Oliver goes to London (6)

 

The boy was about Oliver's age, but was one of the strangest- looiing people he had ever seen . He had a dirty, ordinary boy's face , but he behaved as if he were an adult. He was short for his age and had little, sharp, ugly eyes. His hat was stuck on top of his head but it looked as though it would blow off at any imnute. He wore a man's coat which reached almost down to his feet, with sleeves so long that his hands were completely covered.

 

'I'm very tired and hungry, answered Oliver, alimost crying . "I"ve been walking for a week.

 

'A week! The magistrate's order , was it?'

 

'The magistrate? What's that?'

 

'A magistate's a kind of jydge,' explainedthe surprised young gentleman. He realized Oliver did not have much experience of the world. 'Never mind that . You want some food ,' he went on . 'Ihacen't got much money but don't wotty-- I'llpay.'

 

The boy helped Oliver to his fiit, and took him to a pub. Meat , bread, and beer were placed before Oliveer, and his new friend urged him to satisfy his hunger . While Oliver waseating , the strange boy looked at him from time to time withgreat attention.

 

'Going to London?' he asked him finally.

'Yes.'

'Got anywhere to live?'

'No.'

'Money?'

'No.'

The stange boy whistled , and put his arms into his pockets as far as the big coat sleeves would allow him . 'Isuppose you want to sleep somewhere tonight, don't you?'

 

'Ido,' replied Oliver . 'Ihaven't slept under a roof since I know a very nice old gentleman there who'll let you live in his place and not even ask you for money!'

 

Oliver was deeply gerateful for this offer of shelter and talked for a long time with his new friend . His name was Jack Dawkins, but he was usually called 'The Artful Dodger'. 'Artful' because he was very clever at getting what he qanted; and ' Dodger' because he was very good at not getting caught when he did something wrong . When he heard this , Oliver filt rather doubtful about having such a friend . However, he wanted first to meet the kind old gentleman in  London , who would help him. After that , he could decide whether to continue the friendship with the Artful Dodger.