The robbery (10.)

 

Inside his room, Sikes sat Oliver down on a chair. 'Did he come quietly?' he asked Nancy.

 

'Quiet as a mouse.'

 

'Glad to hear it ,' said Sikes. 'Now listen to me , boy.' He put a gun against Oliver's head . 'If you say one word when you're outside with me , I'll shoot you. Understand?'

 

Oliver nodded, trying hard not to tremble.

 

Sikes and Olive started out at five o'clock in the morning while it was still dark. They crossed from one side of London to the other. At first the streets were empty, ten shop  began to open and people started going to work. Gradually, the noise and traffic increased, and as they passed throuth the meat market at Smithfield, Oliver was amazed by the sight and smells of so many animals , and by the huge crowds of people, all pushing and swearing and shouting . But Bill Sikes marched on without stopping.

 

Later in the day they were given a lift in a horse and can from west London out into the country. Night fell, and after walking a few more miles down country roads , they finally arrived at an old house standing alone by a river . It was dark and seemed to be empty. They went inside without knocking.

 

Inside were two other men , at Sikes' command, produced food and drink for him and the boy . Then Sikes told Oliver to get some sleep as they would be going out again later that night. Oliver still had no idea of the purpose of this expedition, but his head ached with tiredness and he soon fell asllep.