Oliver Twist

Book 4
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CHAPTER ONE: Olivers Birth

In most towns in England there was a workhouse a place where the very poor people
lived. They were terrible places. In the early 1800s, Oliver Twist was born in a
workhouse.
The local doctor delivered Oliver. A woman called Old Sally, who lived in the
workhouse, assisted him.
After he was born, Oliver lay on an old, dirty bed. The doctor thought Oliver would die.
Death was an everyday occurrence in the workhouse.
Finally, Oliver started to breathe normally. Then he cried loudly, announcing his arrival
to the world. When the baby cried, Olivers mother, a pale young woman, lifted her
head from the pillow and said in a weak voice, I want to see my child; then I can die.
The doctor said to her, You must not talk about dying.
The doctor put the child into his mothers arms. She kissed the baby with her cold,
white lips, then closed her eyes, and died.
The doctor prepared to go. Call me if the child cries. He said to the old woman. He is
not strong and perhaps hell give you trouble. He looked at the dead woman and said,
She was a beautiful girl. Where did she come from?.
Someone found her lying in the street last night, replied Old Sally. Nobody knows
where she came from or where she was going.
The doctor lifted the dead womans hand. The old story, he said, sadly. She hasnt
got a wedding ring. Ah! Good night.
Without clothes, the baby looked like any other child. But now that he was dressed in a
dirty, old blanket, it was clear that he was an orphan an orphan with a life of hunger
and cruelty in front of him.

CHAPTER TWO: Olivers First Years.

They sent Oliver to another workhouse where Mrs Mann, an angry old woman, was
responsible for him and 20 other babies. Unfortunately, Mrs Mann didnt care about the
children. The only person she cared about was herself.
The Board of Director responsible for the workhouse gave Mrs Mann money to give the
children food and clothes. Mrs Mann kept the money for herself. The children wore
rags and were always hungry. But when Board members came to see the children, Mrs
Mann always dressed them in good, clean clothes.
So it was no surprise that Oliver grew into a pale, thin child and was very small. On his
ninth birthday, Mrs Mann beat him and locked him in the cellar with two other boys who
said that they were hungry.
That same day, Mr Bumble, the Director of the Board, came to the house to see Mrs
Mann. She saw him standing at the locked gate. Mr Bumble was a big, fat man and
considered himself too important to wait at a locked gate. Mrs Mann said that the gate
was locked to make it safer for her dear children.
The real reason she locked the gate, of course, was to keep the children inside so they
did not run away. She told the three boys in the cellar to wash, and go and welcome Mr
Bumble.
Mrs Mann took Mr Bumbles hat and stick and asked him to sit down. Youve had a
long walk, she said, taking a bottle and a glass from a cupboard. Will you have a little
drink?
What is it? he asked.
Gin, answered Mrs Mann. I always have gin in the house to give the children when
they are ill. I dont like seeing them suffer.
You are a very kind woman, Mrs Mann. Ill tell the Board, said Mr Bumble as he drank
his gin. I am here to talk to you about business. Oliver Twist is nine years old today. In
spite of all our efforts, we have not discovered anything about his father or mother.
Mr Bumble continued, The point is that Oliver is too old to be here. The Board wants to
send him to the workhouse where he was born. I am here to take him
Mrs Mann called Oliver into the room.
Come with me, Oliver, said Mr Bumble.
Oliver followed Mr Bumble outside. When the gate closed behind them, Oliver started
to cry. His life with Mrs Mann was miserable, but he was leaving the only home he
knew. His friends were there; now he was alone.

CHAPTER THREE: Oliver Asks For More

Mr Bumble walked quickly. Little Oliver, holding Mr Bumbles coat, ran next to him.
The next day at the workhouse, when Oliver finished his second piece of bread, Mr
Bumble told him that the Board wanted to see him.
Oliver went into a room where ten fat gentlemen were sitting at a table. One of the
gentlemen, with a big, red face asked, Whats your name, boy?
Oliver was frightened and started to cry.
Boy, said the red-faced gentleman, listen to me. You know youre an orphan, I
suppose?
Whats that, sir? asked poor Oliver.
The boy is an idiot, said another gentleman.
You know you have no father or mother and that the authorities are responsible for
you, dont you? said the red-faced man.
Yes, sir, replied Oliver crying.
I dont understand why he is crying, said the other gentleman. How strange.
You are here so we can educate you and teach you a useful profession, said the first
gentleman.
Youll start work at six oclock tomorrow morning, added the second gentleman.
Mr Bumble took Oliver to a big bedroom where all the boys slept. On a rough, hard
bed, Oliver cried himself to sleep.
The room where the boys ate was a large, stone hall. The master served the boys their
meals of thin watery soup. On special occasions, they received a piece of bread. They
never washed the plates because they cleaned them with their spoons.
Oliver and his friends suffered a slow starvation for three months. One of the boys then
said he would eat the boy that slept in the next bed. He had enormous, hungry eyes
and the other boys almost believed him.
They discussed the problem for a long time and finally decided that after supper that
evening, one boy would go to the master and ask for more. They chose Oliver.
The evening arrived. The boys sat down and they received their soup. When he
finished his soup, Oliver went to the master with his bowl and spoon in his hand. He
was frightened, but also very, very hungry.
Please, sir, he said, I want some more
The master turned very pale. He looked at the little rebel for a few seconds. All the
boys were terrified.
What? shouted the master.
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Please, sir, repeated Oliver. I want some more

The master hit Oliver on the head with the spoon, and shouted for Mr Bumble. When
Mr Bumble heard what Oliver asked, he immediately told the members of the Board.
He asked for more? asked the red-faced man, horrified. Do I understand, Mr Bumble
that he asked for more?
They took Oliver and locked him in a room. They hung a notice on the gate of the
workhouse, offering five pounds to the person who gave Oliver work and took him
away.

CHAPTER FOUR: the Job

Oliver was a prisoner in a cold room for a week. He cried all day. When the long night
came, he put his little hands over his eyes to close out the darkness and tried to sleep.
He washed with cold, cold water. Every day, Mr Bumble took him to the fall and beat
him in front of the other boys, as an example to them.
One morning, when Mr Bumble arrived at the workhouse, he saw Mr Sowerberry the
undertaker.
Do you know anybody who wants a boy, Mr Sowerberry? he asked, pointing to the
notice on the gate.
Well replied the undertaker, Ill take the boy myself
So Oliver took his few possessions and went with Mr Bumble to the undertakers
house. On the way, Mr Bumble saw that Oliver started to cry.
Well! exclaimed Mr Bumble. You are a very ungrateful boy
No, sir, cried the child, I am good, I promise. But I am so lonely! I am only a little boy
and everybody hates me. Please dont be angry with me, sir!
For a moment, Mr Bumble felt sorry for Oliver. He told him to dry his eyes and they
continued in silence.
When they arrived at the undertakers house, Mr Sowerberry called his wife to come
and see the boy. Mr Sowerberry was a thin woman with an angry face. She looked at
Oliver and said. Hes very small
Yes, agreed Mr Bumble, but hell grow, Mrs Sowerberry, hell grow
Yes, hell grow, said Mrs Somerberry angrily. On our food and drink. She pushed
Oliver down some stairs into the dark kitchen.
Eat the meat that the dog didnt eat she said. Oliver ate the meat, while Mrs
Sowerberry watched him in silent horror. She was thinking of all the food he would eat
in the future. Then she took him upstairs.
Youll sleep in here, in the shop with the coffins she said. Oliver looked around him
and was very frightened.
The next morning, he heard someone banging on the shop door. He opened the door
and saw a fat boy.
Do you want a coffin, sir? Asked Oliver innocently. The boy looked at him with fierce
eyes.
Do you know who I am? he asked. Im Mr Noah Claypole and you work for me! he
kicked Oliver and went into the shop.
He was a big boy with a big head, small eyes and a red nose. He was very poor, and
the boys where he lived always insulted him. But he wasnt an orphan like Oliver. Noah
was happy to discover someone more unfortunate than himself. Now he could insult
Oliver and make Olivers life miserable.
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Oliver worked in the coffin shop with Noah. Mr Sowerberry decided that Olivers sad
look would make him a good undertaker. He decided to teach Oliver all about the
profession.
One day, something happened which changed Olivers life. Noah was tired of beating
Oliver so he started to insult Olivers mother.
Olivers face went red. He grabbed Noah by throat, the started to hit him.
The new boy is murdering me!" cried Noah. Help! Olivers gone mad!.
Mrs Sowerberry pulled Oliver off Noah, then put him into the cellar and locked the door.
Later, alone in the room with the coffins, Oliver cried and cried. When the first light of
morning came, he opened the shop door. Then he closed the door behind him and
started to rum. He didnt stop until he was far from the shop.

CHAPTER FIVE: On the Road to London

Oliver sat down to rest by a sign which said: 70 miles lo London. I have an idea,
Oliver thought. Ill go to London where nobody can find me!
He started to walk again. Oliver walked 20 miles that day. The only food he ate was a
piece of bread. He slept in a field that night. The next morning he was very hungry and
weak. He asked for food or money, but only two kind people helped him.
Early on the seventh morning, Oliver arrived in the little town of Barnet, near London.
He was covered in dust and his feet were bleeding. A boy was looking at him from the
opposite side of the road. Finally, the boy crossed the road and said, Hello, my friend.
How are you?
The boy was Olivers age, but there was something strange about him. He looked like
a boy, but he moved like a man. He was small and had ugly eyes. He wore a hat and a
mans coat, which was too big for him. When he heard Olivers story, the boy tool him
to a caf and bought him some food.
Then the boy said, Im going to London tonight and I know a respectable old
gentleman. You can live in his house for nothing.
Olivers new friend told him that his name was the Artful Dodger, because he always
avoided problems when he did something wrong.

CHAPTER SIX: Fagin

The Artful Dodger did not want to enter London until it was dark. It was nearly eleven
oclock when they arrived.
Islington was a dirty, miserable place, with narrow streets. There were men fighting in
the streets. A lot of the people were drunk. Oliver almost ran away, but the Artful
Dodger opened a door and pulled him into a house.
They climbed up some stairs and went into a room. The walls were black with age and
dirt. An ugly old man with untidy red hair was cooking. Four or five boys, none of them
older than Oliver, were sitting round a table, drinking and smoking!
Fagin, said the Artful Dodger!, this is Oliver Twist
Fagin smiled and shook Olivers hand.
Im very happy to meet you, Oliver, said Fagin.
Oliver ate some supper with the other boys, drank a glass of hot gin and water, then fell
asleep.
It was late the next morning when he woke up. Fagin was the only person in the room.
Half asleep, Oliver watched Fagin lock the door and take out a small box from behind a
picture. Fagin opened the box and took out several pieces of valuable jewellery.
When he saw Oliver watching him, he closed the box and said angrily, Why are you
watching me? What did you see?
Nothing, sir, I didnt see anything. I promise, replied Oliver. Oliver didnt understand
why Fagin lived in a dirty place. He was rich. He had enough money for a beautiful
house. Then he decided that looking after the boys must be expensive.
Soon the Artful Dodger returned with another boy called Charley Bates.
Well, said Fagin, How was work this morning? What have you got, Dodger?
Two wallets and some handkerchiefs
Good boy, good boy! said Fagin
Later, Fagin and the two boys played a very unusual game. Fagin put a watch in his
jacket pocket and a wallet in the pocket of his trousers. He walked around the room.
Sometimes he stopped. All the time, the two boys followed him closely, but they hid
when he turned around. Then the two boys stopped him, as if by accident. They quickly
took the watch and the wallet from Fagins pockets. If Fagin felt the boys hands in his
pockets, he shouted. Then the game finished.
When the boys returned to work, Fagin played the game with Oliver. He was pleased
because Oliver learned the game very quickly.
One morning, Oliver went out with the Artful Dodger and Charles Bates. They saw a
rich gentleman with an expensive stick and gold glassed outside a bookshop. The
gentleman was reading a book.
Oliver watched in horror as the Artful Dodger took a handkerchief from the old mans
pocket. Suddenly Oliver understood the meaning of the game they played with Fagin.
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Oliver started to run. The gentleman saw Oliver, but he didnt see Charley and the
Artful Dodger. He thought Oliver was the thief. The gentleman ran after and cried,
Stop, thief!. Finally, he caught Oliver. A policeman arrived, and grabbed Oliver by the
collar.
It wasnt me, sir, cried Oliver. It was two other boys
The policeman didnt believe him.
Please, dont hurt him said the gentleman
The policeman pulled Oliver along the streets to the local police station. The gentleman
walked next to them.
At the police station, the gentleman, Mr Brownlow, told the policeman that he was not
sure that Oliver was the thief. The policeman was furious, but he had to let Oliver go.

CHAPTER SEVEN: A New Life For Oliver

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Outside the police station, Mr Brownlow saw Oliver lying on the ground, trembling. Mr
Brownlow looked at the boy, and for a moment, he thought he recognised him.
Poor boy, poor boy! said Mr Brownlow. Call a coach, somebody, quickly!
The coach stopped at a big house in a quiet street. Oliver was ill with a fever for days.
During that time, Mr Brownlow and his housekeeper, Mrs Bedwin, looked after him.
One day, Oliver saw a painting of a woman on the wall. He asked Mrs Bedwin who the
woman was, but she did not know.
Her eyes look sad, said Oliver. It seems as though shes looking at me and wants to
talk to me
Later, Mr Brownlow came to see Oliver. While he talked, he looked at Olivers face and
then at the picture on the wall. The features and expression on the two face were
exactly the same. When Oliver woke up the next day, the painting wasnt there. Oliver
was sad because he loved the face of the beautiful lady.
These were happy days for him. Everything was very quiet and everybody was very
kind. He played cards with Mrs Bedwin and listened to all her stories. He received new
clothes for the first time in his life.
One evening, Mr Brownlow asked Oliver to come to his study to talk. He told Oliver that
he wanted to hear the story of his life.
Before Oliver could star, Mr Grimwig, a friend of Mr Brownlows arrived. Mr Grimwig
was sure that Oliver was a thief. He wanted to prove his theory to his friend.
Mr Brownlow, didnt you buy some books from the bookshop that you want to return
and get your money back?! Asked Mr Grimwing.
Yes, thats correct replied Mr Brownlow
Well, while we talk, why dont you ask Oliver to return your books to the bookshop?
said Mr Grimwing.
Oliver wanted to help Mr Brownlow, so he said, Yes, I can take them, sir. Ill be very
quick
Mr Brownlow thought Mr Grimwig was wrong about Oliver, and that Oliver was a good
boy.
Get the books, Oliver he said.
Ill return in 10 minutes, replied Oliver. Then he went to the bookshop.
Mr Brownlow took out his watch and put it on the table. Hell return in 20 minutes he
said.
Do you really expect him to return? asked Mr Grimwig. I dont. he has new clothes,
some valuable books and a five pound note. Hell find his old friends and laugh at you.
If that boy returns to his house. Ill be very surprised
Night came and the two men sat without talking, looking at the watch on the table.
CHAPTER EIGHT: Oliver Gets Trapped
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When Fagin heard that the police had Oliver, he was furious. He called his partner, Bill
Sikes, to come to his house immediately. Sikes, who was a big man with dirty clothes,
arrived with his small, yet fierce dog.
If Oliver tells the police about us, then we are all in trouble, said Fagin.
We must bring Oliver back said Sikes. But none of them wanted to go near the police
station. When Sikess girlfriend, Nancy, arrived, she reluctantly agreed to go. First the
needed a plan so the police wouldnt be suspicious.
A few days later, Nancy went into the police station and asked if her brother Oliver was
there.
I havent got him said the policeman. He is with the gentleman
Oh, no! What gentleman? exclaimed Nancy.
The policeman told Nancy where Oliver was because she looked so unhappy. She run
to Fagins house and told Fagin and Sikes the news.
On the day that Oliver went to the bookshop for Mr Brownlow, he suddenly heard a
young woman shout, Oh, my dear son! It was Nancy. She embraced Oliver with both
arms.
Here you are! Oh, Oliver, you bad boy. You made me suffer! Come home immediately
she cried. Oliver tried to tell the people around them that it was an error. Then Bill Sikes
arrived with his small, ugly dog.
Young Oliver! Come home to your mother! he said. I told you not to steal books.
Oliver was terrified by this big man with his fierce dog. He did not have a choice. Nancy
and Sikes took him to Fagins house. When Charley Bates saw Olivers clothes, he
laughed. Then he took the books that Oliver was carrying.
They belong to the good gentleman who looked after me said Oliver. Please send
him the books and money. Hell think I stole them said Oliver, very unhappy.
Correct, Oliver, he will think you stole them said Fagin, laughing.
Oliver tried to run away, but the boys caught him. Fagin started to hit him when Nancy
cried, I cant stand here and watch you hit him, Fagin! Youve got the boy, now leave
him alone!
Fagin put Oliver in a dark room and locked the door. Oliver was terrified and
exhausted. He cried himself to sleep.

CHAPTER NINE: Fagins Prisoner

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Oliver was in the room for three days. He thought constantly about Mr Brownlow and
Mrs Bedwin.
One day, the boys tried to persuade Oliver to become a thief like them, and told him all
about their life. Fagin told them stories about robberies he committed when he was a
boy.
At first, Oliver wasnt interested in Fagins stories. However, after so many miserable
days alone, Oliver wanted their company.
One windy night Fagin went to Bill Sikes house. Nancy was there too. Fagin and Sikes
planned to rob a house. They needed a small boy to enter the house through a little
window, then open the front door for the robbers.
I think this is the perfect job for Oliver. Hes small said Sikes with a horrible smile.
I agree said Fagin. The other boys are too big. And, if Oliver robs this house, he can
t escape and tell the police about us
They told Nancy to go to Fagins house the next day to get Oliver.
When Nancy arrived at Fagins house the next day, Oliver saw that she was very pale
and he asked if she was ill.
God forgive me! she said to herself. I never thought I would do something bad like
this. But Nancy knew she had no choice, so she smiled and told Oliver to go with her
to Sikes house.
When they arrived at the house, Sikes put his gun to Olivers head and said, If you say
one word when youre with me, except, when I speak to you, Ill kill you. Do you
understand?
Early the next morning, Sikes took Oliver to an old house by a river. Two men were
there waiting for them. When it was dark, Sikes and Oliver left the house with the two
men.
After walking some distance, they arrived at a house with a high wall. The men climbed
the wall and pulled Oliver after them. Oliver begged the men to let him go, but of
course they didnt.
Sikes opened a small window in the house and forced Oliver to climb through it.
Take this light he said. Go to the front door and open it for us. Remember I have a
gun.
Oliver, trembling, started to walk.
Suddenly there was a shout. Two men appeared at the top of the stairs. Oliver was so
terrified, he did not move. He saw that one of the men had a gun. The man shot Oliver
in the arm.
Oliver screamed.
They hit him! shouted Sikes. Hes bleeding!

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Sikes fired his gun at the two men. Then he grabbed Oliver by the collar and pulled him
through the window into the garden. Oliver heard men shouting. He felt someone
carrying him. Then he lost consciousness.

CHAPTER TEN: Some Important Information.

It was a very cold night when Mrs Corney, the matron of the workhouse where Oliver
was born, heard a knock at the door.
There was a woman there, she said, Old Sally is almost dead. She says she has
something important to say to you before she dies
Mrs Corney didnt care if old Sally died, but she was curious, so she went to see her.
Old Sally held Mrs Corneys arm. I must tell you a secret she said weakly. Twelve
years ago, I helped a pregnant woman who came to this workhouse. Moments after her
baby boy was born, she died. She asked me to keep something for her son, but I stole
it. It was a gold locket and inside there was information about the boy
The boys name? asked the matron
They called him Oliver replied Old Sally. The gold locket I stole was. But the old
woman died before she finished her sentence.

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CHAPTER ELEVEN: Events After The Robbery

Three days after the robbery, one of the men who was there went to Fagins house.
Fagin was furious.
Where are Sikes and the boy? Fagin shouted.
The owners of the house shot the boy. We ran away with the boy and they followed us
with dogs. They were very close. Finally, we left the boy lying in a field. I dont know if
hes alive or dead
Fagin immediately ran out of the house. He went into a public house and spoke to a
man sitting in the corner.
Will Monks be here tonight? Fagin asked.
Monks? he replied. Of course, if you wait.
No, no interrupted Fagin. Tell him I need to see him immediately
He left the public house and continued to Bill Sikes house.
He found Nancy there, alone. Nancy was crying. Where are Bill and Oliver? Fagin
shouted.
I dont know she cried. Fagin didnt believe her, but he left and went home. On the
corner of the street, a dark figure came out of a doorway. It was Monks.
They went into Fagins house. They sat sown in a dark room, and spoke in low voices.
Fagin told him about Oliver.
It was badly planned. Where is Oliver now? asked Monks.
I dont know. Perhaps hes dead
No! shouted Monks. I told you from the start, I dont want him dead. I know Olivers
identity. I know who his parents were. I want to hurt him, but I dont want him to die.
Suddenly Monks jumped to his feet. Theres someone here! Monks said. They ran to
see who it was, but they only saw the empty stairs.
It was your imagination said Fagin
I know I heard someone replied Monks, trembling
The two men searched the house, but didnt find anyone

14

CHAPTER TWELVE: Olivers Luck Changes Again

The morning after the robbery, Oliver woke up in a field. His left arm was covered in
blood. He was trembling from cold and exhaustion and he was in terrible pain. He was
very weak. With difficulty, he walked through the field towards the only house he could
see.
He recognised the house. It was the house they tried to rob the previous night. He was
terrified, but he needed help. He climbed the steps, knocked on the door and then
collapsed.
A servant opened the door. It was one of the men who chased them the night before.
The servant immediately recognised Oliver. Then a sweet womans voice said, Is the
poor creature badly hurt?
Yes, Miss Rose. Hes hurt very badly replied the servant.
Wait one moment said Rose, while I speak to my aunt
When she returned, she told the servant to carry Oliver to a room upstairs. Rose sent
another servant to get a policeman and a doctor.
The house belonged to an elegant older lady called Mrs Maylie, who lived with her
adopted niece, Rose.
When Dr Losberne arrived, he went upstairs and examined Oliver for a long time.
Have you seen this thief? he asked the two ladies. I think it would be a good idea for
you to see him. He is quiet and comfortable now. Theres no need to be frightened
When the two women saw the sleeping child, they were shocked.
I dont believe this poor child is a robber said Mrs Maylie. What can we do to help
him?
When Oliver woke up, he told the doctor and the women his story. The two women
decided to look after Oliver until he was better.
Dr Losberne went into the kitchen and spoke to the servants. The policeman was also
there.
He looked at the servants. Tell me he said, Are you sure that boy upstairs is the boy
who was in the house last night?
The doctor, who was respected by everyone, was very angry. The servants looked at
each other. They did not know what to say.
Two men see a boy for one moment in the dark, in the middle of great panic said the
doctor. A boy comes to the same house the next morning, and because he has hurt
his arm. These men decide he is the robber. I ask you again, can you identify the boy?
The servants were so confused by the doctors angry words that they said they werent
sure that Oliver was the robber.

15

CHAPTER THIRTEEN: Olivers new Life

Mrs Maylie, Rose and the kind Dr Losberne looked after Oliver until he was better.
When he was stronger, he told them that he was very grateful and that he wanted to
help them around the house.
You will have many opportunities to help us said Rose. We are moving to a house in
the country and my aunt wants to take you with us. The quiet place and the pure air will
soon make you better. And we will use you in a hundred ways. For now, you must sleep
and get strong again
Oliver told his new friends about Mr Brownlow and Mrs Bedwin. He was still worried
that they had a bad opinion if him because he never returned from the bookshop. He
wanted to see them and explain why it happened.
One day, Dr Losberne took Oliver to Mr Brownlows house, but he house was empty.
They tried to find him, but his neighbour, said that Mr Brownlow left suddenly to the
West Indies, with Mrs Bedwin and two servants.
Oliver was sad. Now he could never tell Mr Brownlow the truth.
Two weeks later, Mrs Maylie, Rose and Oliver moved to the house in the country. Three
months passed. Oliver was now a strong, healthy boy. He worked hard around the
house just as Rose said. Finally, Oliver was happy again.
Then, one morning, Rose woke with a fever. She was very ill and Mrs Maylie was afraid
she would die. She gave Oliver a letter.
This letter is for Dr Losberne. He must come immediately. Im afraid of what might
happen to Rose. Go to the market-town, and send this letter right away she said. Go,
and hurry!
Oliver ran the four miles to the town. When he arrived, he was hot and covered in dust.
He hurried into the post office and told the woman at the desk, Send this letter to Dr
Losberne immediately. Its urgent!
When he finished at the post office, he ran into the street and accidentally bumped into
a tall man.
Hah! shouted the man, looking at Oliver. What is this?
Im sorry, sir said Oliver. I was in a hurry to get home and I didnt see you
Curses on you said the man. What are you doing here? he shook his first at Oliver
angrily and Oliver ran away. He was so worried about Rose that he forgot about the
strange man.
At midnight, Rose was worse and Oliver prayed for her. Late that night Dr Losberne
arrived. He didnt give them much hope that Rose would live.
However, the next afternoon Dr Losberne said that Rose would recover. Mrs Maylie
and Oliver were very happy. Later that evening, Mrs Maylies son Harry arrived.
When he discovered that Rose was ill, he was very unhappy. Mother he said, Rose
almost die, you know I love her. I want to be with her-especially when shes ill.
16

I know that you love her, Harry, and she deserves your love. But you cannot marry a
woman like Rose. She is an orphan. Without our help, she would be a poor woman
living in the streets. Society will not forgive you if you marry her. Mrs Maylie explained
to her son.
Only a cruel man would think that, mother said Harry impatiently. No, mother, I have
decided he declared. I will marry her. Please dont oppose me
I know Rose loves you said Mrs Maylie, but she may decide not to marry you, for
your sake, not hers, I must go to her now

CHAPTER FOURTEEN: Strange Events

The little room where Oliver read his books was on the ground floor at the back of the
house. One summer evening Oliver fell asleep there. He dreamt that he was in Fagins
house.
He saw the old man sitting in his usual corner, talking to another man. It is Oliver. I
know this boy. Fagin spoke aggressively in Olivers dream. Olivers fear woke him up.
But Oliver wasnt dreaming. There, at the window, stood Fagin and the man Oliver
bumped into when he sent Mrs Maylies letter. The men stood there for a moment, then
they were gone. Oliver didnt move for a few seconds, then he shouted for help.
Harry tried to find the men, but he didnt see anyone. It must have been a dream,
Oliver he said.
Oh, no replied Oliver. I was them both, as clearly as I see you now
Slowly, Rose recovered. One morning, Harry found her alone and he asked her to
marry him. Rose was very pale and had tears in her eyes. Mrs Maylie was right. Rose
refused to marry Harry.
You cant marry me, Harry. I would give you a bad name and stop your progress in the
world she said. It is my duty to prevent that. I love you, but I can only be your friend
I will ask you again said Harry. If your answer is the same the second time, I will
accept it.

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CHAPTER FIFTEEN: Monks Returns

One day, the mysterious man called Monks, went to see Mr Bumble. Mr Bumble was
now the director of the workhouse where Oliver was born.
I need information from you said Monks. As he spoke, he put some gold coins into Mr
Bumbles hand. I need information about a workhouse boy, who was born here 12
years ago. He worked for an undertaker and then ran away to London
You mean Oliver Twist! cried Mr Bumble. I remember him, of course, he was----
I dont want to know about him interrupted Monks. I want to know about Old Sally.
She was the woman who was with Olivers mother when Oliver was born
Mrs Corney was with Old Sally when she died, so she may have information said Mr
Bumble.
The next evening Mr Bumble, Mrs Corney and Monks met in a house by the river.
When they arrived, Monks asked Mrs Corney, Did Old Sally tell you something when
she died?
Yes, about Olivers mother replied Mrs Corney. But what sill you give me for this
information?
Twenty-five pounds answered Monks. Thats a lot of money for a 12 years old
secret. He gave this money to Mrs Corney. She told Monks that Old Sally stole the gold
locket from Olivers dying mother.
Do you have it now? asked Monks
Mrs Corney opened her bag, took the locket out and out it on the table. In the locket
was some hair and a gold wedding ring with the name Agnes on the insides.
Why do you want the locket? asked Mr Bumble
Monks moved the table, and opened a door in a floor. Below them, they saw a river.
Monks tied the locket to a rock and dropped it into the river.
We have nothing more to say now said Monks

18

CHAPTER SXTEEN: Nancy

The next evening, Monks went to Fagins house. Nancy was there to collect money for
Bill, who was ill with a fever.
I want to speak to you privately Monks said to Fagin.
The two men went upstairs into another room to talk. Nancy silently climbed the stairs
and listened to their conversation. Monks told Fagin about the locket. Now, nobody
can discover Olivers identity he explained.
He said that Oliver was visiting London. He was staying in a hotel in the centre of town
with two ladies and a gentleman.
When they finished, Monks left and Fagin returned to the room. He looked at Nancy
and said, Youre very pale. Whats the matter?
Nothing, replied Nancy, except sitting in this hot room, waiting for you. Give me Bills
money. I want to go home. Out in the street, she sat down and for a few moments she
didnt know what to do. Then she returned home to Sikes. Sikes saw the paleness in
her face and the anger in her eye.
You look like a corpse he said. If you havent got a fever, theres something more
dangerous happening. Now, give me my medicine.
Sikes drank his medicine and fell asleep.
Now I must find Oliver, Nancy said to herself.
She kissed Sikes and left the house. She ran through the streets to a rich part of
London. There, she entered a small, family hotel. It was eleven oclock at night. She
persuaded the porter to take a message to Miss Rose Maylie, who was staying there.
Tell her that a young woman wants to speak to her urgently said Nancy. I know she
wants to hear what I have to say. Soon she was in Roses room.
Tell me why you wanted to see me said Rose. She spoke in such a kind voice that
Nancy started to cry.
I am going to put my life, and the lives of others, in your hands said Nancy. I am the
girl that took little Oliver back to the thief, Fagin, on the night he went to the bookshop
for Mr Brownlow. She told Rose everything she knew.
I knew you were here because I heard a man called Monks talking to Fagin said
Nancy. I also heard Monks tell Fagin that he would pay Fagin a lot of money if he took
Oliver. Monks said that the proof of Olivers identity was in a gold locket, and that he
threw it into the river. They both laughed, and Monks said that he had all of Olivers
money. It is the money that Olivers father left for Oliver when he died.
Rose was shocked. What is this?
The truth! said Nancy. Then Monks said he wants to hurt his younger brother,
Oliver! when Nancy finished her story, she had to go home to Sikes. Rose did not
understand shy Nancy wanted to return to him.
I love him said Nancy. It is too late for me! If Fagin finds out what I have told you, he
will kill me and Bill
19

But we need answers to this mystery cried Rose. Where can I find you again when it
is necessary?
Will you promise to keep my secret and not to watch or follow me? asked Nancy
Rose promised. Nancy told her that every Sunday night, from eleven to twelve, she
walked alone on London Bridge. Rose could meet her there.

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN: Oliver Finds A New Friend

The next morning Oliver ran into Roses room. I saw the gentleman he cried. I saw
Mr Brownlow! He has returned from the West Indies. He was going into a house he
opened a piece of paper. This is where he lives!
Rose and Oliver immediately went to Mr Brownlows house. Rose said that she wanted
to prepare Mr Brownlow for Olivers visit. They decided that first Rose would speak to
him alone. She found Mr Brownlow with his friend Mr Grimwig.
I am here to speak to you about a friend of mine said Rose. His name is Oliver Twist
If you have evidence to change the bad opinion I have of the boy, please give it to me
said Mr Brownlow. I tried to find him, but with no success.
Rose told the two gentlemen everything she knew about Oliver. When she finished,
Mrs Brownlow wanted to see Oliver immediately. When Rose returned a few moments
later with Oliver, Mr Brownlow called Mrs Bedwin to see him. They were both very
happy to see Oliver.
I knew you would return! Mrs Bedwin exclaimed.
While Mrs Bedwin and Oliver talked, Rose and Mr Brownlow went into another room.
Rose told him Nancys story about Monks. That evening, Mr Brownlow went to the
hotel to talk to Mrs Maylie and Dr Losberne.

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN: Nancy Keeps Her Promise

20

Nancy was frightened. Fagin was a violent man and might hurt her, or Sikes, if he knew
what she was doing. But she wanted to help Oliver.
On Sunday night when Nancy had to meet Rose, Sikes and Fagin were talking at Sikes
house.
Nancy said she wanted to go for a walk. But Sikes locked the door and didnt allow her
to go.
Im not well and I want some air said Nancy
So put your head out the window, Sikes replied.
Sikes pushed her into a chair. By midnight she stopped fighting.
Fagin walked home, lost in thought. He was very suspicious of Nancys strange
behaviour. She often went out alone and she looked nervous.
The next morning, Fagin told the Artful Dodger to follow Nancy the next time she went
out. Fagin wanted him to see where Nancy was going and what she was doing.
The following Sunday night at 11.45, Nancy left the house quietly. It was raining and
very dark and there were very few people in the streets. In the shadows, the Artful
Dodger followed Nancy to the bridge. Rose and Mr Brownlow were waiting for her.
I dont know why began Nancy, but I am frightened tonight
The lady and gentleman spoke kindly and Nancy felt a little better.
We must find Monks to discover who Oliver is explained Mr Brownlow. If we cannot
find Monks, then we need your help. We must tell the police about Fagin.
No! cried Nancy. He is a bad person, but I am bad too
However said Mr Brownlow, if you help me to find Monks, we do not need to go to
the police
Do you promise Monks will never discover how you found him? asked Nancy.
Never replied Mr Brownlow. You have our promise
In a low, low voice, Nancy gave them the name of the public house where Monks went.
She began to describe what Monks looked like. High on his neck there is
A big red mark, like a burn? interrupted Mr Brownlow.
Do you know him? asked Nancy
I think I know him he said. It must be him!
The Artful Dodger heard every word Nancy told Rose and Mr Brownlow. When the
meeting on the bridge finished, he ran to Fagin and told him everything.

CHAPTER NINETEEN: After The Meeting

21

Two hours later, Fagin sat by the fire, absorbed in thought. Nancy is dangerous he
thought. She must be stopped before the police take all of us
Some time later, Sikes arrived. Fagin looked at Sikes for a long time, unable to speak.
Finally he said, If one of us, me or Charley or the Dodger, betrayed us, what would you
do?
Id kill him! replied Sikes, loudly
Fagin asked the Artful Dodger to enter the room
Tell me about Nancy again, so Sikes can hear he said.
The Artful Dodger explained how he followed Nancy to the bridge. He heard her tell
Rose and Mr Brownlow what she knew about Olivers identity. When the Artful Dodger
finished, Sikes ran from the room. His face was red, he was furious. Fagin stopped
him.
Be careful, Sikes. Be very careful what you do.
Sikes did not answer, and went out into the silent street. He ran home and opened the
door quietly.
Nancy was asleep. She woke up and when she saw Sikes, she smiled at him, happy to
see him. But when she saw the look on his face, she cried out in fear, Bill! Whats the
matter?
You know, said Sikes. The Artful Dodger saw you tonight. He heard every word you
said
Sikes hit Nancy very hard on the face. The blood came from a deep cut on her head
and she fell to the floor.
She was very scared. She wanted to run, but suddenly she felt too weak.
Then Sikes came towards her again.
No, Bill, please dont cried Nancy. But Sikes didnt listen. He took a heavy stick, hit
Nancy once on her head again and killed her.
The sun shone brightly the next morning and lit the room where Nancy lay dead. There
was blood everywhere. Sikes threw the stick into the fire and changed his clothes,
which were covered in blood. He took his dog, looked at the dead woman, then quickly
left.
He did not know where to go. He walked and walked until it was dark. The picture of
Nancy, lying dead, was a constant image in his head.
Everywhere he went, people were talking about the murder. After he walked for days,
Sikes decided to return to London.
London is a good place to disappear in he thought.
Nobody can find me there. Ill hide for a week or two. Then, Fagin will give me some
money and Ill leave England
22

But what about the dog? The police were looking for a man and a dog. Sikes decided
to drown the dog, but when he tried to catch it, it ran away.

CHAPTER TWENTY: Another Meeting

Mr Brownlow found Monks the next day. He went to the public house that Nancy told
him about, collected Monks and took him to his house.
You must tell us the truth Mr Brownlow said to Monks. If you dont, you will go to
prison. I suggest you sit down.
Monks hesitated, but when he saw the angry look on Mr Brownlows face, he sat down.
This is horrible treatment from my fathers closest friend he said.
I am talking to you and not the police because I was your fathers closest friend Mr
Brownlow replied.
But what do you want from me? asked Monks.
I want you to confess said Mr Brownlow. I know you have a brother he continued. I
know that your father married a woman he did not love because of pressure from his
family. I know that woman was your mother and you were their only child. I also know
that your parents eventually separated
I dont know. Said Monks
Dont interrupt me. After the separation, your father fell in love with a girl from a good
family. They wanted to marry
When your fathers uncle died and left him some money, your father had to go to
Rome for it. But he fell ill in Rome. I know your mother went to look after your father
and, of course, his money. Sadly, your father died in Rome. No one found your fathers
testament, so you and your mother kept all the money.
Mr Brownlow paused and then said slowly, his eyes on Monks face, But before he
went to Rome, he came to me.
I didnt know that interrupted Monks, surprised.
He gave me a painting of the girl he loved. He talked about the dishonour he caused
this woman because she was pregnant. His plan was to get the money, then married
the girl. He told me he changed his testament before he went to Rome. He wanted to
give some of the money to you and your mother. But the rest of it would be for his
future wife and child. He promised to write and tell me everything, but, of course, he
never did.
Monks smiled in triumph.
When your brother said Mr Brownlow, going closer to Monks, When your brother,
Oliver, was rescued by me from a life of
23

What? exclaimed Monks

Yes continued Mr Brownlow. Oliver recovered from an illness in my house. I saw that
he looked like the girl in the painting Agnes, the girl your father loved.
You cant prove anything against me said Monks confidently. You dont know that a
child was born. You cannot be sure Oliver is my brother
Youre right. Until two weeks ago I wasnt sure replied Mr Brownlow. But now I know
everything. You see, I know every word that passed between you and Fagin. And now
Nancy is dead and you are responsible.
No, no interrupted Monks, I know nothing of that
Then Dr Losberne entered the room very excited. The police arrested the man who
murdered Nancy
And Fagin? asked Mr Brownlow
They will catch him
Mr Brownlow turned to Monks. Help us or they will arrest you as well said Mr
Brownlow
Monks soon agreed and told them about Olivers true identity. He promised to give
Oliver his inheritance.

24

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE: Sikes On The Roof

In Fagins house, Charley Bates and the Artful Dodger were talking about Fagin.
They took Fagin this afternoon said the Artful Dodger. The crowd attacked Fagin
when the police arrested him. They will hang him soon. I think we are all in danger.
Suddenly, Sikes dog jumped into the room through an open window. The boys ran to
look for Sikes, but they didnt see him.
The dog is alone! Charley said
Then Sikes arrived. He looked pale and ill, with three days of beard on his face. No one
spoke. Then they saw lights outside, and an angry crowd of people walking towards
Fagins house. They wanted Sikes to be punished for killing Nancy.
Quick, give me a long rope cried Sikes. Ill use it to jump down and escape by the
river.
On the roof he tied the rope round the chimney. Then he tied the other end around his
waist.
Suddenly he had a vision of Nancy, dead, covered in blood. He screamed, then fell off
the roof. The rope moved up his body, tightened around his neck and he died
immediately.

25

CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO: Oliver Learns The Truth

Two days later Oliver, Mrs Maylie, Rose, Mrs Bedwin, Dr Losberne and Mr Brownlow
gathered at Mr Brownlows house.
A strange man was waiting in Mr Brownlows library, but Oliver didnt know who he
was.
Soon, Mr Brownlow and the gentleman entered the dining room. Mr Brownlow
introduced Oliver to the man. Oliver. This is Monks, your brother Mr Brownlow said
Oliver was shocked. It was the same man Oliver ran into at the post office. He was also
the same man who stood at the window of the reading room with Fagin.
For the first time, Oliver heard the truth about his parents. They told him about the letter
his father wrote to Agnes, the girl he loved- Olivers mother. They also told Oliver about
the testament. His father gave 800 to his first wife and Monks. The rest of the money
and property was for Agnes and their child.
When Agnes father discovered that his daughter was pregnant, he went to Wales with
his children to hide his familys disgrace. Agnes ran away from home.
Mr Brownlow pointed to Rose and asked Monks if he recognised her. Yes, I
recognised her replied Monks.
Mr Brownlow continued, When Agnes father died, Agnes younger sister was alone.
The child lived on the streets. But one day a kind woman saw her, and took her home
to live with her. The kind woman was Mrs Maylie and the girl was Rose
Oliver and Rose embraced with tears of happiness in their eyes. My aunt, my own
dear Aunt! cried Oliver.

CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE: Epilogue

Rose and Harry Maylie married three months later. They lived in a quiet village. Mrs
Maylie lived with them and passed the rest of her life there, peacefully and happily.
Monks took his money and went to America, after he spent the money, he returned to
crime, then died in prison.
The Artful Dodge wasnt arrested because he told the police about Fagin. He started a
business as an informer for the police.
Mr Brownlow adopted Oliver as his son. They moved to a house near the Maylies. Mr
Brownlow filled Olivers mind with knowledge and grew to love him more and more.
Finally, the two orphans, Oliver and Rose, were truly happy.
They remembered their difficult childhoods and were grateful for everything they had.
26