Mr. Brownlow brings Oliver to his house near Pentonville, and the sick boy is put to bed. For many days, Oliver remains unconscious and feverish. Eventually he awakens, wasted and feeble; Brownlow’s housekeeper, Mrs. Bedwin, is at his bedside. Following a visit by a doctor and after a decent meal, the boy enjoys a night’s rest and is on the way to recovery.
As he begins to convalesce, Oliver is carried down to the housekeeper’s room. He is fascinated by the portrait of an attractive lady that adorns the wall. He contemplates the picture with a “look of awe.”
Mr. Brownlow comes in and cannot deny the tenderness aroused in him by Oliver’s piteous condition. Yet the old gentleman is momentarily displeased when he suspects Oliver of falsehood for denying that he told the magistrate that his name was Tom White. Brownlow, however, is reassured by Oliver’s guileless expression.
The old gentleman is unable to get over the feeling that Oliver’s features are somehow familiar. Then with a sudden exclamation, he points from the portrait to Oliver’s face: there is “its living copy.” Oliver is so startled by the outburst that he faints.
After leading the hue and cry in pursuit of poor Oliver, Dawkins and Bates discreetly drop out of the chase and take a roundabout way back to Fagin’s quarters. Fagin is forewarned by the sound of only two sets of footsteps on the stairs.
Enraged at Oliver’s absence, Fagin hurls a pot of beer at Bates, but another person enters the room and receives the contents in his face. This is Bill Sikes, a powerful, unkempt ruffian of about thirty-five. He is followed by a dog as disreputable-looking as himself. Sikes berates Fagin, who obviously fears his guest.
The Dodger presents a modified account of Oliver’s misadventure. It is evident that Oliver may be a menace to all those assembled. They agree that someone should visit the police office to learn the boy’s fate and to learn, if possible, whether Oliver has betrayed Fagin and his associates. None of the company is willing to undertake the mission, all being known in the district and allergic to police offices.
The arrival of Bet and Nancy suggests a natural way out of the impasse. Bet strongly refuses to risk the inquiry, causing all efforts to be centered on Nancy, who is relatively new to the area and as yet unknown. She is coerced into compliance and cheerfully sets forth on the expedition.
At the police station, Nancy poses as Oliver’s sister. She finds out from an officer everything that occurred and the general location of Brownlow’s residence. Nancy speeds back to the hideout with the information. Sikes leaves without a word. Fagin is greatly disturbed. He commands his young lieutenants to direct all their energies toward finding and apprehending Oliver. He then gathers up his treasure and prepares to transfer to another retreat.
