Page:Oliver Twist (1838) vol. 1.djvu/329

Rh representation, that scragging and hanging were one and the same thing. "That's what it means," said Charley. "Look how he stares. Jack. I never did see such prime company as that 'ere boy; he'll be the death of me, I know he will." And Master Charles Bates, having laughed heartily again, resumed his pipe with tears in his eyes. "You've been brought up bad," said the Dodger, surveying his boots with much satisfaction when Oliver had polished them. "Fagin will make something of you, though, or you'll be the first he ever had that turned out unprofitable. You'd better begin at once, for you'll come to the trade long before you think of it, and you're only losing time, Oliver." Master Bates backed this advice with sundry moral admonitions of his own, which being exhausted, he and his friend Mr. Dawkins launched into a glowing description of the numerous pleasures incidental to the life they led,