replied Sikes, shutting up the knife with a very expressive look; ‘that’s why.’

The Jew rubbed his hands; and, sitting down at the table, affected to laugh at the pleasantry of his friend. He was obviously very ill at ease, however.

‘Grin away,’ said Sikes, replacing the poker, and surveying him with savage contempt; ‘grin away. You’ll never have the laugh at me, though, unless it’s behind a nightcap. I’ve got the upper hand over you, Fagin; and, d — me, I’ll keep it. There! If I go, you go; so take care of me.’

‘Well, well, my dear,’ said the Jew, ‘I know all that; we — we — have a mutual interest, Bill, — a mutual interest.’