know you're an orphan, I suppose?'

'What's that, sir?' inquired poor Oliver.

'The boy IS a fool--I thought he was,' said the gentleman in the

'Hush!' said the gentleman who had spoken first. 'You know

you've got no father or mother, and that you were brought up by

'Yes, sir,' replied Oliver, weeping bitterly.

'What are you crying for?' inquired the gentleman in the white

waistcoat. And to be sure it was very extraordinary. What COULD