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 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.'