'Maybe But we need a boy.'

 

There was silence for a time , while Fagin thought. Then he amde a sign to Sikes to tell Nancy to leave the room.

 

'Don't worry,' Sikessaid. 'You can trust her- she won't talk. Isn't that right?'

 

'Of course it's right,' answered the young woman, taking a large drink from the bottle on the table, and laughing. 'Anyway, Fagin, I know you idea is for Oliver to do the job.'

 

'You're a clever girl,' said Fagin , smiling evilly. 'That's exactly what I had im mind. Listen , Bill - the boy's been training for a few weeks , and it's time he did some work. He's the smallest one , anyway.'