Oliver in London (2)

 

'This is him Fanin,' the Dodger said to the old man. 'My friend Oliver Twist.'

 

Fagin smiled and shook Oliver's  hand . Then all the young gentlemen came up to him and shook both his hands very hard, especially the hand which held his few possessions . One of the boys was particularly kind . He even put his hands in Oliver's pockets so that Oliver would not have to empty them himsilf when he went to bed . The boys would probably have been even more helpful, but Fagin hit them on their heads and shoulders until they left Oliver alone.

 

'We're very glad to see you , Oliver,' said Fagin. 'Isee you're staring at the handkerchieves, my dear . Aren't there a lot? We'ver just taken them all out to wash them, that's all! Ha! Ha! Ha!'

 

This seemed to be a joke , as the old gentleman and all his youg friends gave loud shouts of larghter. Then supper began. Oliver ate his share of the food and was then given a glass of gin-and -wate. Fagin told him to drink it fast. Immediately afterwards, Olilver felt himself lifted onto one of the beds and he ank into a deep sleep.

 

When he woke , it was late morning. Fagin was the only other person in the room , and he was boiling coffee in a pan, WHen the coffee was done , he turned towards Oliver and looked closely at the boy. Oliver wa only just awake and his eyes were half --closed, so he seemed to be still fast asleep, Fagin then locked the door and from a hidden hole in the floor, HE took out a small box, which he placed carefully on the table. His eyes shone as he opened it and took out a gold watch covered in jewels.