After the robbery  (9)

 

The chasw down at Chertsey the privious night had not lasted long . There was a lot of noise of men shouting and dogs barking, as the servants from the house pursued the robbers across the fields . But Sikes and Toby wasted no time . They dropped Oliver's unconcious body in a field , and disappeared into the fog and the darkness in different directions. The three pursuers lost enthusiasm for the chase and agreed among themselves that it was much too dangerous to continue. theyreturned to the house, keeping close together and trying to look brave.

 

Morning came , but Oliver still lay in the field as if dead. I t began to rain heavily , and after a while Oliver opened his eyes. His left arm was covered in blood and hurting badly. He atayed where he was , he would die. Gasping with pain, he forced himself to his feet and with slow, , Gasping with pain, he walk . He had no idea where he was going , and moved forward mechanically, as thouth in a dream.