The robbery (9)

 

At half past one the men got up and checked theirepuipment , gatheing several sticks as well. Sikes and the man called toby left the house together, with Oliver walking between them . Theere was now a thick fog and the night was very still as they hurried through the deserted streets of the nearby town. Out in the country again, they walked down several small roads until finally they stopped at a house surrounded by a high wall. As quick as lightning, Toby climbed up and pulled Oliver after him. Inside the garden, they crept towards the house, and now , for the first time, Oliver realized in hourror that the purpose of the expedition was robbery, and maybe even murder.

 

Bill Sikes broke open a small window at the back of the house, then shone his light into Oliver's face.

 

'Now listen. I'm going to put you through here.Go straight through onto the hall and on to the front door, and let us in . And if you don't you can be sure I'LL shoot you .'

 

Oliver , stupid with terror, was lifted through the window into the house . Desperately, he decided to try to run upstairs and warn the family. He began to creep forwards.

 

Suddenly,there was a loud noese from the hall.

 

'Come back!' shouted Sikes.