Chapter 18 Summary

Fagin gives Oliver a long lecture on the evil of disobeying, and makes thinly veiled threats to Oliver's life if he tries to leave again. For several days, Oliver is left in the house all day, first locked in one room, and then locked in the house. He explores the house, finding rats and dirt in every room. Charley and the Dodger take their chances to make fun of him, and Oliver, eager for some activity, shines Charley's boots. Charley and Dodger tell Oliver that he should willingly work for Fagin, and they allude to the fact that they skim off the top before handing over their take to Fagin. Charley talks about being able to retire one day on what he is keeping. Oliver says he would just rather leave, but Dodger and Charley remind him that Fagin will never let that...