a government office, but spent more money chan he earned, When Charles Dickens was still a boy, his father was sent to prison because he could net pay his bill. In these days, people like him had to stay in prison until they found the money that they needed. One result of this situation was that Dickens had experience of the unhappy life of many poor people, including children. During years of hard work in many unpleasant jobs, he met large numbers of people. Many of the descriptions in his books are descriptions of the men he worked for, the boys he worked with, anil the London scenes of his own experiences. As a young man. Dickens worked for a newspaper. He recorded, in note form, speeches and conversations in different parts of England, in courts of law, and finally in Parliamenc. During his tne as a journalist, he had contact with members ofthe criminal population of London. Later he used what he learned in his books. Dickens began to write short stories and descriptions for weekly and monthly magazines. Readers enjoyed these pieces, especially the amusing ones. The Pickwick Papers appeared in parts * in 1830-37, and the public loved them. Mr Pickwick is a very simple, innocent character, writing in a funny way about the behaviour of the people of his ume. Beeause The Pickwick Papers were ummediately popular, Dickens was soon able 10 stop his other jobs and make writing Ins only profession, His storics appeared in parts every week or every month, and people collected them to make books. They were usually complicated stories with a lot of characters, and readers waited anxiously for the next part. Later the stories were printed and sold as books. The mest famous of these books are: Oliver Tieist (1838), Nicholas Nickleby (1839), The Old Curiosity Shop (1841), Dombey aud Son (1848), David Copperfield (1849), Hand Times (1850),.4 Tale of Tivo Cities (1859), and Great Expectations (1861). Dickens's books were popular in the English-speaki countries on both sides of the Atlan ater years he travelled widely in Britain and America, reading from his books to an enthusiastic public. His sudden death in 1870 shocked thousands of people who were waiting for his next book. Dickens wrote Oliver Tivist in the years 1837-38. The dates. are important because in 1834 Parliament passéd a new law called the ‘Poor Law". The law said that there was work for everybody, so people without work or money were lazy. Local governments. offered these people a workhouse, where they were given food and a bed. But the workhouse must not be comfortable or people might want to stay there instead of looking for work. So the workhouses were unfriendly places, and sometimes cruel men like Mr Bumble in Olfver Twist controlled them, Mr Bumble pretendedto care for poor children like Oliver, buc really he was only interested in the power of his job. Another Act of Parlianent was also beginning to have an effect on society: That 1829 Act formed a police force for London. When Dickens was writing Oliver Tivist, the new police had become quite _ good at catching criminals, It was difficult for a murderer bke ill * Sikes to escape, and all the criminals in Oiiver Tivist are afraid of the police. Punishments were also very hard. Even a young boy of Oliver's age could lose his life for a serious crime. Governments at that time did not give much help to people who were old, ill, or had problems, But there were abo kind people like Mr Brownlow, Mrs Maylic and Rose in Oliver Tvist who were glad to help less fortunate people. Charles Dickens was very successful when he was alive, and many of his books have become films and television programmes since his death. The amusing names of many of the people in his books , have become very well-known. His characters often seem funnier, i stranger, better or worse than men, women and children in real life. This adds humour to stories that are often very scrious and sad. Through these characters we can learn a lot about the socicty of 19th century England. We can also enjoy a very good, exciting story. MiiChapter 1 Oliver Asks for More Among other buildings in a town in England, there was a house for poor people who had no money and nowhere to live. This was called the workhousé. Olver Twist was born im the workhouse. His mother, a young woman, lay ill in bed. A doctor and an old woman stood by her side. She lifted her head from the pillow. “Let me see the child and die, she sauds “Oh, vou mustn't talk about dying yet, said the doctor. “No, dear! said the old woman. You are toa young to dic. The young woman shook her head and held out her hand towards the child. The doctor put the child in her arms. She pressed her cold white lips tw its face_and then fell back. ‘She is dead! said the doctor. ‘Yes, poor dear, said the old woman, as she took the child away from its dead mother.’ Poor dear: “She was a good-looking girl) said the doctor, as he put on his hat and gloves,” Where did she come {i et “She was brought here last night, said the old woman. “She was lying in the street. She had walked a long way and her shoes. had holes in them. Nobody knows where she came from, or where she was going to! The doctor raised the dead woman's left hand. ‘The usual story) he said. ‘I sec that she has no ring on her finger. She wasn't married. Good night!" He went home to his dinner. The old woman sat down on a chair in front of the fire and began to dress the baby. She dressed hina in the very old clothes used for babies who were born in theworkhouse. The child was an orphan, born into a world which + had no love or pity for him. No one was able to discover who the baby’s father was, or what his mother’s name was. Mr Bumble, a the town, invented a name for the baby. He chose the name Oliver Twist. umportant officer in “We name the new babies here in order from A to 4, he explained when people asked. “I named the last one Swubble. This one is Twist. The next one will be Unwin’ * At the age of nine, Olliver was a pale, thin child. He and the other workhouse boys never had enough warm clothes or food. They were given only three meals of thin soup every day, On Sundays they had a small piece of bread. They were fed in a big hall_A large pot stood at one end of the room, and the soup was served by che master. Each boy had one small bowl of soup and no more. The bowls never needed washing, because the boys cleaned them with their spoons until they shone. One day Olver and his friends decided that ene boy would walk up to the master alter supper and ask for more soup, Oliver was chosen. In the evening, the boys sat down at the tables. The master stood by the pat, and the soup was served. It disappeared quickly. The boys whispered and made signs to Oliver. He stood up from the table and went to the master, with his bow! and spoon in his hands. “Please. sir, he said," | want some more! The master was a fat, healthy man, but he went very pale. He looked with surprise at the small boy. “What?*said the master at hist a quiet voice. * Please, sir! repeated Oliver." 1 want some more! The master Int Oliver with his spoon, then seized him andcried for help. Mr Bumble rushed into the room, and the master cold him whar Oliver had said. “He asked for more?’ Mr Bumble cried. “1 cannot believe it. One day they will hang the boy. He took Oliver away and shut him in a dark room. The next morning a notice appeared on the workhouse gare. Five pounds were offered to anybody who would take Oliver Twist, Oliver was a prisoner in that cold, dark room for a whole week. Every morning he was taken outside to wash, and Mr Bumble beat him with a stick. Then he was ciken into che large hall where the boys had their soup. Mr Burnble beat him in front of everybody. He cried all day, When night came he tried to sleep, but he was cold, lonely and frightened But one day, outside the high workhouse gate, Mr Bumble met Mr Sowerberry. Mr Sowerberry was a tall, thin wore black clothes and made coffins, Many of his coffins were for the poor people who died in the workhouse. "L have prepared the coffins for the ewo women who died last night, he said ta Mr Bumble. “Good! sad Mr Bumble. ‘You will be nch one day, Mr Sowerberry! Do you know anybody who wanes a boy? And five pounds?” He raised his stick and pointed to the notice on the gate, in whe Chapter 2 He Goes Qut to Work ‘The arrangements were soon made, and Mr Bumble took Oliver to Mr Sowerberry’s shop that evening. Oliver did nor wane to go. “Twill be good, sir!" he said.‘ ama very little boy and it is so — so — lonely! Please don’t be angry with me, sir!’ To Mr Bumbles surprise. Oliver had tears in his eyes, He told the boy not co complain, to dry his eyes and to be good. He took Oliver's hand, and they continued walking in silence.Mr Sowerberry had closed the shop, and he was writing by the light of a candle when they arrived. ‘Here, Mr Sowerberry, | have brought the boy? said Mr Bumble. Oliver bowed. “Oh, that is the bay, is said Mr Sowerberry.* Mrs Sowerberry, come here, my dear’ A short chin woman with a narrow fice came out from a little room behind the shop. ‘My dear; said Mr Sowerberry, ‘this is the boy from the workhouse that | told you about. Oliver bowed again. “Oh! said the woman." He is very small” “Yes, he os rather small!” sand Mr Bumble. * But he wall grow, Mrs Sowerberry, he will grow? “Yes, | expect he will! said the lady angrily,°on our food and our drink, Here, get downstairs, you litle bag of bones. You can have some of the cold meat that we saved for the dog. The dog hasn't come home since this morning- Mrs Sowerberry opened a door and pushed Olver down some stairs into a dark room. Oliver's eyes shone at the thought of meat. They gave him a plate of the dog's food, and he ate very quickly. Mrs Sowerberry was not pleased that he was so enthusiastic, ‘Come with me) she said, taking a dirty lamp and leading him upstairs again, “Your bed is in the shop. You don’t mind sleeping among the coffins? Bur it docsn’t marter whether you mind or not. You can't sleep anywhere else’ Oliver was left alone in the shop full of coffins. He put the lamp down and looked around him. The shapes of the black boxes looked like the ghosts of dead people. The room smelt of death. He was alone in a strange place. He climbed quickly into hus narrow bed aud fell asleep. The next morning he heand a loud knocking noise outside the shop door.* Open the door!‘ cried a voice.“Tam coming, sir, replied Oliver, turning the key. A large boy was sitting in front of the house, eating bread and butter. He had small cycs and a red nose. “Did you knock?" asked Oliver. “1 did? ‘Do you want a coffin?’ asked Oliver innocently. “You don't know who I am, Workhouse?” said the boy.‘ 1 am Mr Noah Claypole. and you will work under me. Open the windows, you lazy boy!" He kicked Oliver, and entered the shop. Noah was a poor boy, but not from the workhouse. He knew who his parents were, His mother washed clothes, and his father was a soldier who was always drank. Other boys were rude to him, so he was glad that Oliver had come. Now he could be rude to Oliver. Chapter 3 He Runs Away Noah Claypole made life very unpleasant for Oliver. Mr Sowerberry tied to be his friend, so Mrs Sowerberry was his y. There was a lor of illness in the town, and Mr Sowerberry had a lor of business, He took Oliver with him when he collected the dead bodies, but Oliver did not like his new job very much. One day Noah was trying to make Oliver cry. He pulled his hair hard and hit his ears. “How is your mother, Workhouse?” he said. “She is dead, replied Oliver, and his face went pink.* Don’t say anything about her co me! “Whar did she die of?’ asked Noah. “Offa broken heart, some of our oki nurses told me? replied er Oliver.* Don't say anything more about her!” “Don't be rude, Workhouse. We all pity you, Workhouse, but your mother was a bad woman_You know she was!!“What did you say?’ asked Oliver. “A bad woman, Workhouse, repeated Noah, Red with anger now, Oliver seized the bigger boy by his neck, shook him and then threw him to the ground. i Oliver's unhappy life had made him a quiet, sad boy, but the insult to his mother had upset him. He stared: angrily at Noah, who was still lying on the ground” “He will murder me!" cried Noah. ‘Help, Mrs Sowerberry! Oliver has pone mad!" Mrs Sowerberry ran into the kitchen, caught Oliver and scratched his face. Noah got up and hit him from behind, When they were tired and could not tear and scratch and beat him any more, they carried Oliver to a dark room and shut him in there. Mrs Sowerberry sat down and began to ery."He might murder us all in our beds) she said. “But what shall we do? Mr Sowerberry isn't at home. Run to Mr Bumble, Noah. Tell him to come here immediately: Noah found Mr Bumble at the workhouse. “Oh, Mr Bumble. sir! "cried Noah," Oliver, sir, Oliver has— "What? What?’ asked Mr Bumble, with a look of pleasure in his eyes. ‘He hasn't run away, has he, Noah?” * Not run away, sir, but he attacked me and tried to murder me, sir. And then he tried to murder Mrs Sowerberry, sir, Oh, the terrible pain!’ And Noah showed signs of suffering badly from Oliver's attack, *My poor boy, said Mr Bumble. ‘T will come now! He took his stick and walked with Noah to Mr Sowerberry’s shop. He went to the door of the dark room and said ina deep voice, * Oliver!” “Let me out!” cried Oliver from the inside. ‘Do you know this voice, Oliver?’ asked Mr Bumble. "Yes? answered Oliver, ‘Aren't you afraid of it?” 10“No! said Oliver ina brave voice. Mr Bumble was very surprised by this answer, He stood back from the door and looked at the others. ‘Oh, Mr Bumble, he must be mid) said Mrs Sowerberry.' No boy speaks to you like that.” “He isn't mad? said Mr Bumble after a few moments’ deep thought.* The trouble is— meat!" * What?! said Mrs Sowerberry. “Meat, Mrs Sowerberry, meat, said-Mr Bumble. "If you fed him only on, soup, as we do in the workhouse, he wouldn't behave like this!” “Oh! said Mrs Sowerberry.* This is the result of my kindne: “Leave him in there for a day or two) said Mr Bumble. ‘Give him soup and nothing else in furure, Mrs Sowerberry. He comes from a bad family? Ac this moment Mr Sewwerberry arrived. He wanted to. be kind to Oliver, but his wife's tears forced him to beat Oliver. He hic him hard and then shu him in the dark room again. At night Oliver was ordered upstairs to his bed in the shap. When he was alone in the silence of the shop, Oliver began to cry for the first time, All day he had listened to their cruel words and suffered their beatings without any tears. But now he fell on his knees on the floor, hid his face started to weep. For a long time he stayed like that, without moving. Then he opened the door and looked our, It was a cold, dark might. The stars seemed farther from the carth than he had ever seen them before. He shut the door, tied up his few clothes in a handkerchief, and sat down to wait for morning. When the first hght of day showed through the windows, he opened the door again. After one quick, fnghtened. look around him, he closed the door behind him and was out in the his hands, and Open street.Chapter 4 London Oliver looked to the right and to the left. He did not know where to go. He remembered that vehicles and horses went up the hill as they left the town, He remembered walking along this path with Mr Bumble, and he took the same road. Soom he passed the workhouse, Outside. a small child was working in the garden. Oliver stopped. It was Dick, one of his old friends. He was very glad to see him before he left, They had been hungry and beaten and locked up together many times. The boy ran to the gate and pushed his arms through the bars, “You mustn't say that you saw me, Dick, said Oliver. *T am running away. They beat me and were cruel ta me. Lam going to try and find a better life, somewhere fir away, T don't know where! You are very pale!” *L heard the doctor tell them that 1 was dying, replied the child with a faint smile.“ [am very glad to see you, but don't stop, don't stop!’ *Yes, yes, | will, to say goodbye to you, replied Oliver. Dick climbed up the gate and put his arms around Oliver's neck and kissed him, ‘Goodbye! God bless you!" he said. It was the first time in ‘Oliver's sad little life that another person had blessed him, and he never forgot it. It was eight o'clock now, and Oliver rim. He was afraid that they might follow him and catch him, At last he sat down by a big stone. The stone showed that it was just seventy miles from that place to London. London! That great city! Nobody could find him there. He had heard people talk about it. They said that a boy need nor be poor and hungry there. It was a good place for a homeless boy to go. he told himself He jumped to his feet and. continued walking. Oliver had a piece of dry bread, an old shirt and two pairs of 12socks. He had a penny, too, that Mr Sawerberry had given him one day when he had been pleased with Oliver's work. ‘Bur these won't help me to walk sevency miles in the winter time,’ he thought. He walked twenty miles that day. He-ate only the piece of dry bread, and drank water that people gave him along the road. When night came, he slept in a field. He was frightened at first, and very cold and hungry, But he was tired, and he scon fell asleep and forgot his troubles. Next morning he had to spend his penny on bread. He walked twelve miles that day, Another night in the cold air made him feel worse. His feet hurt, and his legs were weak. As the days passed, he grew weaker and weaker, A man pave him a meal of bread and cheese, and an old lady gave him food and some kind words. Without these, Oliver imagined, he would die on the road. Early on the seventh morning, Oliver walked slowly into the little town of Barnet, a few miles from London. The streets were empty, Oliver sat on a doorstep. He was covered in dust, and there was blood on his feet. Soon people began to pass, but no one offered to help him. He watched a coach and horses go past. Ir was strange, he thought, that it could travel the distance to London in a few hours. It had taken him a whole week to walk. He did not know what to do, so just sat there. Then he saw a boy looking at him. The boy had passed Oliver ence and then returned, Oliver raised his head and looked at him. The boy walked across the road to Oliver, “Hello! What is the trouble?" He was a strange boy, He was about Oliver's age, but he behaved like a man. He wore a man’s coat, which reached nearly to his fect, and a man’s hat. “What is the matter?" he asked Oliver. 13‘Lam very hongry and red, said Oliver. ‘T have been walking for seven days! His eyes filled with tears, “Seven days!" said the boy." Oh, you need food. [ will pay for you. Get up now!" — He helped Oliver to stad up, and took him te an inn. There hie bought somie bntad and:imeat and coniething:to'drink, Oliver had a good meal with his new friend ‘Are you going to London?’ asked the strang boy, when Oliver had tinished at Last. "Yes! “Have you got anywhere to s Any money?" asked Oliver. Yes, | do. when [am at home. | suppose you want somewhere to sleep tonight?" “No. Do you live in London? “Yes! answered Oliver.‘ L haven't slept under a roof since [ lett the country. “Don't worry abour it! said the boy. ‘1 am going to London tonighi.and | know an old gentleman who will give vou a bed for nothing. He knows me very well? Oliver learned thar the boy's name was Jack Dawkins. As Jack refused to enter London before dark, they did not reach the city until nearly eleven o'clotk. Oliver followed him down a narrow street into one of the dirtiest places that he had ever seeh. The people looked dirty, and some were drunk Oliver began to think that he ought to run away Bur suddenly Dawkins caught Iis arm, pushed open the door of a house and pulled him inside. Dawkins helped Oliver up the dark and broken stairs. He threw open a door and puted Oliver in after him, The walls of the room were very dirty, Some meat was cooking over the fire. There was an old man standing by the fire. He was dressed in strange clothes and most of his evil-looking fee was hidden by his red hair, Mali the ime his attention was Id1 line on were rough were sitting: the old man, ‘this is my friend he okl man took Obvee’s hand and said that he Then the young men v ho One young 1 ather put his + before he we in.” Ah, you are ready to mi for Cy Oliver,’ sThe boys all laughed at this, and they began to have their supper. Oliver ate with them. Then they gave him a bed on the floor and he fell asleep immediately, Chapter 5 Fagin Late next morning, Oliver woke from a | nobody coffee for breakfast. Although Oliver was not asleep, he was not completely awake. He watched Fagin through haltclosed eyes. The old man thought that Oliver was still asleep. He locked the door and then he pulled out a box from a secret hole in the floor, He placed the box carefully on the table. He then sat down and wok an expensive gold watch from the box. He took out six more watches and looked at them wath pleasure, There were also the room except the old man, He was boiling some beautifl rings and other lovely jewels in the box Suddenly he looked up at Oliver’ face, The boy's eyes were watching with silence interest, F. what he w: trom the table and went over to Oliver. “Why are you awake? What have you seen? Speak. boy! Quick — quick! For your file!" “Lwasn't able to stay asleep, sir, said Oliver.‘ am very sorry: | have only just woken up! gin knew that Oliver had seen dog. He shut the box quickly. took a bread knife “Did you see any of these pretey things?" said Fagin “Yes, sin’ “AR! cid Fagik, putting down the knit, © Over. Da wine, Wan okl man now, and | have nothing else, At thar moment Jack Dawkins came in with another boy called Charley Bares. The four sat down and drank the coffee and ate the hor bread and meat that Jack had brought home. 16“Well, my d said Fagin. ‘| hope you have been at work chis morning. What have you got, Dawkins? “Two purses, said Dawkins, and he gave them to Fagin. “Not very heavy! said the okl 1, but well made. He is good at his work, isn't he, Olive: “V “And what have you got?" said Fagin to Charley, “Handkerchiefs; replied Master Bates, producing four. “Well; said Fagin, looking at them carefully. * They are good ones but they are marked, Charley, So we must ake our the marks with a needle. Oliver will learn how to do it! “Yes, sir, said Oliver, Charley Bates started laughin Atter breakfast the old gentleman and the two boys played a very strange game. The old man placed a silver box in one pocket of his trousers, a purse im the other, and a watch and a handkerchiefin his coat pocket. He then walked round and round the room with a stick, like an old gendettan in the street, He stopped at the door, pretending to lowk ata shop window. Then he looked round, worried about thieves. He often touched his pockets to see if he avery flinny way, and Oliver lughed until the tears came to his eves. All this time the nwo boys followed close behind Fag. They moved out of his sight very quickly when he curned round. At last Dawkins stepped on Pagin’s foot, while Charley Bates pushed against him from behind. In that one monient they took from him the silver box, purse, watch and handkerchief. If the old tleman felt a hand in his pockets, he cried out. Then the game good, said Oliver. He is innocent, isn't he?” had lost something. He did this i began again They played this game many times, but it ended when two young ladies, Ber They stayed and talked for a little time, and then the old) man and Nancy, arrived to sce the young gentlemen. VGve them some money and they all went out together, Have they finished work; sir?! asked Oliver, Yes, said Fagin, “unless they find more work while they are out. Is my handkere “Yes. sir, said Oliver, ef hanging out of ny pocket? “See if vou can tke it oun\like the boys this morning. mustn't feel anything: Oliver had watched the others carefully. He held up the bortom of the pocket with one hand. and pulled the handkerchief out of i with the other hand. “Has it gone cried Fagin. “Here at is, siry said Oliver, showing it in his hand And now come here, “You are a good boy [ wall show you how to take the marks out of the handkerchicts? ny dear’ said Fagi Chapter 6 Oliver Among the Thieves Day after day Oliver stayed in Fagin’s room, taking the marks out of handkerch fs. Sometimes, toa. he played the game with Fagan and Charley Dates. One morning Fagin allowed him to go, The three boys left the Fagin's pockers. Ar last he began to want fresh air. He as! to let him go out to work with Dawk: house, walking very slowly. Oliver wondered if they were going to work at all They were just coming out ef a narrow street into a square when suddenly Dawkins scopped. Putting his finger on tis lips, he pulled his friends back. “Quiet! et! he said." Do you see that old man near the bookshop?” “Perfect, said Charley Bates. Obver looked at them in surprise. The nwo bovs walked across the road and went close behind the old gentleman. Oliver followed thems. 19The ok] gentleman had white hair and old glasses, He carried ena book from a shelfin from of the shop and he stood reading it. Oliver was shocked when he saw Dawkins put his hand into the ok man’s pocket and take our a handkerchief. Dawkins gave it to Charley Bates dad they both ran away. In a moment, Oliver understood the mystery of the handkerchiets and the astick under his arm. He had ta itches and the jewels and Fagin games. He stood for a moment, full of fear, and then he too began to run. The old gentleman put his hand in his pocket. He did not find his handkerchief, so he curned round. When he saw Oliver running away, he thought of course that the boy had stolen his handkerchief. “Stop, thief!" he shouted, and ran after Oliver. Ever body in the street jomed him in the chase." Stop, chef! they cried. Even Dawkins and Charley Bates began to shout “Stop, thief" and run after Oliver too. Then someon hit Oliver and he fell to the ground. A crowd collected round him. Oliver lay, covered with dust, and bleeding from the mouth. He looked wildly surrounded | ‘Is this the buy?” they asked the old gentleman. “Yes, said the old gentleman, “Tam afraid it is. Poor boy! He has lure himself? A police constable pushed through the crowd and seized Oliver by the neck.* Get up!" he said, ‘Tt wasn't me, sir. It was two other boys, said Olver." They are here somewhere? But Jack and Charley had disappeared. ‘Oh, no, they aren't said the constable. at all the faces tha ‘Don't hurt him, said the ald entleman. “fam not really sure that this boy cook the handkerchief” The constable pulled Oliver along the street to the police station, Oliver was too frightened to speak, 20“There is something in this boy’ face that interests me, said the old gentleman to himself." Is he innocent? Where have [seen a face lke that before?’ = Suddenly a man in an old black suit rushed into the police station." Scop, stop!" he cried.° Stop a moment!” “Whar is this? Who are you?’ asked the constable. ‘LE awn the bookshop! replied the man, ‘and T saw what happened, There were three boys — two others and this one. Mr Hrownlow was reading and another boy took his handkerchief: This boy did nothing. He watched and looked surprised’ ‘Then the boy must go free said the constable. He took his hands off Oliver, and the bey fainted. "Poor boy, poor boy!" said Mr Brownlow, the old gentleman. ‘Calla carriage, somebody, please. At once!’ A carriage Gume. Oliver was placed on one of the seats. The old gentleman got in and sat beside him. They rode away until the carriage stopped in front of a pleasant house in a quiet London street. Oliver was taken into the house and put to bed, When Dawkins and Charley Bates arrived home, Fagin was waiting for them. ‘Where’ Oliver?’ he said with an angry look. The young thieves looked at him, but they said nothing, “What has happened to that boy?" cried Fagin, quickly pulling Dawkins towards him.*Speak or [ will hall you!" ‘A police officer took him away, answered Dawkins. He pulled himself free and took a knife from the rable, Fagin picked up a cup and threw it at Dawkins’s head. It missed him and nearly hit a man who was entering the room, “Who threw that at me?” said a deep voice, He was a strong man of about thirty-five. with dirty clothes and angry cyes. A white dog followed him into the room. Its face was scratched and torn in twenty different places." What are you doing to those boys, Fagin?" the man said. ‘I am surprised they don’t nvarder you’ 21“Quiet, Mr Sikes, said Fagin.*Don't speak so loud. ‘You seem angry today! “Perhaps | am, said Dill Sikes." Give me a drink, Fagin. And don’t put poison in it! he added a5 a joke. While Sikes was drinking beer, Jack IJawkins told them about Oliver. He explained how he had been caught. *[ am afraid? said Fagin, ‘chat the boy may tell the constable about us. We rust find him! But none of them wanted fo go near a police station. The door opened and Bet and Nancy came in. “Ab said Fagin." Ber will go. won't you, my dear?” * Where?" said Bet. ‘Ta the police station to find Oliver. He has been raken away and we must get him back! “No!” said Bet. “Nancy, my dear, said Fagin.“ What do you say?" “Noy said Nancy. “She will go. Fagin, said Sikes, looking at her angrily. So Nancy agreed to look for Oliver. In clean clothes and with a little basket, she looked very sweet. “Oh, my poor dear Inde brother. Oliver!" cried Nancy, pretending to weep. ‘What has happened to him? Where have they taken him? Oh, please tell me!" “Very good!" said Fagin. “You are a fine girl, Nancy, Go and see the constable now! Nancy returned quickly, “A gentleman has got bim, she said, * Dawkins cook the man’s handkerchief. But the police don’t know where he lives “We must find him!" cried Fagin. “Charley, you must watch thar bookshop every day. I shall shut chis house tonight. Lt isn’t safe here. You know where to find me, Don’t stay here, my dears. And find Oliver!"Chapter 7 A Better Home Oliver stayed in bed in Mr Brownlow’s house for several weeks He was quite if] When he was a litle better, he was able co sit in a chair and talk to Mrs Bedwan. She was an old lady who looked tthe house for Mr Brownlow His new fiends were very kind to him. Mrs Bedwin snuled at him and she fed him welll, One day he was carried downstairs to Mrs Bedwin’s room, He stared ata picture ofa lady on the wall “Are you fond of pictures, dear?’ said Mrs Bedwin, “Idon't know! said Oliver.‘ E have seen very few. Thar lady has a beautiful face! But her eyes look so sad and they follow me wher move.’ “Oh! cried the old lady." Don’t talk in that way, child. You are weak after your illness. Let me mowe your chair, and then you won't see it! Then Mr Brownlow came down to see Oliver. As they were talking, Mr Brownlow looked at the picture, ‘Mrs Bedwin!" he cried suddenly," Look there!" As he spoke, he pointed to the picture above Oliver's head and then to the bay's face. The eye 4, the mouth = they were exactly the same, nest day, when Oliver car for break down to Mrs Bedwin'’s room he asked. “said Mrs Bedwin, said Oliver. T Hked it! II said the old lady, “we will hang it up agn “Why have they taken it away “Ttscemed to upset you, chik “Oh, no, it didn’t upset m: hwWwhen you are better”Oliver soon grew strong and well. He was very happy in Mr Brownlow’s house, Everything was quiet, tidy and clean. Mr Brownlow bought him new clothes and a pair of shoes. One day Mr Brownlow called Oliver to his room. The room was full of books and Mr Brownlow was sitting at the window, ding. He told Oliver to come and sit down. He asked the boy what he wanted to do in che furure. “Please let stay with you, sir) cried Oliver. ‘Please don't send me away! Let me be a servant in your house!" “My dear child, said the old gentleman. * You can stay 1 will never send you away unless you give me a reason! *T never, never will, sir? replied Oliver, “But let me hear your story, Oliver. Where did you come from? Who looked after you when you were small?’ Oliver began to cry, and then he started to tell Mr Brownlow about Mr Bumble and the workhouse, There was a knock on the door, It was Mr Grimwig, a friend of Mr Brownlow, and he had come to tea. Mr Grimwig was a large man in a blue coat and a white hat, “Shall I go, sir?’ said Oliver. “No, stay here, said Mr Brownlow.‘ This is young Oliver Twist, the boy I told you about, he said to Mr Grimwig. Oliver bowed. Mr Grimwig looked at Obver. He knew that his friend Mr Brownlow was very kind. He was afraid that the street boy might cheat or deceive hin. “So this is the boy, is ir?" he said." And where does he come from? Who is he? When are we going to hear?” “Tomorrow morning! said Mr Brownlow, “Come to me tomorrow at ten o'clock, Oliver, and we will talk abour it” “Ye Mr Grimwig whispered to Mr Brownlow.‘ You trust people too easily, my good friend!“He isn't lying to me; said Mr Brownlow. “If he isn’t, said Mr Grimwig, "I will eat my head!" At that moment, Mrs Bedwin came in with some books, “These books muse go back to the shop this evening, sir! she said. “Send Oliver with them! said Mr Grimwig.*If you can trust him, he will take the books back for you! “Yes, let me take them, please, sir) said Oliver." I'll run all the ‘way, sir) “Yes. Mr Brownlow said to Oliver. * You will have to pay the man at the bookshop four pounds. Here is a five pound note. You must bring me back a pound” “Yes, sir) replied Oliver, He put the money safely in his pocket, placed the books carefully under his arm, bowed and left the room, “He will be back in twenty minutes, said Mr Brownlow. He took out his watch and put it on the table. “Oh, you really expect him to come back, do you?” said Mr Grimwig.* That boy has new clothes, good books under his arm and a five pound note in his pocket. He will join his old friends, the thieves, and laugh at you. If he returns to this house, | will ear my head!’ ' Chapter 8 Back Among the Thieves Oliver was walking towards the bookshop when he heard a young woman shouting,’ Oh, my dear brother!” He felt a pair of arms round his neck." Who is thar?” he cried. “Why are you stopping me?" "T have found him!’ cried the young woman. ‘Oh, Oliver! Oliver! You are a bad boy. | have suffered so much!" "Young Oliver?’ cried Bill Sikes, coming out of a shop with 26his white dog. “Come home co your poor mother, you young fool. Come home at once! People watched and called to Oliver, * Yes, you bad bey! Go home to your poor mother and father!’ “Whar are these books?" cried Bill Sikes. ‘Have you been stealing?” He tore the books from Oliver and hit him. What could one poor child do against all chis? He was pulled by his collar through the narrow streets. Night came. At Mr Brownlow’s house, Mrs Bedwin stood at the open door. The two old gentlemen sat upstairs, waiting in silence with the watch on the table between them. Nancy and Bill Sikes ran through the streets with Oliver, After half an hour they came to a very dirty, marrow street. Oliver did not know where he was. Sikes rang a bell, the door opened, and all three quickly wene inside the housc. lt was dark inside. Sikes pulled Oliver down some stairs and opened the door of a dirty room at the back of a kitchen, Fagin and the boys were there. “Look at his clothes, Fagin!” laughed Charley Bates. ‘And books too! He tsa hte gentleman now!" “Tam glad to see you, Fagin said.“ And you are looking so well. Jack will give you another suit, my dear ~ you mustn't spoil that Sunday suit” Ac that moment Jack Dawkins pulled out Mr Brownlow’ five pound note from Oliver’s pocket. “What's char?’ said Sikes, stepping forward as Fagin seized che note.* That's mine, Fagin’ “No, no, my dear’ said Fagin. Mine, Bill, mine. You can have the books! : “TP that money isn’t mine I will take the boy back, said Sikes. “Naney and [got him for you. Give us chat money, you evil old man.’ He took the note from Fagin’ fingers. “That is for our work, he said.* You can keep the books’ “They belong to the kind old gendeman who took me to his zyhouse, suid Oliver, falling on his knees at Fagin’s feet.’ He looked alter me when T was ill, Please send them back. He will think I stole them. Oh, please send them back!’ “The boy is right, said Fagin. ‘Ha, ha!’ He laughed and rubbed his hands together. ‘Tt couldn't be better for us!" Now Oliver understood. He jumped quickly to his feet and shouted for help. He ran from the room, but Fagin and the other boys soon broughe him back. “Keep the dog away!" cried Nancy. ‘He will tear the boy to pieces!” Sikes pushed Nancy violently to the other side of the room. “So you want to get away, my dear, do you?" said Fagin to Oliver, taking up a stick. * You want co get help? You would like to send for the police perhaps? We will soon stop that! He hit Oliver hard. He was raising the stick for a second blow when Nancy rushed forward, pulled the stick from his hand and threw it into the fire, “You've got the boy!’ she cried," What more do you want?" "Keep quiet!" shouted Bill Sikes. “Women cause a lot of trouble, said Fagin, but we need them for our work. Charley, take Oliver to bed. Bates led Oliver into the next room. He gave him a dirty old suit and took his new clothes away from him. Then he shut the door behind him and left Oliver alone in the dark, + Fagin kept Oliver in the house for nearly a week. He reminded Oliver that without Fagin he would still be very hungry or even dead. He told him abour a boy who had run away from bin. Sadly he had been hanged — a very unpleasant death, Oliver was filled with fear as he listened to Fagin’s words. Then Fagin smiled at Oliver and said that if he worked hard for hin, they would be very good friends. Oliver thought about Mr Brownlow, his good. kind friend, 28“What will he think of me?’ Oliver asked himself sadly. One cold, wet fight, Fagin left the house. He went down the dark street and knocked at the door of another house. “Whe is there?’ said a man’s voice, “Only me, Bill, only me, my dear’ “Come in, said Sikes. They both had a glass of wine, then sat down to tlk about business. *Lhave come about the house at Chertsey’ said Fagin, rubbing his hands.‘ When are we going to steal the silver from it?’ ‘We can’t do it as we planned,’ said the burglar.‘ Toby Crackic has been staying near the place for more than two weeks now. None of the servants will agree to help him. Will you give me fitty pounds extra if the work is done from the outside 2° ‘Yes, said Fagin. ‘Then we can do it when you like, said Sikes. ‘Toby and I climbed into the garden the night before last. The house is shut ar night like a prison, But there is one small window that we can open. We need a small boy to get through it! “Oliver is the boy for you, my dear! said Fagin.* He must start working for his bread, and the other boys are too big. He will do anything, Bill, if you frighten him enough. Chapter 9 Bill Sikes When Oliver woke up in the morning he was surprised to find a new pair of shoes by his bed. His pleasure soon disappeared when he heard that he was going to see Bill Sikes. “Why am I going?’ he asked Fagin anxiously. “Wait unal Bill tells you, said Fagin. *Be careful, Oliver. Bill Sikes is an angry man. Do what he tells you! -4 Oliver was terribly afraid. Falling on his knees, he prayed to God to save him, Nancy came in, She turned very white when she saw Oliver 29praying. and she covered her face with her hands “Naney!* cried Oliver." Whar is it?’ “Nothing, said Nancy, Now, dear, are you ready? You muse seme with me to Bill. You must be good and quiet. Give me your hand. “Se you have got the boy’ said Sikes when Naney “Did he come quietly?" “Like a baby: “Tam glad to hear it, said Sikes.“ Come here, box, and let me talk to you,’ He pulled off Oliv ved. sa shat and threw it in a corner. “Now, do you know what this is?” he asked, taking up a pistol which ly on the table. “Yes, sir! said Oliver. es put bullets inte the pistol “Now it is ready to use, he said when he had finished. “Yes, sit, said Oliver. “Well” said Sikes, pressing the pistol against Oliver's head. ‘If you speak a word when you are outside, | will shoor you in the head immediately. Do you hear? Sikes woke Oliver up at five o'clock the next morning. It was sull dark outside, and rain was filling against the windows. After a quick breaktast, Sikes and the boy hurried through the streets ‘The city was waking up. The inns and shops were opening for sand people were going to work. The young boy had N somany people or so much activity. Sikes pulled Oliver along by his hand.* Hurry now!" he said, looking up at the clock of a church. Daylight came as they reached the country roads. In the busine: never se afternoon they came to an ald inn, and Sikes ordered some dinner by the kitchen fire, They continued their journey. The night was very cold and ed across the fields until the not a word was spoken. They wal poor ured boy saw the lights of a town, ayAta bridge Sikes turned suddenly. He left the path and went down to an old ruined house, “Hello! cried a loud voice when they were inside. “Don’t make such a noise, said Sikes, closing the door.’ Show a light, Toby? A man appeared, holding a candle in his hand. He had red hair and big boots and some large rings on his dirty fingers. “Lam glad to see you, Bill! said Toby Crackit." Is this the boy “One of Fagin’s, said Sikes. ‘ Oliver Twist. Give us something to eat and drink while we are waiting’ He turned to Oliver." Sit down by the fire and rest, bay, he said.‘ You will have to go out with us again tonight’ Oliver looked silently at Sikes and sat with his head in his hands. He was very tired and he did not really know what was happening. Later, when the two thieves were ready, they went out with Oliver between them. “Take his other hand, Toby: Let's go, said Sikes. They went quickly through the town, and then stopped in front of a house with a wail all round it. Toby Crackit quickly chmbed to the top of the wall. “The boy next, he said.* Lift him up. 1 will hold him! Sikes caught Oliver under his arms. In three or four seconds he and Toby were lying on the grass on the other side. Sikes followed them over the wall immediately. Now, for the first time, Oliver understood that they were planning to enter the house = to steal and perhaps to murder, He fell t his knees in fear. “Get up!" stid Sikes angrily, taking the pistol from his pocket. “Get up or I will shoot you through the head! “Oh, please let me run away and die its the fields, cried Oliver. “Don’t make me steal!” Sikes put the pistol to Oliver's head. bur Toby took it from him and put his hand over the boy's mouth. 32“Quiet! he whispered. “Don’t shoot here. If the boy says another word, [ will hit him on the head’ He and Sikes took Oliver to the back of the house and they opened a small window. "Now listen, whispered Sikes to Oliver. He took a lamp from. his pocket and lit it."1 am going to put you through there. Take this light, go up the steps and along the litle hall to the door. ‘Open it and let us in? He stood on Toby’ bent back and lifted Oliver through the window. “Take this lamp, he said.*Can you see the stairs?” “Yes! whispered Oliver, shaking. Sikes pointed to.the door. ‘If you don’t open it, | will shoot you!" he warned." Now go. Oliver had decided that he would go upstairs from the hall and wake the family. He did not mind if he died. With this idea in his mind, he took one step forward. “Come back!" cried Stkes.* Back! Back!" Frightened by this loud cry, Oliver dropped his lamp. A light appeared at the top of the stairs, and he saw two men. There was another cry, a loud noise, a sudden light and smoke, and Oliver fell back. He had been shot. Sikes reached out and scized Oliver before the smoke had cleared away. He fired his own pistol after the men, who were already away, He pulled Oliver quickly through the windew. “Give me a coat, Toby, he said.* They have hir him” ; Then came the noise of a bell ringing. Men were shouting. Oliver was carried quickly across the ground. Then he fainted and he saw and heard nothing more. Sikes rested the body of Oliver Twist across his knee. Then he shouted to Toby Crackit," Come back and help me carry the boy! Bur men were already climbing over the gare into the field. There were dogs with them too. a 33“They are chasing us!’ cried Toby.‘ Drop the boy!" Toby disappeared. Sikes threw a coat over Oliver and ran. The two servants from the house came to the middle of the field, They looked round, *T can’t see them, one said." We should go home now! “Yes, Mr Giles. said the other man. His face was white. “You are afraid, Brittles; said the first man, whose face was even whiter. *We are both afraid. It is normal, replied Brittles. The air became colder as the sky grew light. The rain came down heavily. Sall Oliver lay on the cold wet ground, where Sikes had left him. Chapter 10 Oliver is Safe Again Morning came and at last Oliver woke up. His left arm, covered in blood, hung at his side. He could not lift it. He was very weak, and he cried with the pain. He knew that he had to move, so he got up slowly and walked to the nearest house. “Perhaps the people in that house will feel pity for me! he thought. ‘And if they don't, it will be better to die near people than in the open fields” Oliver pushed open the garden gate and went slowly acrow the grass. The pain got worse. He climbed the steps, knocked at the door and then fainted again. Ac this time Mr Giles, Britles and the other servants were having some early morning tea in the kitchen. Mr Giles was telling the servants what had happened in the night. Suddenly there was a noise outside. The cook screamed. * That was a knock; said Mr Giles,” Open the door, somebody! Nobedy moved, 34“Lt seems a strange time to knock; said Mr Gi door, Britdes. We will all stand near you. They walked forward slowly cowards the door, Brittles opened it, and there was poor litle Oliver Twist. “A bay!” cried Mr Giles. He pulled Oliver into the hall. “Here is one of the thieves, madam!” he shouted up the stairs. *E shot him, mada “Giles!” sail Open the the sweet voice of a young lady at the top of the stairs. is the poor man hurt?” “Tthink he is dving, shouted Britles.* Would you like to come down and book at him, miss?" “Please be quiet. said che young lady ‘T will speak to my aunt, and ask her what ro da! She soon returned and said, ‘Carry the thief to Mr Giles’s oor. Brittles must go vo the town for the doctor’ Some time Jater, a carriage stopped outside the gate. A far gentleman jumped out, ran into the house and came quickly into the room, “This is terrible!" he cried, as he shook hands with the ladies. “My dear Mrs Maylie — in the silence of the might — and yau too, Miss Rose. Terrible!” “We are all right, Dr Losberne, said Rose, “but there is a poor tian upstairs thar my a “Yes, Brittles told me? said Dr Losherne.* You short him. G: Where is he? Show me the way The doctor stayed in Mr Giles’s room for more than an Bou: His bag was brought up from the carriage, A bedroom bell was tung very often, and the serviunts ran up and down the stairs all int wishes you to see! the time. At last Dr Losberne returned to the two ladies." This is a very strange thing. Mrs May “He isn't in danger, | hope?’ said the old lady. “No, teplied the doctor.“ Have you seen this thief ‘he said. 35,“No replied the old lady. “1 was going co tell you about him when the doctor came in, madam, said Mr Giles. He felt rather ashamed to say that he had shot a small boy. ‘Rose wanted to sce the man! said Mrs Maylie, “but I didn’t allow it? ‘There is nothing to be aftaid of? said the doctor.‘ He is quiet and comfortable now. Will you both come and see him while | am here?" The doctor led the way upstairs.“ Now, he said, as he opened the door,* what do you think of him?" There, instead of an evil man, lay a small child. He was weak with pain and was ina deep sleep. His arm rested across his chest, his head lay on his other arm and his hair was spread over the pillow. They looked at him im silence. Then the younger lady bent over him. As she brushed back Oliver's hair, her tears fell on his face. Oliver moved and smiled in his sleep. “What can this mean?’ said the older lady. ‘1 cannot believe that this poor child was the pupil of thieves!" “Who can say?" answered the doctor.’ We find evil. like death, among the old and the young” “Bur at such an early age!” cried Roose. Has he ever known a mother’s love or the happiness of a comfortable home? Oh, aunt, dear aunt, don’t let them take this sick child to prison!” *My dear love, said the old lady," of course not!" Hour after hour passed, and in the evening Dr Losberne told the ladies that Oliver was able to talk to them. Their talk was a long one. Oliver told them the story of his life. He was often forced to stop, because of the pain and his weak condition. It was sad to hear about such suffering from the mouth of a sick child. Bur the gentle hands and loving smiles of the ladies helped Oliver. He felt calm and happy and peaceful * 36Ohver was quite ill and weak. His broken arm was painful, and the rain and cold had given him a fever. He was sick in bed for rmany weeks, but slowly he grew berrer. With tears in his eyes, he dianked the two sweet ladies for helping him.When the warmer weather began and there were new leaves on the eees, they prepared to leave the town house for a house im the eountryside. Ie was a completely new lite for Oliver, Here roses climbed the walls of the old country house and the air was filled with the smell of beautiful flowers. The days were quiet, and he was not atrant when he went to bed at night. Every morning he went to see an old gentleman who taught him to read better and to write. He went for walks with Mrs Maylic and Rose. He listened when Kose played the piano in the evenings and sang in her sweet, gentle voice. He helped in che garden and he worked at his lessons too. He fed Mrs Maylie’s birds and sometimes he gor up ac six in the morning to pick flowers for the breakfast table. Oliver was really happy, The ladies looked after him so well and he loved them with all his heart. Chapter 11 The Mysterious Stranger Spring passed quickly and summer came. The sun shone. Nature was growing, full of life and energy. Oliver grew bigger and healthier, but he was still the same gentle, sweet boy that he had been before. One beautiful, warm night Oliver and the owo ladies took a fonger walk than usual. When the piano, After playing for a little time, her hands suddenly began to shake. Her face was very white. “Rose. my love!” cried Mrs Maylie.* Whar is the matter?" “Nothing, aunt, nothing, said Rose.“ | am rather tired. I shall y returned, Roose sat down argo to bed now and be better tomorrow, Please don’t worry. When morni suffering from a “We must send for Dr Lasher written a letter to him. Will you take it to the inn for me? From there someone will ride at once with it to Dr Losberne at Chertsey! Oliver ran off iinmediately across the fields. He found the ancl arranged for the letter to be taken to Dr Losberne, He was worried and nervous until he saw the man take the letter and ride away with it on his horse. He was coming out of the inn when he almost fell against a tall man in a black coat. y came, Rose was worse. It was clear that she was ous illness. Mrs Maylie’s sadness was cermble. at once, Oliver, she said.‘ I have Fv *Curse you!" said the man im a voice of terrible anger." What are you doing hen “Lam very sorry, sie, said Oliver.‘ I was in a great hurry to get home. I didn’t see you. The man moved towards Oliver, but before he could hit the boy he fell to the ground, Oliver stared at the madman for a moment into the inn for help. Some men came and carned the person inside. Then Oliver ran away as fast as he could. He was very frightened by the stranger's mysterious behaviour. Dr Losberne arrived late that night and went straight to Rose while Mrs Mayle and Oliver waited ouwide the bedroom. Rose was very il, the doctor said. In the morning the little house was lonely and quiet. Oliver went to the old church and sat down outside on the yrass. He wept and prayed for Rose. He looked around at the beautiful countryside and heard the songs of the summer birds. It was impossible that Rose could dic when everything was so glad and happy. When he went home. Mrs Maylie was sitting in the living- room. Kose had fallen into a deep sleep. When she woke up, she would either get better or say goodbye and dic. then ra 38Ac last Dr Losberne came our of the bedroom, “How is Roose?’ cried the old lady.* Tell me at once!’ “You must be calm, my dear madam,’ said the doctor. * Tell me, in God's name! My dear child! She is dead!” ‘Thank God, no!" cried the doctor, with great feeling. ‘She won't die? The old lady fell on her knees and prayed, [t was almost too much happiness to accept. Oliver could not weep, or speak, or rest. He went out and picked some beautiful flowers for Rose’ room, Every day Rose grew better, but she was weak for a long time and could not leave her room. The windows were open now because she loved to feel the warm summer air, But there were no more evening walks, and Oliver spent much of the time in his own little room working at his lessons. * One evening, Oliver sat and read his books, He felt dred. It had been a hot day and he was not really awake but was only half asleep. Suddenly he seemed to see Fagin, pointing at him and whispering to another man," That is the boy.’ “L know, the other man seemed to answer, ‘The anger and hate in the man’s voice made Oliver jump up. What was that? There — there — at the window — close to him = very close so he could almost touch him — there stood Fagin. And beside him, white with anger or fear, stood the man who had met him outside the inn. Ir was only a second — and then they had gone. But they had seen him and he had seen them. He jumped from the window into the garden, and called for help in a loud voice. The servants came running, Oliver could only say,’ Fagin! Fagin!” “Was it a man? way did he go?* ried Mr Giles, taking up a heavy stick. Which 4“Over there!" cried Oliver, Mr Giles ran off, and Brittes followed him. Oliver ran behind with Dr Losberne, who was taking a short walk, But they could not find the nwo men, “Te must be a dream, Oliver, said Dr Lasberne. “Oh no, really, sir’ replied Oliver, 1 saw Fagin - Tam: sure of at. 1 saw ther both as clearly as I see you now. “Who was the other man?’ asked Dr Losberne. “The man that [rald you about, He was at the inn, said Oliver. “This is very strange, said Dr Losberne. They continued to search for the wo men, bi success. The next day Mr Giles was sent to all the inns in the area. without but no one could tell him anything abour the strangers, Chapter 12 Mr Bumble and the Stranger Mr Bumble was sitting by the fire in the workhouse where Oliver was born. He was drinking lis tea and reading the paper, when a tall, dark man in a black coat came to see him, It was the man that Oliver had seen at the inn, and later outside his window with Fayun. “Mr Bumble! said the strane workhouse, aren't you?’ am now master of the workhaus: ‘yor are an officer of |the young man! sid Mr Bumble slowly and in an unportant voice, “T want you to tell me something, said che stranger. ‘1 won't ask you to do it for nothing, Teke this now! As he spoke, the man put wo gold coins on the table Mr Bumble took them and put them in his pocket “Try to remember something, Mr Bumble! said the stranger, rv something happened in your workhouse. A boy was born here! ‘Many boys!" replied Mr Bumble, shaking his head “Twelve years ago dase wi 40“There was one little boy with a thin face. He was sent out to work for a coftin-maker. Then he ran away to London? ‘Ah, you mean Oliver Twist!" said Mr Bumble. * Yes, 1 remember him!" “LT want to hear about the old woman who looked after his mother, said the stranger.’ Where is she?" “She died last winter, said Mr Bumble,‘ She had a friend with her when she died — another old woman from the workhouse. She was told something,” ‘How can | find her?’ asked the stranger. “Only through me; said Mr Bumble. ‘When?* “Tomorrow! “At nme in the evening, said the stranger, taking a piece of paper and writing an address on it.‘ Bring her to me at this place and in secret Mr Bumble looked at the paper and saw that it had no name ont.’ What name should [ ask for?" he said. “Monks, answered the man, and walked quickly away. a It was a hot summer evening, Mr Bumble went down to the river. An old woman was with him. “The place must be near here, said Mr Bumble, looking at the Piece of paper by the light of his lamp. “Hello! stid a voice from an old empty house. Come in!" They went in. The man in the black coat closed the door behind them. “Nowy said the stranger to the old woman," what do you know about the mother of Oliver Twist? What did your friend tell you on her death bed ?* “How much money is her information worth to you?" said Mr Bumble, 4