基本信息
advantages of the step appeared; so, they came to the conclusion that the only way of providing for oliver effectually, was to send him to sea without delay.
mr. bumble had been despatched to make various preliminary inquiries, with the view of finding out some captain or other who wanted a cabin-boy without any friends; and was returning to the workhouse to communicate the result of his mission; when he encountered at the gate, no less a person than mr. sowerberry, the parochial undertaker.
mr. sowerberry was a tall gaunt, large-jointed man, attired in a suit of threadbare black, with darned cotton stockings of the same colour, and shoes to answer. his features were not naturally intended to wear a smiling aspect, but he was in general rather given to professional jocosity. his step was elastic, and his face betokened inward pleasantry, as he advanced to mr. bumble, and shook him cordially by the hand.
'i have taken the measure of the two women that died last night, mr. bumble,' said the undertaker.
'you'll make your fortune, mr.
