阅读理解
The evening arrived; the boys took their places. The master, in his cooled uniform, stood at the table; his poor helpers were behind him; the gruel (稀粥) was served out; and after they spoke to God to give thanks, there was little time left to eat. The gruel disappeared immediately; the boys whispered each other, and encouraged Oliver to ask for more. Oliver was very hungry and decided to take a risk. He rose from the table; and went to the master, plate and spoon in hand, said:
"Please, sir, I want some more."
①
The master was a fat, healthy man; but he turned very pale. He looked at Oliver in great surprise for some seconds, and nearly fell but for the support to the table. The helpers were frozen with wonder; the boys with fear.
"What!" said the master at last, in a confused voice.
"Please, sir," replied Oliver, "I want some more."
The master hit Oliver's head with the ladle; and screamed for Mr. Bumble.
②
The board were sitting in plotting (密谋) something, when Mr. Bumble rushed into the room in great excitement, and spoke to the gentleman loudly in the high chair, said:
"Mr. Limbkins, I beg your pardon, sir! Oliver Twist has asked for more!"
③
"For more!" said Mr. Limbkins. "Calm yourself, Bumble, and answer me clearly. Do I understand that he asked for more, after he had eaten the supper allotted (配给) by the dietary?"
"He did, sir, "replied Bumble.
"That boy will be hung, " said the gentleman in white. "I know that boy will be hung."
Nobody was against the gentleman's opinion. A heated discussion took place. Oliver was put in a cold, dark room and no boys were allowed to talk to him; and a bill was next morning pasted on the outside of the gate, offering a reward of five pounds to anybody who would take Oliver Twist off the hands of the parish (教区).In other words, five pounds and Oliver Twist were offered to any man or woman who wanted an apprentice to any trade, business, or calling.
④
"I never was more convinced of anything in my life, "said the gentleman in white, as he knocked at the gate and read the bill next morning: "I never was more convinced of anything in my life, than I am that that boy will come to be hung."