December 5, 1828

… Once I reached the street, I pulled out my pocket watch. It was approximately a quarter after eight and I only had forty-five minutes until I needed to be at work. I ran down several streets looking for the Dodger until I finally spotted him. He was near a lettuce stand and he appeared to be examining the heads (of lettuce that is) while his left hand saw groping in a woman's purse and putting the contents into one of his big coat pockets. It was quite a bazaar sight. He appeared unaware of what his hand was doing – as if it had a mind of its own. Once his hand had procured all the valuables, he placed it back in his pocket and sauntered off; all the while looking at the other wares for sale.

I walked quickly forward, until I was level with him. He looked over at me and tipped his hat slightly.

"Morn'in my covey."

"Good morning," I answered, "How are you?"

"Fine my good sir," he gave a nod and continued to look about.

"I must talk to you," I grabbed him by the sleeve and pointed to a deserted street he smirked and followed my lead. Once we were safely alone, I proceeded with the conversation.

"I need you to teach me how to pickpocket. Fagin sent me down here to find you. Well, can you teach me?"

"Oh, to be sure, my man," he replied, "I can teach anyone, just give me ten ticks an' I'll see to that! (By which he meant that he could teach me in ten minutes.) Now, let's see you try an' fish for this 'ere wipe (handkerchief)." He stuck the item in his coat pocket and I tried to pull it out. It took me several tries before I got the hang of it.

"Alright," I said, "I think I'm ready, but I want to work alone. Understand me?" I was still hoping to appear slightly threatening. I must have done a good job at it because the Dodger appeared a bit put out. He walked away without looking back. I suppose he expected a thank you, but I had no time for it. I had only a quarter till nine left on my watch and I needed to get going.

I ran down several streets until I was far enough away and called for a carriage. I was not going to walk seventeen miles. I would never get to work on time that way!

The carriage stopped in front of my house and I got out. I ran inside and headed into my living quarters in order to get a light scrubbing and a change of attire. Once I looked presentable, I went back out and walked over to the orphanage.

"Good morning, Mr. Edvard," one of the caretakers was polishing the entryway floor.

"A wonderful morning to you, Miss Gailen!" I tipped my hat at her, "Is Mr. Carthage in?"

"I believe he came in a few minutes ago," she smiled and went on with her washing.

"Thank you."

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Around five o'clock I left the orphanage and went back to my home. I changed back into my filthy clothing and was about to leave when I remembered something.

I began to search through my dresser and found several things that I needed: a comb, a pair of cufflinks, ten pounds of spare change, a ring, a leather wallet, five handkerchiefs, a silver snuff box, and a pipe made of the finest mahogany. All this, I stuffed into my pants pockets. I then headed back towards the "rat hole."

I came to the door and rang the bell. The Dodger opened it and asked for the password – as if he didn't know me! The only thing I could think of was what Bill had said the night before. I hoped it was right.

"Plumy and slam."

The Dodger backed away from the open door and I followed his candle down and into the kitchen. Fagin was roasting some chicken on the fire. He looked up after giving the meat a few pokes with the toasting fork.

"Ah, my dear, back again… we were wondering whether something bad had happened."

"Not a thing," I walked over to the table and began slowly to pull out each item and set it down with a slight thud upon the surface. Fagin looked on and his eyes grew wider with every new addition. I gave him a slightly mocking grin. Then I looked over at the Dodger. He appeared a little shocked. He said nothing, but, turning away, slumped off out of the room. I believe I hurt his feelings tremendously. I felt bad about that and vowed to amend the damage in some way.

"All this you found today, my dear?" The elderly gentleman left the chicken and came over to inspect everything I had brought, "Why, you have outdone the Dodger, my dear… such lovely things… you are gifted as sure as the sun shines! Ha, ha, ha!" He chuckled for a few seconds and then returned to his cooking.

I didn't say anything, but simply sat down in the chair closest the fire and had a bit of a victory smoke. And that was when my life became so much easier…

Cheerio! I hope you enjoyed this chapter! A special thanks to Broken Amethyst, Charlene Bates, and all the rest! More fun to come! – Elaine Dawkins