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Oliver Twist: Fagin

On the outskirts of London he chances upon the fascinatingly droll Artful Dodger, pickpocket and pupil of Fagin. The curious behavior of his new associates is only a game to the innocent boy, when Fagin places snuff-boxes, jewelry, watches, and handkerchiefs in his pockets, and then stands looking in imaginary store-windows while (in an unbelievably short time) every one of the things is taken from him. The true meaning of it all bursts upon the horrified Oliver when he is taken on an expedition and sees the "game" in full operation. Dazed and confused, he is the only one captured and taken before a magistrate. His innocence is established, but he faints in the court-room, and is taken home by the remorseful Mr. Brownlow, the man whose pocket he was supposed to have picked. In his new friend's house Oliver is nursed through a serious illness, and better days seemed to have dawned for him, when he again falls into the hands of Fagin. This is no chance happening, for the old crook, dreading the information which the boy may give, has him kidnapped, while on an errand for Mr. Brownlow, by Nancy, a wretched girl of the streets, pupil of Fagin, and mistress of Bill Sikes, the greatest ruffian of the whole gang. In order to close Oliver's mouth, by making him also a criminal, he is taken along on a housebreaking attempt. Protesting, he is put through a small window that he may open the door to his companions. He is firmly determined to warn the people of the house, but the burglary is a failure, and Oliver, wounded by a stray shot, is left in a ditch by the fleeing gangsters. The next morning he crawls, injured as he is, to the same house, where his story is believed and he finds new and lasting friends.