Mr. Sikes, dragging Oliver after him, elbowed his way through the

thickest of the crowd, and bestowed very little attention on the

numerous sights and sounds, which so astonished the boy. He

nodded, twice or thrice, to a passing friend; and, resisting as

many invitations to take a morning dram, pressed steadily onward,

until they were clear of the turmoil, and had made their way

through Hosier Lane into Holborn.

'Now, young 'un!' said Sikes, looking up at the clock of St.