Hekeptonhiscourse，throughmanywindingandnarrowways，untilhereachedBethnalGreen；then，turningsuddenlyofftotheleft，hesoonbecameinvolvedinamazeofthemeananddirtystreetswhichaboundinthatcloseanddensely-populatedquarter。
TheJewwasevidentlytoofamiliarwiththegroundhetraversedtobeatallbewildered，eitherbythedarknessofthenight，ortheintricaciesoftheway。Hehurriedthroughseveralalleysandstreets，andatlengthturnedintoone，lightedonlybyasinglelampatthefartherend。Atthedoorofahouseinthisstreet，heknocked；havingexchangedafewmutteredwordswiththepersonwhoopenedit，hewalkedupstairs。
Adoggrowledashetouchedthehandleofaroom-door；andaman'svoicedemandedwhowasthere。
'Onlyme，Bill；onlyme，mydear，'saidtheJewlookingin。
'Bringinyourbodythen，'saidSikes。'Liedown，youstupidbrute！Don'tyouknowthedevilwhenhe'sgotagreat-coaton?'
Apparently，thedoghadbeensomewhatdeceivedbyMr。Fagin'soutergarment；forastheJewunbuttonedit，andthrewitoverthebackofachair，heretiredtothecornerfromwhichhehadrisen:wagginghistailashewent，toshowthathewasaswellsatisfiedasitwasinhisnaturetobe。
'Well！'saidSikes。
'Well，mydear，'repliedtheJew——'Ah！Nancy。'
Thelatterrecognitionwasutteredwithjustenoughofembarrassmenttoimplyadoubtofitsreception；forMr。Faginandhisyoungfriendhadnotmet，sinceshehadinterferedinbehalfofOliver。Alldoubtsuponthesubject，ifhehadany，werespeedilyremovedbytheyounglady'sbehaviour。Shetookherfeetoffthefender，pushedbackherchair，andbadeFagindrawuphis，withoutsayingmoreaboutit:foritwasacoldnight，andnomistake。
'Itiscold，Nancydear，'saidtheJew，ashewarmedhisskinnyhandsoverthefire。'Itseemstogorightthroughone，'addedtheoldman，touchinghisside。
'Itmustbeapiercer，ifitfindsitswaythroughyourheart，'
saidMr。Sikes。'Givehimsomethingtodrink，Nancy。Burnmybody，makehaste！It'senoughtoturnamanill，toseehisleanoldcarcaseshiveringinthatway，likeauglyghostjustrosefromthegrave。'
Nancyquicklybroughtabottlefromacupboard，inwhichthereweremany:which，tojudgefromthediversityoftheirappearance，werefilledwithseveralkindsofliquids。Sikespouringoutaglassofbrandy，badetheJewdrinkitoff。
'Quiteenough，quite，thankye，Bill，'repliedtheJew，puttingdowntheglassafterjustsettinghislipstoit。
'What！You'reafraidofourgettingthebetterofyou，areyou?'
inquiredSikes，fixinghiseyesontheJew。'Ugh！'
Withahoarsegruntofcontempt，Mr。Sikesseizedtheglass，andthrewtheremainderofitscontentsintotheashes:asapreparatoryceremonytofillingitagainforhimself:whichhedidatonce。
TheJewglancedroundtheroom，ashiscompaniontosseddownthesecondglassful；notincuriousity，forhehadseenitoftenbefore；butinarestlessandsuspiciousmannerhabitualtohim。
Itwasameanlyfurnishedapartment，withnothingbutthecontentsoftheclosettoinducethebeliefthatitsoccupierwasanythingbutaworkingman；andwithnomoresuspiciousarticlesdisplayedtoviewthantwoorthreeheavybludgeonswhichstoodinacorner，anda'life-preserver'thathungoverthechimney-piece。
'There，'saidSikes，smackinghislips。'NowI'mready。'
'Forbusiness?'inquiredtheJew。
'Forbusiness，'repliedSikes；'sosaywhatyou'vegottosay。'
'AboutthecribatChertsey，Bill?'saidtheJew，drawinghischairforward，andspeakinginaverylowvoice。
'Yes。Wotaboutit?'inquiredSikes。
'Ah！youknowwhatImean，mydear，'saidtheJew。'HeknowswhatImean，Nancy；don'the?'
'No，hedon't，'sneeredMr。Sikes。'Orhewon't，andthat'sthesamething。Speakout，andcallthingsbytheirrightnames；
don'tsitthere，winkingandblinking，andtalkingtomeinhints，asifyouwarn'ttheveryfirstthatthoughtabouttherobbery。Wotd'yemean?'
'Hush，Bill，hush！'saidtheJew，whohadinvainattemptedtostopthisburstofindignation；'somebodywillhearus，mydear。
Somebodywillhearus。'
'Let'emhear！'saidSikes；'Idon'tcare。'ButasMr。SikesDID
care，onreflection，hedroppedhisvoiceashesaidthewords，andgrewcalmer。
'There，there，'saidtheJew，coaxingly。'Itwasonlymycaution，nothingmore。Now，mydear，aboutthatcribatChertsey；whenisittobedone，Bill，eh?Whenisittobedone?Suchplate，mydear，suchplate！'saidtheJew:rubbinghishands，andelevatinghiseyebrowsinaraptureofanticipation。
'Notatall，'repliedSikescoldly。
'Nottobedoneatall！'echoedtheJew，leaningbackinhischair。
'No，notatall，'rejoinedSikes。'Atleastitcan'tbeaput-upjob，asweexpected。'
'Thenithasn'tbeenproperlygoneabout，'saidtheJew，turningpalewithanger。'Don'ttellme！'
'ButIwilltellyou，'retortedSikes。'Whoareyouthat'snottobetold?ItellyouthatTobyCrackithasbeenhangingabouttheplaceforafortnight，andhecan'tgetoneoftheservantsinline。'
'Doyoumeantotellme，Bill，'saidtheJew:softeningastheothergrewheated:'thatneitherofthetwomeninthehousecanbegotover?'
'Yes，Idomeantotellyouso，'repliedSikes。'Theoldladyhashad'emthesetwentyyears；andifyouweretogive'emfivehundredpound，theywouldn'tbeinit。'
'Butdoyoumeantosay，mydear，'remonstratedtheJew，'thatthewomencan'tbegotover?'
'Notabitofit，'repliedSikes。
'NotbyflashTobyCrackit?'saidtheJewincredulously。'Thinkwhatwomenare，Bill，'
'No；notevenbyflashTobyCrackit，'repliedSikes。'Hesayshe'swornshamwhiskers，andacanarywaistcoat，thewholeblessedtimehe'sbeenloiteringdownthere，andit'sallofnouse。'
'Heshouldhavetriedmustachiosandapairofmilitarytrousers，mydear，'saidtheJew。
'Sohedid，'rejoinedSikes，'andtheywarn'tofnomoreusethantheotherplant。'
TheJewlookedblankatthisinformation。Afterruminatingforsomeminuteswithhischinsunkonhisbreast，heraisedhisheadandsaid，withadeepsigh，thatifflashTobyCrackitreportedaright，hefearedthegamewasup。
'Andyet，'saidtheoldman，droppinghishandsonhisknees，'it'sasadthing，mydear，tolosesomuchwhenwehadsetourheartsuponit。'
'Soitis，'saidMr。Sikes。'Worseluck！'
Alongsilenceensued；duringwhichtheJewwasplungedindeepthought，withhisfacewrinkledintoanexpressionofvillainyperfectlydemoniacal。Sikeseyedhimfurtivelyfromtimetotime。Nancy，apparentlyfearfulofirritatingthehousebreaker，satwithhereyesfixeduponthefire，asifshehadbeendeaftoallthatpassed。
'Fagin，'saidSikes，abruptlybreakingthestillnessthatprevailed；'isitworthfiftyshinersextra，ifit'ssafelydonefromtheoutside?'
'Yes，'saidtheJew，assuddenlyrousinghimself。
'Isitabargain?'inquiredSikes。
'Yes，mydear，yes，'rejoinedtheJew；hiseyesglistening，andeverymuscleinhisfaceworking，withtheexcitementthattheinquiryhadawakened。
'Then，'saidSikes，thrustingasidetheJew'shand，withsomedisdain，'letitcomeoffassoonasyoulike。Tobyandmewereoverthegarden-wallthenightaforelast，soundingthepanelsofthedoorandshutters。Thecrib'sbarredupatnightlikeajail；butthere'sonepartwecancrack，safeandsoftly。'
'Whichisthat，Bill?'askedtheJeweagerly。
'Why，'whisperedSikes，'asyoucrossthelawn——'
'Yes?'saidtheJew，bendinghisheadforward，withhiseyesalmoststartingoutofit。
'Umph！'criedSikes，stoppingshort，asthegirl，scarcelymovingherhead，lookedsuddenlyround，andpointedforaninstanttotheJew'sface。'Nevermindwhichpartitis。Youcan'tdoitwithoutme，Iknow；butit'sbesttobeonthesafesidewhenonedealswithyou。'
'Asyoulike，mydear，asyoulike'repliedtheJew。'Istherenohelpwanted，butyoursandToby's?'
'None，'saidSikes。'Ceptacentre-bitandaboy。Thefirstwe'vebothgot；thesecondyoumustfindus。'
'Aboy！'exclaimedtheJew。'Oh！thenit'sapanel，eh?'
'Nevermindwotitis！'repliedSikes。'Iwantaboy，andhemusn'tbeabig'un。Lord！'saidMr。Sikes，reflectively，'ifI'donlygotthatyoungboyofNed，thechimbley-sweeper's！Hekepthimsmallonpurpose，andlethimoutbythejob。Butthefathergetslagged；andthentheJuvenileDelinquentSocietycomes，andtakestheboyawayfromatradewherehewasarningmoney，teacheshimtoreadandwrite，andintimemakesa'prenticeofhim。Andsotheygoon，'saidMr。Sikes，hiswrathrisingwiththerecollectionofhiswrongs，'sotheygoon；and，ifthey'dgotmoneyenoughwhichit'saProvidencetheyhaven't，weshouldn'thavehalfadozenboysleftinthewholetrade，inayearortwo。'
'Nomoreweshould，'acquiesedtheJew，whohadbeenconsideringduringthisspeech，andhadonlycaughtthelastsentence。
'Bill！'
'Whatnow?'inquiredSikes。
TheJewnoddedhisheadtowardsNancy，whowasstillgazingatthefire；andintimated，byasign，thathewouldhavehertoldtoleavetheroom。Sikesshruggedhisshouldersimpatiently，asifhethoughttheprecautionunnecessary；butcomplied，nevertheless，byrequestingMissNancytofetchhimajugofbeer。
'Youdon'twantanybeer，'saidNancy，foldingherarms，andretainingherseatverycomposedly。
'ItellyouIdo！'repliedSikes。
'Nonsense，'rejoinedthegirlcoolly，'Goon，Fagin。Iknowwhathe'sgoingtosay，Bill；heneedn'tmindme。'
TheJewstillhesitated。Sikeslookedfromonetotheotherinsomesurprise。
'Why，youdon'tmindtheoldgirl，doyou，Fagin?'heaskedatlength。'You'veknownherlongenoughtotrusther，ortheDevil'sinit。Sheain'tonetoblab。AreyouNancy?'
'_I_shouldthinknot！'repliedtheyounglady:drawingherchairuptothetable，andputtingherelbowsuponit。
'No，no，mydear，Iknowyou'renot，'saidtheJew；'but——'andagaintheoldmanpaused。
'Butwot?'inquiredSikes。
'Ididn'tknowwhethershemightn'tp'r'apsbeoutofsorts，youknow，mydear，asshewastheothernight，'repliedtheJew。
Atthisconfession，MissNancyburstintoaloudlaugh；and，swallowingaglassofbrandy，shookherheadwithanairofdefiance，andburstintosundryexclamationsof'Keepthegamea-going！''Neversaydie！'andthelike。Theseseemedtohavetheeffectofre-assuringbothgentlemen；fortheJewnoddedhisheadwithasatisfiedair，andresumedhisseat:asdidMr。Sikeslikewise。
'Now，Fagin，'saidNancywithalaugh。'TellBillatonce，aboutOliver！'
'Ha！you'reacleverone，mydear:thesharpestgirlIeversaw！'
saidtheJew，pattingherontheneck。'ItWASaboutOliverI
wasgoingtospeak，sureenough。Ha！ha！ha！'
'Whatabouthim?'demandedSikes。
'He'stheboyforyou，mydear，'repliedtheJewinahoarsewhisper；layinghisfingeronthesideofhisnose，andgrinningfrightfully。
'He！'exclaimed。Sikes。
'Havehim，Bill！'saidNancy。'Iwould，ifIwasinyourplace。
Hemayn'tbesomuchup，asanyoftheothers；butthat'snotwhatyouwant，ifhe'sonlytoopenadoorforyou。Dependuponithe'sasafeone，Bill。'
'Iknowheis，'rejoinedFagin。'He'sbeeningoodtrainingtheselastfewweeks，andit'stimehebegantoworkforhisbread。Besides，theothersarealltoobig。'
'Well，heisjustthesizeIwant，'saidMr。Sikes，ruminating。
'Andwilldoeverythingyouwant，Bill，mydear，'interposedtheJew；'hecan'thelphimself。Thatis，ifyoufrightenhimenough。'
'Frightenhim！'echoedSikes。'It'llbenoshamfrightening，mindyou。Ifthere'sanythingqueerabouthimwhenweoncegetintothework；inforapenny，inforapound。Youwon'tseehimaliveagain，Fagin。Thinkofthat，beforeyousendhim。Markmywords！'saidtherobber，poisingacrowbar，whichhehaddrawnfromunderthebedstead。
'I'vethoughtofitall，'saidtheJewwithenergy。'I've——I'vehadmyeyeuponhim，mydears，close——close。Oncelethimfeelthatheisoneofus；oncefillhismindwiththeideathathehasbeenathief；andhe'sours！Oursforhislife。Oho！Itcouldn'thavecomeaboutbetter！Theoldmancrossedhisarmsuponhisbreast；and，drawinghisheadandshouldersintoaheap，literallyhuggedhimselfforjoy。
'Ours！'saidSikes。'Yours，youmean。'
'PerhapsIdo，mydear，'saidtheJew，withashrillchuckle。
'Mine，ifyoulike，Bill。'
'Andwot，'saidSikes，scowlingfiercelyonhisagreeablefriend，'wotmakesyoutakesomuchpainsaboutonechalk-facedkid，whenyouknowtherearefiftyboyssnoozingaboutCommonGardeneverynight，asyoumightpickandchoosefrom?'
'Becausethey'reofnousetome，mydear，'repliedtheJew，withsomeconfusion，'notworththetaking。Theirlooksconvict'emwhentheygetintotrouble，andIlose'emall。Withthisboy，properlymanaged，mydears，IcoulddowhatIcouldn'twithtwentyofthem。Besides，'saidtheJew，recoveringhisself-possession，'hehasusnowifhecouldonlygiveusleg-bailagain；andhemustbeinthesameboatwithus。Nevermindhowhecamethere；it'squiteenoughformypoweroverhimthathewasinarobbery；that'sallIwant。Now，howmuchbetterthisis，thanbeingobligedtoputthepoorleetleboyoutoftheway——whichwouldbedangerous，andweshouldlosebyitbesides。'
'Whenisittobedone?'askedNancy，stoppingsometurbulentexclamationonthepartofMr。Sikes，expressiveofthedisgustwithwhichhereceivedFagin'saffectationofhumanity。
'Ah，tobesure，'saidtheJew；'whenisittobedone，Bill?'
'IplannedwithToby，thenightarterto-morrow，'rejoinedSikesinasurlyvoice，'ifheheerdnothingfrommetothecontrairy。'
'Good，'saidtheJew；'there'snomoon。'
'No，'rejoinedSikes。
'It'sallarrangedaboutbringingofftheswag，isit?'askedtheJew。
Sikesnodded。
'Andabout——'
'Oh，ah，it'sallplanned，'rejoinedSikes，interruptinghim。
'Nevermindparticulars。You'dbetterbringtheboyhereto-morrownight。Ishallgetoffthestoneanhourarterdaybreak。Thenyouholdyourtongue，andkeepthemelting-potready，andthat'sallyou'llhavetodo。'
Aftersomediscussion，inwhichallthreetookanactivepart，itwasdecidedthatNancyshouldrepairtotheJew'snexteveningwhenthenighthadsetin，andbringOliverawaywithher；Fagincraftilyobserving，that，ifheevincedanydisinclinationtothetask，hewouldbemorewillingtoaccompanythegirlwhohadsorecentlyinterferedinhisbehalf，thananybodyelse。ItwasalsosolemnlyarrangedthatpoorOlivershould，forthepurposesofthecontemplatedexpedition，beunreservedlyconsignedtothecareandcustodyofMr。WilliamSikes；andfurther，thatthesaidSikesshoulddealwithhimashethoughtfit；andshouldnotbeheldresponsiblebytheJewforanymischanceorevilthatmightbenecessarytovisithim:itbeingunderstoodthat，torenderthecompactinthisrespectbinding，anyrepresentationsmadebyMr。Sikesonhisreturnshouldberequiredtobeconfirmedandcorroborated，inallimportantparticulars，bythetestimonyofflashTobyCrackit。
Thesepreliminariesadjusted，Mr。Sikesproceededtodrinkbrandyatafuriousrate，andtoflourishthecrowbarinanalarmingmanner；yellingforth，atthesametime，mostunmusicalsnatchesofsong，mingledwithwildexecrations。Atlength，inafitofprofessionalenthusiasm，heinsisteduponproducinghisboxofhousebreakingtools:whichhehadnosoonerstumbledinwith，andopenedforthepurposeofexplainingthenatureandpropertiesofthevariousimplementsitcontained，andthepeculiarbeautiesoftheirconstruction，thanhefellovertheboxuponthefloor，andwenttosleepwherehefell。
'Good-night，Nancy，'saidtheJew，mufflinghimselfupasbefore。
'Good-night。'
Theireyesmet，andtheJewscrutinisedher，narrowly。Therewasnoflinchingaboutthegirl。ShewasastrueandearnestinthematterasTobyCrackithimselfcouldbe。
TheJewagainbadehergood-night，and，bestowingaslykickupontheprostrateformofMr。Sikeswhileherbackwasturned，gropeddownstairs。
'Alwaystheway！'mutteredtheJewtohimselfasheturnedhomeward。'Theworstofthesewomenis，thataverylittlethingservestocallupsomelong-forgottenfeeling；and，thebestofthemis，thatitneverlasts。Ha！ha！Themanagainstthechild，forabagofgold！'
Beguilingthetimewiththesepleasantreflections，Mr。Faginwendedhisway，throughmudandmire，tohisgloomyabode:wheretheDodgerwassittingup，impatientlyawaitinghisreturn。
'IsOlivera-bed?Iwanttospeaktohim，'washisfirstremarkastheydescendedthestairs。
'Hoursago，'repliedtheDodger，throwingopenadoor。'Hereheis！'
Theboywaslying，fastasleep，onarudebeduponthefloor；sopalewithanxiety，andsadness，andtheclosenessofhisprison，thathelookedlikedeath；notdeathasitshowsinshroudandcoffin，butintheguiseitwearswhenlifehasjustdeparted；
whenayoungandgentlespirithas，butaninstant，fledtoHeaven，andthegrossairoftheworldhasnothadtimetobreatheuponthechangingdustithallowed。
'Notnow，'saidtheJew，turningsoftlyaway。'To-morrow。
To-morrow。'
CHAPTERXX
WHEREINOLVERISDELIVEREDOVERTOMR。WILLIAMSIKES
WhenOliverawokeinthemorning，hewasagooddealsurprisedtofindthatanewpairofshoes，withstrongthicksoles，hadbeenplacedathisbedside；andthathisoldshoeshadbeenremoved。
Atfirst，hewaspleasedwiththediscovery:hopingthatitmightbetheforerunnerofhisrelease；butsuchthoughtswerequicklydispelled，onhissittingdowntobreakfastalongwiththeJew，whotoldhim，inatoneandmannerwhichincreasedhisalarm，thathewastobetakentotheresidenceofBillSikesthatnight。
'To——to——stopthere，sir?'askedOliver，anxiously。
'No，no，mydear。Nottostopthere，'repliedtheJew。'Weshouldn'tliketoloseyou。Don'tbeafraid，Oliver，youshallcomebacktousagain。Ha！ha！ha！Wewon'tbesocruelastosendyouaway，mydear。Ohno，no！'
Theoldman，whowasstoopingoverthefiretoastingapieceofbread，lookedroundashebanteredOliverthus；andchuckledasiftoshowthatheknewhewouldstillbeverygladtogetawayifhecould。
'Isuppose，'saidtheJew，fixinghiseyesonOliver，'youwanttoknowwhatyou'regoingtoBill'sfor——eh，mydear?'
Olivercoloured，involuntarily，tofindthattheoldthiefhadbeenreadinghisthoughts；butboldlysaid，Yes，hedidwanttoknow。
'Why，doyouthink?'inquiredFagin，parryingthequestion。
'IndeedIdon'tknow，sir，'repliedOliver。
'Bah！'saidtheJew，turningawaywithadisappointedcountenancefromacloseperusaloftheboy'sface。'WaittillBilltellsyou，then。'
TheJewseemedmuchvexedbyOliver'snotexpressinganygreatercuriosityonthesubject；butthetruthis，that，althoughOliverfeltveryanxious，hewastoomuchconfusedbytheearnestcunningofFagin'slooks，andhisownspeculations，tomakeanyfurtherinquiriesjustthen。Hehadnootheropportunity:fortheJewremainedverysurlyandsilenttillnight:whenhepreparedtogoabroad。
'Youmayburnacandle，'saidtheJew，puttingoneuponthetable。'Andhere'sabookforyoutoread，tilltheycometofetchyou。Good-night！'
'Good-night！'repliedOliver，softly。
TheJewwalkedtothedoor:lookingoverhisshoulderattheboyashewent。Suddenlystopping，hecalledhimbyhisname。
Oliverlookedup；theJew，pointingtothecandle，motionedhimtolightit。Hedidso；and，asheplacedthecandlestickuponthetable，sawthattheJewwasgazingfixedlyathim，withloweringandcontractedbrows，fromthedarkendoftheroom。
'Takeheed，Oliver！takeheed！'saidtheoldman，shakinghisrighthandbeforehiminawarningmanner。'He'saroughman，andthinksnothingofbloodwhenhisownisup。Whateverfallsout，saynothing；anddowhathebidsyou。Mind！'Placingastrongemphasisonthelastword，hesufferedhisfeaturesgraduallytoresolvethemselvesintoaghastlygrin，and，noddinghishead，lefttheroom。
Oliverleanedhisheaduponhishandwhentheoldmandisappeared，andpondered，withatremblingheart，onthewordshehadjustheard。ThemorehethoughtoftheJew'sadmonition，themorehewasatalosstodivineitsrealpurposeandmeaning。
HecouldthinkofnobadobjecttobeattainedbysendinghimtoSikes，whichwouldnotbeequallywellansweredbyhisremainingwithFagin；andaftermeditatingforalongtime，concludedthathehadbeenselectedtoperformsomeordinarymenialofficesforthehousebreaker，untilanotherboy，bettersuitedforhispurposecouldbeengaged。Hewastoowellaccustomedtosuffering，andhadsufferedtoomuchwherehewas，tobewailtheprospectofchangeveryseverely。Heremainedlostinthoughtforsomeminutes；andthen，withaheavysigh，snuffedthecandle，and，takingupthebookwhichtheJewhadleftwithhim，begantoread。
Heturnedovertheleaves。Carelesslyatfirst；but，lightingonapassagewhichattractedhisattention，hesoonbecameintentuponthevolume。Itwasahistoryofthelivesandtrialsofgreatcriminals；andthepagesweresoiledandthumbedwithuse。
Here，hereadofdreadfulcrimesthatmadethebloodruncold；ofsecretmurdersthathadbeencommittedbythelonelywayside；ofbodieshiddenfromtheeyeofmanindeeppitsandwells:whichwouldnotkeepthemdown，deepastheywere，buthadyieldedthemupatlast，aftermanyyears，andsomaddenedthemurdererswiththesight，thatintheirhorrortheyhadconfessedtheirguilt，andyelledforthegibbettoendtheiragony。Here，too，hereadofmenwho，lyingintheirbedsatdeadofnight，hadbeentemptedsotheysaidandledon，bytheirownbadthoughts，tosuchdreadfulbloodshedasitmadethefleshcreep，andthelimbsquail，tothinkof。Theterribledescriptionsweresorealandvivid，thatthesallowpagesseemedtoturnredwithgore；andthewordsuponthem，tobesoundedinhisears，asiftheywerewhispered，inhollowmurmers，bythespiritsofthedead。
Inaparoxysmoffear，theboyclosedthebook，andthrustitfromhim。Then，fallinguponhisknees，heprayedHeaventosparehimfromsuchdeeds；andrathertowillthatheshoulddieatonce，thanbereservedforcrimes，sofearfulandappaling。
Bydegrees，hegrewmorecalm，andbesought，inalowandbrokenvoice，thathemightberescuedfromhispresentdangers；andthatifanyaidweretoberaisedupforapooroutcastboywhohadneverknowntheloveoffriendsorkindred，itmightcometohimnow，when，desolateanddeserted，hestoodaloneinthemidstofwickednessandguilt。
Hehadconcludedhisprayer，butstillremainedwithhisheadburiedinhishands，whenarustlingnoisearousedhim。
'What'sthat！'hecried，startingup，andcatchingsightofafigurestandingbythedoor。'Who'sthere?'
'Me。Onlyme，'repliedatremulousvoice。
Oliverraisedthecandleabovehishead:andlookedtowardsthedoor。ItwasNancy。
'Putdownthelight，'saidthegirl，turningawayherhead。'Ithurtsmyeyes。'
Oliversawthatshewasverypale，andgentlyinquiredifshewereill。Thegirlthrewherselfintoachair，withherbacktowardshim:andwrungherhands；butmadenoreply。
'Godforgiveme！'shecriedafterawhile，'Ineverthoughtofthis。'
'Hasanythinghappened?'askedOliver。'CanIhelpyou?IwillifIcan。Iwill，indeed。'
Sherockedherselftoandfro；caughtherthroat；and，utteringagurglingsound，gaspedforbreath。
'Nancy！'criedOliver，'Whatisit?'
Thegirlbeatherhandsuponherknees，andherfeetupontheground；and，suddenlystopping，drewhershawlcloseroundher:
andshiveredwithcold。
Oliverstirredthefire。Drawingherchairclosetoit，shesatthere，foralittletime，withoutspeaking；butatlengthsheraisedherhead，andlookedround。
'Idon'tknowwhatcomesovermesometimes，'saidshe，affectingtobusyherselfinarrangingherdress；'it'sthisdampdirtyroom，Ithink。Now，Nolly，dear，areyouready?'
'AmItogowithyou?'askedOliver。
'Yes。IhavecomefromBill，'repliedthegirl。'Youaretogowithme。'
'Whatfor?'askedOliver，recoiling。
'Whatfor?'echoedthegirl，raisinghereyes，andavertingthemagain，themomenttheyencounteredtheboy'sface。'Oh！Fornoharm。'
'Idon'tbelieveit，'saidOliver:whohadwatchedherclosely。
'Haveityourownway，'rejoinedthegirl，affectingtolaugh。
'Fornogood，then。'
Olivercouldseethathehadsomepoweroverthegirl'sbetterfeelings，and，foraninstant，thoughtofappealingtohercompassionforhishelplessstate。But，then，thethoughtdartedacrosshismindthatitwasbarelyeleveno'clock；andthatmanypeoplewerestillinthestreets:ofwhomsurelysomemightbefoundtogivecredencetohistale。Asthereflectionoccuredtohim，hesteppedforward:andsaid，somewhathastily，thathewasready。
Neitherhisbriefconsideration，noritspurport，waslostonhiscompanion。Sheeyedhimnarrowly，whilehespoke；andcastuponhimalookofintelligencewhichsufficientlyshowedthatsheguessedwhathadbeenpassinginhisthoughts。
'Hush！'saidthegirl，stoopingoverhim，andpointingtothedoorasshelookedcautiouslyround。'Youcan'thelpyourself。I
havetriedhardforyou，butalltonopurpose。Youarehedgedroundandround。Ifeveryouaretogetloosefromhere，thisisnotthetime。'
Struckbytheenergyofhermanner，Oliverlookedupinherfacewithgreatsurprise。Sheseemedtospeakthetruth；hercountenancewaswhiteandagitated；andshetrembledwithveryearnestness。
'Ihavesavedyoufrombeingill-usedonce，andIwillagain，andIdonow，'continuedthegirlaloud；'forthosewhowouldhavefetchedyou，ifIhadnot，wouldhavebeenfarmoreroughthanme。Ihavepromisedforyourbeingquietandsilent；ifyouarenot，youwillonlydoharmtoyourselfandmetoo，andperhapsbemydeath。Seehere！Ihaveborneallthisforyoualready，astrueasGodseesmeshowit。'
Shepointed，hastily，tosomelividbruisesonherneckandarms；
andcontinued，withgreatrapidity:
'Rememberthis！Anddon'tletmesuffermoreforyou，justnow。
IfIcouldhelpyou，Iwould；butIhavenotthepower。Theydon'tmeantoharmyou；whatevertheymakeyoudo，isnofaultofyours。Hush！Everywordfromyouisablowforme。Givemeyourhand。Makehaste！Yourhand！
ShecaughtthehandwhichOliverinstinctivelyplacedinhers，and，blowingoutthelight，drewhimafterherupthestairs。Thedoorwasopened，quickly，bysomeoneshroudedinthedarkness，andwasasquicklyclosed，whentheyhadpassedout。A
hackney-cabrioletwasinwaiting；withthesamevehemencewhichshehadexhibitedinaddressingOliver，thegirlpulledhiminwithher，anddrewthecurtainsclose。Thedriverwantednodirections，butlashedhishorseintofullspeed，withoutthedelayofaninstant。
ThegirlstillheldOliverfastbythehand，andcontinuedtopourintohisear，thewarningsandassurancesshehadalreadyimparted。Allwassoquickandhurried，thathehadscarcelytimetorecollectwherehewas，orhowhecamethere，whentocarriagestoppedatthehousetowhichtheJew'sstepshadbeendirectedonthepreviousevening。
Foronebriefmoment，Olivercastahurriedglancealongtheemptystreet，andacryforhelphunguponhislips。Butthegirl'svoicewasinhisear，beseechinghiminsuchtonesofagonytorememberher，thathehadnotthehearttoutterit。
Whilehehesitated，theopportunitywasgone；hewasalreadyinthehouse，andthedoorwasshut。
'Thisway，'saidthegirl，releasingherholdforthefirsttime。
'Bill！'
'Hallo！'repliedSikes:appearingattheheadofthestairs，withacandle。'Oh！That'sthetimeofday。Comeon！'
Thiswasaverystrongexpressionofapprobation，anuncommonlyheartywelcome，fromapersonofMr。Sikes'temperament。Nancy，appearingmuchgratifiedthereby，salutedhimcordially。
'Bull's-eye'sgonehomewithTom，'observedSikes，ashelightedthemup。'He'dhavebeenintheway。'
'That'sright，'rejoinedNancy。
'Soyou'vegotthekid，'saidSikeswhentheyhadallreachedtheroom:closingthedoorashespoke。
'Yes，hereheis，'repliedNancy。
'Didhecomequiet?'inquiredSikes。
'Likealamb，'rejoinedNancy。
'I'mgladtohearit，'saidSikes，lookinggrimlyatOliver；'forthesakeofhisyoungcarcase:aswouldotherwayshavesufferedforit。Comehere，young'un；andletmereadyoualectur'，whichisaswellgotoveratonce。'
Thusaddressinghisnewpupil，Mr。SikespulledoffOliver'scapandthrewitintoacorner；andthen，takinghimbytheshoulder，sathimselfdownbythetable，andstoodtheboyinfrontofhim。
'Now，first:doyouknowwotthisis?'inquiredSikes，takingupapocket-pistolwhichlayonthetable。
Oliverrepliedintheaffirmative。
'Well，then，lookhere，'continuedSikes。'Thisispowder；that'ere'sabullet；andthisisalittlebitofaoldhatforwaddin'。'
Olivermurmuredhiscomprehensionofthedifferentbodiesreferredto；andMr。Sikesproceededtoloadthepistol，withgreatnicetyanddeliberation。
'Nowit'sloaded，'saidMr。Sikes，whenhehadfinished。
'Yes，Iseeitis，sir，'repliedOliver。
'Well，'saidtherobber，graspingOliver'swrist，andputtingthebarrelsoclosetohistemplethattheytouched；atwhichmomenttheboycouldnotrepressastart；'ifyouspeakawordwhenyou'reouto'doorswithme，exceptwhenIspeaktoyou，thatloadingwillbeinyourheadwithoutnotice。So，ifyouDOmakeupyourmindtospeakwithoutleave，sayyourprayersfirst。'
Havingbestowedascowlupontheobjectofthiswarning，toincreaseitseffect，Mr。Sikescontinued。
'AsnearasIknow，thereisn'tanybodyaswouldbeaskingveryparticklerarteryou，ifyouWASdisposedof；soIneedn'ttakethisdevil-and-alloftroubletoexplainmatterstoyou，ifitwarn'tforyouowngood。D'yehearme?'
'Theshortandthelongofwhatyoumean，'saidNancy:speakingveryemphatically，andslightlyfrowningatOliverasiftobespeakhisseriousattentiontoherwords:'is，thatifyou'recrossedbyhiminthisjobyouhaveonhand，you'llpreventhisevertellingtalesafterwards，byshootinghimthroughthehead，andwilltakeyourchanceofswingingforit，asyoudoforagreatmanyotherthingsinthewayofbusiness，everymonthofyourlife。'
'That'sit！'observedMr。Sikes，approvingly；'womencanalwaysputthingsinfewestwords——Exceptwhenit'sblowingup；andthentheylengthensitout。Andnowthathe'sthoroughlyuptoit，let'shavesomesupper，andgetasnoozebeforestarting。'
Inpursuanceofthisrequest，Nancyquicklylaidthecloth；
disappearingforafewminutes，shepresentlyreturnedwithapotofporterandadishofsheep'sheads:whichgaveoccasiontoseveralpleasantwitticismsonthepartofMr。Sikes，foundeduponthesingularcoincidenceof'jemmies'beingacanname，commontothem，andalsotoaningeniousimplementmuchusedinhisprofession。Indeed，theworthygentleman，stimulatedperhapsbytheimmediateprospectofbeingonactiveservice，wasingreatspiritsandgoodhumour；inproofwhereof，itmaybehereremarked，thathehumourouslydrankallthebeeratadraught，anddidnotutter，onaroughcalculation，morethanfour-scoreoathsduringthewholeprogressofthemeal。
Supperbeingended——itmaybeeasilyconceivedthatOliverhadnogreatappetiteforit——Mr。Sikesdisposedofacoupleofglassesofspiritsandwater，andthrewhimselfonthebed；orderingNancy，withmanyimprecationsincaseoffailure，tocallhimatfiveprecisely。Oliverstretchedhimselfinhisclothes，bycommandofthesameauthority，onamattressuponthefloor；andthegirl，mendingthefire，satbeforeit，inreadinesstorousethemattheappointedtime。
ForalongtimeOliverlayawake，thinkingitnotimpossiblethatNancymightseekthatopportunityofwhisperingsomefurtheradvice；butthegirlsatbroodingoverthefire，withoutmoving，savenowandthentotrimthelight。Wearywithwatchingandanxiety，heatlengthfellasleep。
Whenheawoke，thetablewascoveredwithtea-things，andSikeswasthrustingvariousarticlesintothepocketsofhisgreat-coat，whichhungoverthebackofachair。Nancywasbusilyengagedinpreparingbreakfast。Itwasnotyetdaylight；
forthecandlewasstillburning，anditwasquitedarkoutside。
Asharprain，too，wasbeatingagainstthewindow-panes；andtheskylookedblackandcloudy。
'Now，then！'growledSikes，asOliverstartedup；'half-pastfive！Looksharp，oryou'llgetnobreakfast；forit'slateasitis。'
Oliverwasnotlonginmakinghistoilet；havingtakensomebreakfast，herepliedtoasurlyinquiryfromSikes，bysayingthathewasquiteready。
Nancy，scarcelylookingattheboy，threwhimahandkerchieftotieroundhisthroat；Sikesgavehimalargeroughcapetobuttonoverhisshoulders。Thusattired，hegavehishandtotherobber，who，merelypausingtoshowhimwithamenacinggesturethathehadthatsamepistolinaside-pocketofhisgreat-coat，claspeditfirmlyinhis，and，exchangingafarewellwithNancy，ledhimaway。
Oliverturned，foraninstant，whentheyreachedthedoor，inthehopeofmeetingalookfromthegirl。Butshehadresumedheroldseatinfrontofthefire，andsat，perfectlymotionlessbeforeit。
CHAPTERXXI
THEEXPEDITION
Itwasacheerlessmorningwhentheygotintothestreet；blowingandraininghard；andthecloudslookingdullandstormy。Thenighthadbeenverywet:largepoolsofwaterhadcollectedintheroad:andthekennelswereoverflowing。Therewasafaintglimmeringofthecomingdayinthesky；butitratheraggrevatedthanrelievedthegloomofthescene:thesombrelightonlyservingtopalethatwhichthestreetlampsafforded，withoutsheddinganywarmerorbrightertintsuponthewethouse-tops，anddrearystreets。Thereappearedtobenobodystirringinthatquarterofthetown；thewindowsofthehouseswereallcloselyshut；andthestreetsthroughwhichtheypassed，werenoiselessandempty。
BythetimetheyhadturnedintotheBethnalGreenRoad，thedayhadfairlybeguntobreak。Manyofthelampswerealreadyextinguished；afewcountrywaggonswereslowlytoilingon，towardsLondon；nowandthen，astage-coach，coveredwithmud，rattledbrisklyby:thedriverbestowing，ashepassed，andadmonitorylashupontheheavywaggonerwho，bykeepingonthewrongsideoftheroad，hadendangeredhisarrivingattheoffice，aquarterofaminuteafterhistime。Thepublic-houses，withgas-lightsburninginside，werealreadyopen。Bydegrees，othershopsbegantobeunclosed，andafewscatteredpeopleweremetwith。Then，camestragglinggroupsoflabourersgoingtotheirwork；then，menandwomenwithfish-basketsontheirheads；
donkey-cartsladenwithvegetables；chaise-cartsfilledwithlive-stockorwholecarcassesofmeat；milk-womenwithpails；anunbrokenconcourseofpeople，trudgingoutwithvarioussuppliestotheeasternsuburbsofthetown。AstheyapproachedtheCity，thenoiseandtrafficgraduallyincreased；whentheythreadedthestreetsbetweenShoreditchandSmithfield，ithadswelledintoaroarofsoundandbustle。Itwasaslightasitwaslikelytobe，tillnightcameonagain，andthebusymorningofhalftheLondonpopulationhadbegun。
TurningdownSunStreetandCrownStreet，andcrossingFinsburysquare，Mr。Sikesstruck，bywayofChiswellStreet，intoBarbican:thenceintoLongLane，andsointoSmithfield；fromwhichlatterplacearoseatumultofdiscordantsoundsthatfilledOliverTwistwithamazement。
Itwasmarket-morning。Thegroundwascovered，nearlyankle-deep，withfilthandmire；athicksteam，perpetuallyrisingfromthereekingbodiesofthecattle，andminglingwiththefog，whichseemdtorestuponthechimney-tops，hungheavilyabove。Allthepensinthecentreofthelargearea，andasmanytemporarypensascouldbecrowdedintothevacantspace，werefilledwithsheep；tieduptopostsbytheguttersidewerelonglinesofbeastsandoxen，threeorfourdeep。Countrymen，butchers，drovers，hawkers，boys，thieves，idlers，andvagabondsofeverylowgrade，weremingledtogetherinamass；thewhistlingofdrovers，thebarkingdogs，thebellowingandplungingoftheoxen，thebleatingofsheep，thegruntingandsqueakingofpigs，thecriesofhawkers，theshouts，oaths，andquarrellingonallsides；theringingofbellsandroarofvoices，thatissuedfromeverypublic-house；thecrowding，pushing，driving，beating，whoopingandyelling；thehideousanddiscordantdimthatresoundedfromeverycornerofthemarket；
andtheunwashed，unshaven，squalid，anddirtyfiguesconstantlyrunningtoandfro，andburstinginandoutofthethrong；
rendereditastunningandbewilderingscene，whichquiteconfoundedthesenses。
Mr。Sikes，draggingOliverafterhim，elbowedhiswaythroughthethickestofthecrowd，andbestowedverylittleattentiononthenumeroussightsandsounds，whichsoastonishedtheboy。Henodded，twiceorthrice，toapassingfriend；and，resistingasmanyinvitationstotakeamorningdram，pressedsteadilyonward，untiltheywereclearoftheturmoil，andhadmadetheirwaythroughHosierLaneintoHolborn。
'Now，young'un！'saidSikes，lookingupattheclockofSt。
Andrew'sChurch，'harduponseven！youmuststepout。Come，don'tlagbehindalready，Lazy-legs！'
Mr。Sikesaccompaniedthisspeechwithajerkathislittlecompanion'swrist；Oliver，quickeninghispaceintoakindoftrotbetweenafastwalkandarun，keptupwiththerapidstridesofthehouse-breakeraswellashecould。
Theyheldtheircourseatthisrate，untiltheyhadpassedHydeParkcorner，andwereontheirwaytoKensington:whenSikesrelaxedhispace，untilanemptycartwhichwasatsomelittledistancebehind，cameup。Seeing'Hounslow'writtenonit，heaskedthedriverwithasmuchcivilityashecouldassume，ifhewouldgivethemaliftasfarasIsleworth。
'Jumpup，'saidtheman。'Isthatyourboy?'
'Yes；he'smyboy，'repliedSikes，lookinghardatOliver，andputtinghishandabstractedlyintothepocketwherethepistolwas。
'Yourfatherwalksrathertooquickforyou，don'the，myman?'
inquiredthedriver:seeingthatOliverwasoutofbreath。
'Notabitofit，'repliedSikes，interposing。'He'susedtoit。
Here，takeholdofmyhand，Ned。Inwithyou！'
ThusaddressingOliver，hehelpedhimintothecart；andthedriver，pointingtoaheapofsacks，toldhimtoliedownthere，andresthimself。
Astheypassedthedifferentmile-stones，Oliverwondered，moreandmore，wherehiscompanionmeanttotakehim。Kensington，Hammersmith，Chiswick，KewBridge，Brentford，wereallpassed；
andyettheywentonassteadilyasiftheyhadonlyjustbeguntheirjourney。Atlength，theycametoapublic-housecalledtheCoachandHorses；alittlewaybeyondwhich，anotherroadappearedtorunoff。Andhere，thecartstopped。
Sikesdismountedwithgreatprecipitation，holdingOliverbythehandallthewhile；andliftinghimdowndirectly，bestowedafuriouslookuponhim，andrappedtheside-pocketwithhisfist，inasignificantmanner。
'Good-bye，boy，'saidtheman。
'He'ssulky，'repliedSikes，givinghimashake；'he'ssulky。A
youngdog！Don'tmindhim。'
'NotI！'rejoinedtheother，gettingintohiscart。'It'safineday，afterall。'Andhedroveaway。
Sikeswaiteduntilhehadfairlygone；andthen，tellingOliverhemightlookabouthimifhewanted，onceagainledhimonwardonhisjourney。
Theyturnedroundtotheleft，ashortwaypastthepublic-house；
andthen，takingaright-handroad，walkedonforalongtime:
passingmanylargegardensandgentlemen'shousesonbothsidesoftheway，andstoppingfornothingbutalittlebeer，untiltheyreachedatown。Hereagainstthewallofahouse，Oliversawwrittenupinprettylargeletters，'Hampton。'Theylingeredabout，inthefields，forsomehours。Atlengththeycamebackintothetown；and，turningintoanoldpublic-housewithadefacedsign-board，orderedsomedinnerbythekitchenfire。
Thekitchenwasanold，low-roofedroom；withagreatbeamacrossthemiddleoftheceiling，andbenches，withhighbackstothem，bythefire；onwhichwereseatedseveralroughmeninsmock-frocks，drinkingandsmoking。TheytooknonoticeofOliver；andverylittleofSikes；and，asSikestookverylittlenoticeofthe，heandhisyoungcomradesatinacornerbythemselves，withoutbeingmuchtroubledbytheircompany。
Theyhadsomecoldmeatfordinner，andsatsolongafterit，whileMr。Sikesindulgedhimselfwiththreeorfourpipes，thatOliverbegantofeelquitecertaintheywerenotgoinganyfurther。Beingmuchtiredwiththewalk，andgettingupsoearly，hedozedalittleatfirst；then，quiteoverpoweredbyfatigueandthefumesofthetobacco，fellasleep。
ItwasquitedarkwhenhewasawakenedbyapushfromSikes。
Rousinghimselfsufficientlytositupandlookabouthim，hefoundthatworthyinclosefellowshipandcommunicationwithalabouringman，overapintofale。
'So，you'regoingontoLowerHalliford，areyou?'inquiredSikes。
'Yes，Iam，'repliedtheman，whoseemedalittletheworse——orbetter，asthecasemightbe——fordrinking；'andnotslowaboutitneither。Myhorsehasn'tgotaloadbehindhimgoingback，ashehadcomingupinthemornin'；andhewon'tbelonga-doingofit。Here'slucktohim。Ecod！he'sagood'un！'
'Couldyougivemyboyandmealiftasfarasthere?'demandedSikes，pushingthealetowardshisnewfriend。
'Ifyou'regoingdirectly，Ican，'repliedtheman，lookingoutofthepot。'AreyougoingtoHalliford?'
'GoingontoShepperton，'repliedSikes。
'I'myourman，asfarasIgo，'repliedtheother。'Isallpaid，Becky?'
'Yes，theothergentleman'spaid，'repliedthegirl。
'Isay！'saidtheman，withtipsygravity；'thatwon'tdo，youknow。'
'Whynot?'rejoinedSikes。'You'rea-goingtoaccommodateus，andwot'stopreventmystandingtreatforapintorso，inreturn?'
Thestrangerreflecteduponthisargument，withaveryprofoundface；havingdoneso，heseizedSikesbythehand:anddeclaredhewasarealgoodfellow。TowhichMr。Sikesreplied，hewasjoking；as，ifhehadbeensober，therewouldhavebeenstrongreasontosupposehewas。
Aftertheexchangeofafewmorecompliments，theybadethecompanygood-night，andwentout；thegirlgatheringupthepotsandglassesastheydidso，andloungingouttothedoor，withherhandsfull，toseethepartystart。
Thehorse，whosehealthhadbeendrunkinhisabsence，wasstandingoutside:readyharnessedtothecart。OliverandSikesgotinwithoutanyfurtherceremony；andthemantowhomhebelonged，havinglingeredforaminuteortwo'tobearhimup，'
andtodefythehostlerandtheworldtoproducehisequal，mountedalso。Then，thehostlerwastoldtogivethehorsehishead；and，hisheadbeinggivenhim，hemadeaveryunpleasantuseofit:tossingitintotheairwithgreatdisdain，andrunningintotheparlourwindowsovertheway；afterperformingthosefeats，andsupportinghimselfforashorttimeonhishind-legs，hestartedoffatgreatspeed，andrattledoutofthetownrightgallantly。
Thenightwasverydark。Adampmistrosefromtheriver，andthemarshygroundabout；andspreaditselfoverthedrearyfields。Itwaspiercingcold，too；allwasgloomyandblack。
Notawordwasspoken；forthedriverhadgrownsleepy；andSikeswasinnomoodtoleadhimintoconversation。Oliversathuddledtogether，inacornerofthecart；bewilderedwithalarmandapprehension；andfiguringstrangeobjectsinthegaunttrees，whosebrancheswavedgrimlytoandfro，asifinsomefantasticjoyatthedesolationofthescene。
AstheypassedSunburyChurch，theclockstruckseven。Therewasalightintheferry-housewindowopposite:whichstreamedacrosstheroad，andthrewintomoresombreshadowadarkyew-treewithgravesbeneathit。Therewasadullsoundoffallingwaternotfaroff；andtheleavesoftheoldtreestirredgentlyinthenightwind。Itseemedlikequietmusicforthereposeofthedead。
Sunburywaspassedthrough，andtheycameagainintothelonelyroad。Twoorthreemilesmore，andthecartstopped。Sikesalighted，tookOliverbythehand，andtheyonceagainwalkedon。
TheyturnedintonohouseatShepperton，asthewearyboyhadexpected；butstillkeptwalkingon，inmudanddarkness，throughgloomylanesandovercoldopenwastes，untiltheycamewithinsightofthelightsofatownatnogreatdistance。Onlookingintentlyforward，Oliversawthatthewaterwasjustbelowthem，andthattheywerecomingtothefootofabridge。
Sikeskeptstraighton，untiltheywerecloseuponthebridge；
thenturnedsuddenlydownabankupontheleft。
'Thewater！'thoughtOliver，turningsickwithfear。'Hehasbroughtmetothislonelyplacetomurderme！'
Hewasabouttothrowhimselfontheground，andmakeonestruggleforhisyounglife，whenhesawthattheystoodbeforeasolitaryhouse:allruinousanddecayed。Therewasawindowoneachsideofthedilapidatedentrance；andonestoryabove；butnolightwasvisible。Thehousewasdark，dismantled:andtheallappearance，uninhabited。
Sikes，withOliver'shandstillinhis，softlyapproachedthelowporch，andraisedthelatch。Thedooryieldedtothepressure，andtheypassedintogether。
CHAPTERXXII
THEBURGLARY
'Hallo！'criedaloud，hoarsevoice，assoonastheysetfootinthepassage。
'Don'tmakesucharow，'saidSikes，boltingthedoor。'Showaglim，Toby。'
'Aha！mypal！'criedthesamevoice。'Aglim，Barney，aglim！
Showthegentlemanin，Barney；wakeupfirst，ifconvenient。'
Thespeakerappearedtothrowaboot-jack，orsomesucharticle，atthepersonheaddressed，torousehimfromhisslumbers:forthenoiseofawoodenbody，fallingviolently，washeard；andthenanindistinctmuttering，asofamanbetweensleepandawake。
'Doyouhear?'criedthesamevoice。'There'sBillSikesinthepassagewithnobodytodotheciviltohim；andyousleepingthere，asifyoutooklaudanumwithyourmeals，andnothingstronger。Areyouanyfreshernow，ordoyouwanttheironcandlesticktowakeyouthoroughly?'
Apairofslipshodfeetshuffled，hastily，acrossthebareflooroftheroom，asthisinterrogatorywasput；andthereissued，fromadoorontherighthand；first，afeeblecandle:andnext，theformofthesameindividualwhohasbeenheretoforedescribedaslabouringundertheinfirmityofspeakingthroughhisnose，andofficiatingaswaiteratthepublic-houseonSaffronHill。
'BisterSikes！'exclaimedBarney，withrealorcounterfeitjoy；
'cubid，sir；cubid。'
'Here！yougetonfirst，'saidSikes，puttingOliverinfrontofhim。'Quicker！orIshalltreaduponyourheels。'
Mutteringacurseuponhistardiness，SikespushedOliverbeforehim；andtheyenteredalowdarkroomwithasmokyfire，twoorthreebrokenchairs，atable，andaveryoldcouch:onwhich，withhislegsmuchhigherthanhishead，amanwasreposingatfulllength，smokingalongclaypipe。Hewasdressedinasmartly-cutsnuff-colouredcoat，withlargebrassbuttons；anorangeneckerchief；acoarse，staring，shawl-patternwaistcoat；
anddrabbreeches。Mr。Crackitforheitwashadnoverygreatquantityofhair，eitheruponhisheadorface；butwhathehad，wasofareddishdye，andtorturedintolongcorkscrewcurls，throughwhichheoccasionallythrustsomeverydirtyfingers，ornamentedwithlargecommonrings。Hewasatrifleabovethemiddlesize，andapparentlyratherweakinthelegs；butthiscircumstancebynomeansdetractedfromhisownadmirationofhistop-boots，whichhecontemplated，intheirelevatedsituation，withlivelysatisfaction。
'Bill，myboy！'saidthisfigure，turninghisheadtowardsthedoor，'I'mgladtoseeyou。Iwasalmostafraidyou'dgivenitup:inwhichcaseIshouldhavemadeapersonalwentur。Hallo！'
Utteringthisexclamationinatoneofgreatsurprise，ashiseyesrestedonOliver，Mr。TobyCrackitbroughthimselfintoasittingposture，anddemandedwhothatwas。
'Theboy。Onlytheboy！'repliedSikes，drawingachairtowardsthefire。
'WudofBisterFagid'slads，'exclaimedBarney，withagrin。
'Fagin's，eh！'exclaimedToby，lookingatOliver。'Wotaninwalableboythat'llmake，fortheoldladies'pocketsinchapels！Hismugisafortin'tohim。'
'There——there'senoughofthat，'interposedSikes，impatiently；
andstoopingoverhisrecumbantfriend，hewhisperedafewwordsinhisear:atwhichMr。Crackitlaughedimmensely，andhonouredOliverwithalongstareofastonishment。
'Now，'saidSikes，asheresumedhisseat，'ifyou'llgiveussomethingtoeatanddrinkwhilewe'rewaiting，you'llputsomeheartinus；orinme，atallevents。Sitdownbythefire，younker，andrestyourself；foryou'llhavetogooutwithusagainto-night，thoughnotveryfaroff。'
OliverlookedatSikes，inmuteandtimidwonder；anddrawingastooltothefire，satwithhisachingheaduponhishands，scarecelyknowingwherehewas，orwhatwaspassingaroundhim。
'Here，'saidToby，astheyoungJewplacedsomefragmentsoffood，andabottleuponthetable，'Successtothecrack！'Herosetohonourthetoast；and，carefullydepositinghisemptypipeinacorner，advancedtothetable，filledaglasswithspirits，anddrankoffitscontents。Mr。Sikesdidthesame。
'Adrainfortheboy，'saidToby，half-fillingawine-glass。
'Downwithit，innocence。'
'Indeed，'saidOliver，lookingpiteouslyupintotheman'sface；
'indeed，I——'
'Downwithit！'echoedToby。'DoyouthinkIdon'tknowwhat'sgoodforyou?Tellhimtodrinkit，Bill。'
'Hehadbetter！'saidSikesclappinghishanduponhispocket。
'Burnmybody，ifheisn'tmoretroublethanawholefamilyofDodgers。Drinkit，youperwerseimp；drinkit！'
Frightenedbythemenacinggesturesofthetwomen，Oliverhastilyswallowedthecontentsoftheglass，andimmediatelyfellintoaviolentfitofcoughing:whichdelightedTobyCrackitandBarney，andevendrewasmilefromthesurlyMr。Sikes。
Thisdone，andSikeshavingsatisfiedhisappetiteOlivercouldeatnothingbutasmallcrustofbreadwhichtheymadehimswallow，thetwomenlaidthemselvesdownonchairsforashortnap。Oliverretainedhisstoolbythefire；Barneywrappedinablanket，stretchedhimselfonthefloor:closeoutsidethefender。
Theyslept，orappearedtosleep，forsometime；nobodystirringbutBarney，whoroseonceortwicetothrowcoalsonthefire。
Oliverfellintoaheavydoze:imagininghimselfstrayingalongthegloomylanes，orwanderingaboutthedarkchurchyard，orretracingsomeoneorotherofthescenesofthepastday:whenhewasrousedbyTobyCrackitjumpingupanddeclaringitwashalf-pastone。
Inaninstant，theothertwowereontheirlegs，andallwereactivelyengagedinbusypreparation。Sikesandhiscompanionenvelopedtheirnecksandchinsinlargedarkshawls，anddrewontheirgreat-coats；Barney，openingacupboard，broughtforthseveralarticles，whichhehastilycrammedintothepockets。
'Barkersforme，Barney，'saidTobyCrackit。
'Heretheyare，'repliedBarney，producingapairofpistols。
'Youloadedthemyourself。'
'Allright！'repliedToby，stowingthemaway。'Thepersuaders?'
'I'vegot'em，'repliedSikes。
'Crape，keys，centre-bits，darkies——nothingforgotten?'inquiredToby:fasteningasmallcrowbartoaloopinsidetheskirtofhiscoat。
'Allright，'rejoinedhiscompanion。'Bringthembitsoftimber，Barney。That'sthetimeofday。'
Withthesewords，hetookathickstickfromBarney'shands，who，havingdeliveredanothertoToby，busiedhimselfinfasteningonOliver'scape。
'Nowthen！'saidSikes，holdingouthishand。
Oliver:whowascompletelystupifiedbytheunwontedexercise，andtheair，andthedrinkwhichhadbeenforceduponhim:puthishandmechanicallyintothatwhichSikesextendedforthepurpose。
'Takehisotherhand，Toby，'saidSikes。'Lookout，Barney。'
Themanwenttothedoor，andreturnedtoannouncethatallwasquiet。ThetworobbersissuedforthwithOliverbetweenthem。
Barney，havingmadeallfast，rolledhimselfupasbefore，andwassoonasleepagain。
Itwasnowintenselydark。Thefogwasmuchheavierthanithadbeenintheearlypartofthenight；andtheatmospherewassodamp，that，althoughnorainfell，Oliver'shairandeyebrows，withinafewminutesafterleavingthehouse，hadbecomestiffwiththehalf-frozenmoisturethatwasfloatingabout。Theycrossedthebridge，andkeptontowardsthelightswhichhehadseenbefore。Theywereatnogreatdistanceoff；and，astheywalkedprettybriskly，theysoonarrivedatChertsey。
'Slapthroughthetown，'whisperedSikes；'there'llbenobodyintheway，to-night，toseeus。'
Tobyacquiesced；andtheyhurriedthroughthemainstreetofthelittletown，whichatthatlatehourwaswhollydeserted。Adimlightshoneatintervalsfromsomebed-roomwindow；andthehoarsebarkingofdogsoccasionallybrokethesilenceofthenight。Buttherewasnobodyabroad。Theyhadclearedthetown，asthechurch-bellstrucktwo。
Quickeningtheirpace，theyturneduparoaduponthelefthand。
Afterwalkingaboutaquarterofamile，theystoppedbeforeadetachedhousesurroundedbyawall:tothetopofwhich，TobyCrackit，scarcelypausingtotakebreath，climbedinatwinkling。
'Theboynext，'saidToby。'Hoisthimup；I'llcatchholdofhim。'
BeforeOliverhadtimetolookround，Sikeshadcaughthimunderthearms；andinthreeorfoursecondsheandTobywerelyingonthegrassontheotherside。Sikesfolloweddirectly。Andtheystolecautiouslytowardsthehouse。
Andnow，forthefirsttime，Oliver，well-nighmadwithgriefandterror，sawthathousebreakingandrobbery，ifnotmurder，weretheobjectsoftheexpedition。Heclaspedhishandstogether，andinvoluntarilyutteredasubduedexclamationofhorror。A
mistcamebeforehiseyes；thecoldsweatstooduponhisashyface；hislimbsfailedhim；andhesankuponhisknees。
'Getup！'murmuredSikes，tremblingwithrage，anddrawingthepistolfromhispocket；'Getup，orI'llstrewyourbrainsuponthegrass。'
'Oh！forGod'ssakeletmego！'criedOliver；'letmerunawayanddieinthefields。IwillnevercomenearLondon；never，never！Oh！prayhavemercyonme，anddonotmakemesteal。FortheloveofallthebrightAngelsthatrestinHeaven，havemercyuponme！'
Themantowhomthisappealwasmade，sworeadreadfuloath，andhadcockedthepistol，whenToby，strikingitfromhisgrasp，placedhishandupontheboy'smouth，anddraggedhimtothehouse。
'Hush！'criedtheman；'itwon'tanswerhere。Sayanotherword，andI'lldoyourbusinessmyselfwithacrackonthehead。Thatmakesnonoise，andisquiteascertain，andmoregenteel。Here，Bill，wrenchtheshutteropen。He'sgameenoughnow，I'llengage。I'veseenolderhandsofhisagetookthesameway，foraminuteortwo，onacoldnight。'
Sikes，invokingterrificimprecationsuponFagin'sheadforsendingOliveronsuchanerrand，pliedthecrowbarvigorously，butwithlittlenoise。Aftersomedelay，andsomeassistancefromToby，theshuttertowhichhehadreferred，swungopenonitshinges。
Itwasalittlelatticewindow，aboutfivefeetandahalfabovetheground，atthebackofthehouse:whichbelongedtoascullery，orsmallbrewing-place，attheendofthepassage。Theaperturewassosmall，thattheinmateshadprobablynotthoughtitworthwhiletodefenditmoresecurely；butitwaslargeenoughtoadmitaboyofOliver'ssize，nevertheless。AverybriefexerciseofMr。Sike'sart，sufficedtoovercomethefasteningofthelattice；anditsoonstoodwideopenalso。
'Nowlisten，youyounglimb，'whisperedSikes，drawingadarklanternfromhispocket，andthrowingtheglarefullonOliver'sface；'I'magoingtoputyouthroughthere。Takethislight；gosoftlyupthestepsstraightaforeyou，andalongthelittlehall，tothestreetdoor；unfastenit，andletusin。'
'There'saboltatthetop，youwon'tbeabletoreach，'
interposedToby。'Standupononeofthehallchairs。Therearethreethere，Bill，withajollylargeblueunicornandgoldpitchforkon'em:whichistheoldlady'sarms。'
'Keepquiet，can'tyou?'repliedSikes，withathreateninglook。