Oliver is found again (5)

 

'That'll do him good!' shouted some of the crowd. 'It's the only way to treat boys like him.'

 

Bill Sikes held onto Oliver's arm. 'Come on , you young thief!'

 

Still weak from illness, and terrified by the growling dog, Oliver could not resist. He was taken through the dark narrow streets at great speed . Sikes and Nancy gave him no chance to eacape and Oliver had no breath to call out for help. All too quickly,he was back in Fagin's house , where his old friends were waiting for him.

 

'Delighted to see you looking so well,my dear,' Faginsaid , bowing politely. 'Why didn't you write, and say you were coming? We'd have got something warm forsupper.'

 

The Dodger and Charley Bates roared with langhter, and the Dodger began looking through the books Oliver had with him.

 

'Give them back!' Oliver cried. 'Those books belong to the kind old gentleman who took me intl his home . Send him back the books and the money -- he'll think I stole them!'

 

'You're right,laughed Fagin. 'He will think that!'

 

Oliver jumped to his feet and ran wildly from the room, shouting for help. The Dodger and Fagin caught him easily, and brought him back. Then the old man picked up a long piece of wood.

 

'So you wanted to get away, my dear , did you? Wanted to call the police and get help? We'll cure you of that.'