nother
basin of gruel _per diem_ he was afraid he might some night happen to
eat the boy who slept next him, a weakly youth of tender age. He had a
wild, hungry eye, and they implicitly believed him. A council was held,
lots were cast who should walk up to the master after supper that
evening and ask for more, and it fell to Oliver Twist.

The evening arrived, the boys took their places. The master, in his
cook's uniform, stationed himself at the copper to ladle out the gruel;
his pauper assistants ranged themselves behind him, the gruel was served
out, and a long grace was said over the short commons.

The gruel disappeared, the boys whispered to each other, and winked at
Oliver, while his next neighbours nudged him. Child as he was, he was
desperate with hunger, and reckless with misery. He rose from the table,
and advancing to the master, basin and spoon in hand, said, somewhat
alarmed at his own temerity, "Please, sir, I want some more."

The master was a fat, healthy man, but he turned very pale. He gazed in
stupified astonishment on the small rebel for some seconds, and then
said, "What!"

"Please, sir," replied Oliver, "I want some more."

The master aimed a blow at Oliver's head with the ladle, pinioned him in
his arms, and shrieked aloud for the beadle.

The board were sitting in solemn conclave when Mr. Bumble rushed into
the room in great excitement, and addressing a gentleman in a high
chair, said, "Mr. Limbkins, I beg your pardon, sir! Oliver Twist has
asked for more!"

There was a general start. Horror was depicted on every countenance.

"For _more_?" said the chairman. "Compose yourself, Bumble, and answer
me distinctly. Do I understand that he asked for more, after he had
eaten the supper allotted by the dietary?"

"He did, sir," replied Bumble.

"That boy will be hung," said a gentleman in a white waistcoat. "I know
that boy will be hung."

Nobody disputed the opinion. Oliver was ordered into instant
confinement, and a bill was next morning pasted on the outside of the
workhouse gate, offering a reward of five pounds to anybody who would
take Oliver Twist off their hands. In other words, five pounds and
Oliver Twist were offered to any man or woman who wanted an apprentice
to any trade, business, or calling.

Mr. Gamfield, the chimney sweep, was the first to respond to this offer.

"It's a nasty trade," said the chairman of the board.

"Young boys have been smothered in chimneys before