This frightened all the other boys Oliver was picked to get more food for this boy He took his bowl and presented it at the stove Please sir I want some more The cook was a fat nasty man He couldn’t believe his ears What did you say Please sir repeated Oliver I want some more The cook crashed the ladle down on Oliver’s head and called for Mr Bumble Bumble was horrifi ed to learn that Oliver had asked for more food It simply wasn’t done Bumble took Oliver before the council He shall be hung said one of the men An animated discussion took place Oliver was ordered into confi nement and a note was hung on the gate outside the next day It said Offering fi ve pounds to anyone who will take Oliver Twist off the hands of the parish Poor Oliver he was about to be shuffl ed off once more 10
2 Oliver Becomes an Apprentice As punishment Oliver stayed inside his small dark cramped room for more than a week He had committed the crime of asking for more food A basic need that he often had been denied During the day Oliver cried bitterly But during the night he covered his eyes with his small hands to shut out the darkness He’d crouch against the wall which is the only thing he felt comforted by Once a day he was brought before the boys and fl ogged as an example It was during the second week that Mr Gamfi eld a chimney sweep saw the reward notice He was met at the gate by Mr Bumble 11
I want to take the boy in to teach him to be a chimney sweep said Gamfi eld I need an apprentice Mr Bumble led him into the workhouse and straight to the council It’s a nasty trade said one of the men when Gamfi eld stated his intentions Young boys have been smothered inside of chimneys said another After much conversation it was decided that Oliver Twist would not be permitted to go Mr Gamfi eld was angry A few of the boys he had taken in had died Were they holding this against him How about I take him for less Say three or four pounds The men shook their heads He’s yours for three pounds He’s just the boy for you He doesn’t eat much If he misbehaves smack him around and he’ll be fi ne The bargain was made and Oliver Twist was released from his small room He was ordered 12
to put on a clean shirt and given gruel and bread Oliver wept for he thought they wanted to fatten him up before they killed him No tears Oliver said Bumble You should be thankful You’re going to be an apprentice You have no parents of your own Now you will have a kind and blessed gentleman help turn you into a man Then he smirked at Oliver It did cost the workhouse money Three pounds to be exact Three pounds for a naughty orphan that no one has ever loved Oliver sobbed On their way to the council Bumble warned Oliver to appear happy You must say you’re looking forward to being a chimney sweep apprentice Mr Limbkins was on the council He stared at the boy I suppose he’s keen on the idea of chimney sweeping Lives for it said Bumble giving Oliver a small pinch 13
