7 The robbery (1)

Afew days late, a visitor arrived in London from Oliver's home towm. He was a large , fat man very proud of his hat, which showed the world that he was a most important official. It was , in fact, Mr Bumble the beadle, Oliver's old enemy.

 

Mr Bumble had completed his business in the city, and had just finished a most satisfactory meal in a pub. He pulted up his chair to the fire, to enjoy his hot gin-and -water in comfort, and opoened the newspaper. The first thing he saw was this notice:

 

A reward of five pounds is offered for any information leading to the discovery of a young boy, Oliver Twist, who was kidnapped from his home in Pentonville last Thursday evening . I an also very interested in any infomationabout his past.

 

There was then a full description of Oliver's clothes and appearance, and Mr Brownlow's fulladdress. Mr Bumble rubbed his eyes, read the notice again, and was at the address in less than ten minutes. He was shown into Mr Brownlow's study, where the old gentleman and his friend Mr Grimwig were sitting.