These chapters are filled with an air of deepening mystery and menace as new enigmas complicate the plot. Fagin is harassed and invariably on the defensive. His behavior and language become highly suspicious in his interview with the landlord of the Three Cripples, his interrogation of Nancy, and cryptic exchange with Monks.
The introduction of the sinister character Monks almost halfway through the book is marked by a strong element of surprise: the man obviously has played a significant role behind the scenes. His appearance brings forth some explanations that only serve to further obscure the overall situation. Monks clearly has some power over Fagin, who has a distaste for the man, although he has been on Monks's "business all night." This business somehow relates to Oliver, we learn from the remarks between the conspirators. The revelation, however, merely strengthens the evidence of the jeopardy that the boy has been in. We know now that he has not been the object of Fagin's machinations simply in order to draw him into the ranks of thieves but because some resolute foe is actively prosecuting his total destruction, excluding only murder.
While Fagin is engaged in these mysterious inquiries and communications, we do not even know whether the little hero of the tale is dead or alive. A steady tension is accordingly induced. We have only Crackit's version of what happened to the boy. The fact that Bill Sikes has not turned up among his shady associates increases alarm, for he is the only other person who might know something about Oliver.
The strains of anxiety because of hidden dangers reach a peak at the end of Chapter 26. Monks's perception of a shadow moving along the wall may be, as he hopefully supposes, a consequence of jumpy nerves, or it may be indicative of some other mysterious force at work — or even manifestation of the supernatural. Monks's behavior throws light on his true nature; his actions betray his essential cowardice. Fagin shows his contempt for the man's disposition by confidently inspecting the vacant rooms.
