Page:Oliver Twist (1838) vol. 3.djvu/125

 "Why, I suppose if I wasn't I shouldn't be here," replied Noah. "But, I say, she'll be back if yer lose time."

"Now, what do you think?" said the Jew. "If you was to like my friend, could you do better than join him?"

"Is he in a good way of business, that's where it is?" responded Noah, winking one of his little eyes.

"The top of the tree," said the Jew, "employs a power of hands; and has the very best society in the profession."

"Regular town-maders?" asked Mr. Claypole.

"Not a countryman among'em; and I don't think he'd take you even on my recommendation if he didn't run rather short of assistants just now," replied the Jew.

"Should I have to hand over?" said Noah, slapping his breeches-pocket.

"It couldn't possibly be done without," replied Fagin, in a most decided manner.

"Twenty pound, though,—it's a lot of money!"