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For a week after the commission of the impious and profane offence of asking for more, Oliver remained a close prisoner in the dark and solitary room to which he had been consigned by the wisdom and mercy of the board. It appears, at first sight not unreasonable to suppose, that, if he had entertained a becoming feeling of respect for the prediction of the gentleman in the white waistcoat, he would have established that sage individual's prophetic character, once and for ever, by tying one end of his pocket—handkerchief to a hook in the wall, and attaching himself to the other. To the performance of this feat, however, there was one obstacle: namely, that pocket—handkerchiefs being decided articles of luxury, had been, for all future times and ages, removed from the noses of paupers by the express order of the board, in council assembled: solemnly given and pronounced under their hands and seals. There was a still greater obstacle in Oliver's youth and childishness. He only cried bitterly all day; and, when the long, dismal night came on, spread his little hands before his eyes to shut out the darkness, and crouching in the corner, tried to sleep: ever and anon waking with a start and tremble, and drawing himself closer and closer to the wall, as if to feel even its cold hard surface were a protection in the gloom and loneliness which surrounded him.
奥利弗竟然妄图多要一点粥，犯下了大不敬且亵渎神明的罪行，这之后一个星期，他一直被单独关在一间黑暗的房间里当犯人，这是英明仁慈的委员会的安排。一眼看上去，有理由假设，如果他对穿白背心的绅士的预言抱有适宜的尊重之情，他就会把手帕的一端系在墙上的钩子上，把自己系在另一端，一劳永逸地帮助那位圣贤树立起在预言方面的名望。但是，要实现这一壮举，有一个障碍：即手帕被定为了奢侈之物，在所有未来的时光和岁月里，都得从贫民们的鼻子下面移开了。这是委员会发布的命令，是在集会上经由他们亲手签字盖章，被郑重发表公布的。还有一个更大的障碍，即奥利弗年幼无知。他只是整天痛哭，当漫长凄凉的黑夜降临的时候，他用自己的小手盖住眼睛来隔绝黑暗，蜷缩在角落里试图入睡：他不时战栗着惊醒，就愈发往墙角里缩，仿佛感觉到，甚至那冰冷坚硬的墙面也是让他远离周遭的黑暗和孤独的保护层。
Let it not be supposed by the enemies of "the system, " that, during the period of his solitary incarceration, Oliver was denied the benefit of exercise, the pleasure of society, or the advantages of religious consolation. As for exercise, it was nice cold weather, and he was allowed to perform his ablutions every morning under the pump, in a stone yard, in the presence of Mr. Bumble, who prevented his catching cold, and caused a tingling sensation to pervade his frame, by repeated applications of the cane. As for society, he was carried every other day into the hall where the boys dined, and there sociably flogged as a public warning and example. And so for from being denied the advantages of religious consolation, he was kicked into the same apartment every evening at prayer—time, and there permitted to listen to, and console his mind with, a general supplication of the boys, containing a special clause, therein inserted by authority of the board, in which they entreated to be made good, virtuous, contented, and obedient, and to be guarded from the sins and vices of Oliver Twist: whom the supplication distinctly set forth to be under the exclusive patronage and protection of the powers of wickedness, and an article direct from the manufactory of the very Devil himself.
敌视该体制的人们不要以为，在他这段孤独的禁闭期里，奥利弗获取不了运动的益处、社交的乐趣或是宗教慰藉的好处。在运动方面，天气很冷，他被允许在邦布尔先生面前，每天早上在石头院子的水泵下沐浴，邦布尔先生为了防止他感冒，反复用手杖打他，在他全身留下火辣辣的感觉。社交方面，他每隔一天被带到孩子们用餐的大厅，在众目睽睽之下被鞭打，以儆效尤。至于说他得不到宗教慰藉的好处，每晚祷告的时间一到，他就会被踢进同一间屋子，被允许在那里聆听其他孩子们一齐祈祷，借此慰藉自己的心灵。委员会当局在祷告中特别插入了一条，恳求大家变得高尚、善良、知足、恭顺，保护大家远离奥利弗•特威斯特的罪孽和恶行：祷告明确地阐明，他受到邪恶势力的独家庇护，是直接来自恶魔本人的工厂的产物。
It chanced one morning, while Oliver's affairs were in this auspicious and comfortable state, that Mr. Gamfield, chimney—sweep, went his way down the High Street, deeply cogitating in his mind his ways and means of paying certain arrears of rent, for which his landlord had become rather pressing. Mr. Gamfield's most sanguine estimate of his finances could not raise them within full five pounds of the desired amount; and, in a species of arithmetical desperation, he was alternately cudgelling his brains and his donkey, when passing the workhouse, his eyes encountered the bill on the gate.
碰巧一天早上，当奥利弗正处在这种幸运舒适的状态下时，扫烟囱的甘菲尔德先生来到了这条大街上。他正在仔细深入地思考如何才能还上欠下的房租，房东为此已经催得很紧了。即使甘菲尔德先生对自己的财务状况做最乐观的估计，他也无法凑出所需要的整整五英镑。他算数算得绝望了，用棍子一会儿敲一敲自己的脑门，一会儿抽一下驴子，当他路过济贫院时，他的目光落在了大门上的告示上。
"Wo—o! " said Mr. Gamfield to the donkey.
唔——喔！甘菲尔德先生对驴子说。
The donkey was in a state of profound abstraction: wondering, probably, whether he was destined to be regaled with a cabbage—stalk or two when he had disposed of the two sacks of soot with which the little cart was laden; so, without noticing the word of command, he jogged onward.
驴子正处在一种深度走神的状态：可能正在自忖，在处理了小车装着的这两袋煤烟后，它是否能够尽情享受一两片白菜帮子。所以，它没听见命令，继续慢吞吞地往前走着。
Mr. Gamfield growled a fierce imprecation on the donkey generally, but more particularly on his eyes; and, running after him, bestowed a blow on his head, which would inevitably have beaten in any skull but a donkey's. Then, catching hold of the bridle, he gave his jaw a sharp wrench, by way of gentle reminder that he was not his own master; and by these means turned him round. He then gave him another blow on the head, just to stun him till he came back again. Having completed these arrangements, he walked up to the gate, to read the bill.
甘菲尔德先生咆哮着对驴子一顿狠骂，尤其是针对它的眼睛。他还跑上前去，对着它的脑袋打了一下，如果这不是一头驴，脑壳肯定会被打破。然后，他抓住辔头，把驴下颌使劲一拧，温和地提醒它，它并非自己的主人，他用了这些方法才让它转过头去。接着他在它脑袋上又来了一下，只是让它在自己回来之前一直这么呆着。做好了这些安排，他走向大门去读告示。
The gentleman with the white waistcoat was standing at the gate with his hands behind him, after having delivered himself of some profound sentiments in the board—room. Having witnessed the little dispute between Mr. Gamfield and the donkey, he smiled joyously when that person came up to read the bill, for he saw at once that Mr. Gamfield was exactly the sort of master Oliver Twist wanted. Mr. Gamfield smiled, too, as he perused the document; for five pounds was just the sum he had been wishing for; and, as to the boy with which it was encumbered, Mr. Gamfield, knowing what the dietary of the workhouse was, well knew he would be a nice small pattern, just the very thing for register stoves. So, he spelt the bill through again, from beginning to end; and then, touching his fur cap in token of humility, accosted the gentleman in the white waistcoat.
在会议室陈述了自己的深刻见解后，穿白背心的绅士正背着手站在大门边。他目睹了甘菲尔德先生和驴子之间的这点小争执，于是当那人走上前来读告示的时候，他快活地微笑起来，因为他马上看出甘菲尔德先生正是奥利弗•特威斯特需要的那种主人。甘菲尔德先生仔细看了文件，也微笑起来，因为五镑正是他想要的那个数目。至于它拖带着的那个孩子，甘菲尔德先生知道济贫院的伙食状况，完全明白他会是件不错的小东西，正是扫烟囱的合适之选。所以，他把告示又从头到尾慢慢地读了一遍，然后，他碰了碰自己的皮帽以示谦恭，和穿白背心的绅士攀谈起来。
"This here boy, sir, wot the parish wants to 'prentis' , " said Mr. Gamfield.
先生，这儿是不是有个男孩儿，教区想让他当个 ‘学徒’ ？甘菲尔德先生说。
"Ay, my man, " said the gentleman in the white waistcoat, with a condescending smile. "What of him? "
是啊，我的朋友。穿白背心的绅士带着谦逊的微笑说，你看他怎么样？
"If the parish vould like him to learn a right pleasant trade, in a good 'spectable chimbley—sweepin' bisness, " said Mr. Gamfield, "I wants a 'prentis, and I am ready to take him.
如果教区想让他学一门正当合意的手艺，在那相当受人尊敬的烟囱清扫业，甘菲尔德先生说，我正想要个学徒，我准备要他。
"Walk in, " said the gentleman in the white waistcoat. Mr. Gamfield having lingered behind, to give the donkey another blow on the head, and another wrench of the jaw, as a caution not to run away in his absence, followed the gentleman with the white waistcoat into the room where Oliver had first seen him.
进来吧。穿白背心的绅士说。甘菲尔德先生在后面耽搁了一下，又照着驴头来了一掌，把驴下颌拧了一下，警告驴子在他离开的时候不要乱跑。然后他跟着穿白背心的绅士进了屋，奥利弗在那里第一次见到了他。
"It's s a nasty trade, " said Mr. Limbkins, when Gamfield had again stated his wish.
这可是个脏活计。利姆金斯先生听到甘菲尔德再次陈述了他的愿望，便说道。
"Young boys have been smothered in chimneys before now, " said another gentleman.
在此之前，有小孩子在烟囱里窒息了。另一位绅士说。
"That's acause they damped the straw afore they lit it in the chimbley to make 'em come down again, " said Gamfield; "that's all smoke, and no blaze; vereas smoke ain't o 'no use at all in making a boy come down, for it only sinds him to sleep, and that's wot he likes. Boys is wery obstinit, and wery lazy, Gen' l’ men, and there's nothink like a good hot blaze to make 'em come down vith a run. It's humane too, gen 'l’ men, acause, even if they've stuck in the chimbley, roasting their feet makes 'em struggle to hextricate theirselves.
那是因为要叫他们再下来，他们在烟囱里还没点燃稻草，就把它们弄湿了，甘菲尔德先生说，那样就全是烟，没有火，烟根本没法叫小孩子下来，只会让他睡觉，而这正是他喜欢的。孩子们都很顽固，很懒，先生们，没什么比一团烧热的火更有效了，他们准跑着下来。这也是很人道的，先生们，因为即使他们被困在烟囱里，烤一烤他们的脚就能让他们自己挣扎着解决问题。
The gentleman in the white waistcoat appeared very much amused by this explanation; but his mirth was speedily checked by a look from Mr. Limbkins. The board then proceeded to converse among themselves for a few minutes, but in so low a tone, that the words "saving of expenditure, " "looked well in the accounts, " "have a printed report published, " were alone audible. These only chanced to be heard, indeed, or account of their being very frequently repeated with great emphasis.
穿白背心的绅士看起来被这种解释逗乐了，但他的欢笑马上被利姆金斯先生的一个眼神制止了。委员会开始了内部会谈，谈了几分钟，但是声音很低，只能听见几个词，节省开支，账面上看着不错，发布一份铅印的报告。这些词碰巧能被听到，也是因为它们给重复了好几次，还被着重强调。
At length the whispering ceased; and the members of the board, having resumed their seats and their solemnity, Mr. Limbkins said: "We have considered your proposition, and we don't approve of it.
最终，密谈结束，委员会成员们回到座位，恢复了一本正经的样子，利姆金斯先生说：我们考虑了你的提议，我们并不同意。
"Not at all, " said the gentleman in the white waistcoat.
一点儿也不。穿白背心的绅士说。
"Decidedly not, " added the other members.
坚决不行。其他的委员们补充道。
As Mr. Gamfield did happen to labour under the slight imputation of having bruised three or four boys to death already, it occurred to him that the board had, perhaps, in some unaccountable freak, taken it into their heads that this extraneous circumstance ought to influence their proceedings. It was very unlike their general mode of doing business, if they had; but still, as he had no particular wish to revive the rumour, he twisted his cap in his hands, and walked slowly from the table.
由于甘菲尔德先生碰巧背负了让三到四个孩子受伤至死的轻微罪名，他觉得，也许委员会在某些不可理解的反常状态下，把这件无关的事纳入到了他们的议程中。这和他们一贯的做事风格差了十万八千里，尽管这样，由于甘菲尔德先生不是特别希望那些流言被重提，他用手扭着帽子，从桌边慢慢地走开。
"So you won't let me have him, gen 'l’ men? " said Mr. Gamfield, pausing near the door.
所以你们不会让我把他带走，先生们？甘菲尔德先生说着，在靠近门的地方停了下来。
"No, " replied Mr. Limbkins; "at least, as it's a nasty business, we think you ought to take something less than the premium we offered.
是的，利姆金斯先生回答，至少，由于它是个脏活，我们认为你拿的钱应当少于我们提供的金额。
Mr. Gamfield's countenance brightened, as, with a quick step, he returned to the table, and said, "What's ll you give, gen 'l’ men? Come! Don't be too hard on a poor man. What's ll you give?
甘菲尔德先生的面容明朗起来，他快步回到桌边，说道：你们给多少，先生们？说吧！别太为难一个穷苦人。你们想给多少？
"I should say, three pound ten was plenty, " said Mr. Limbkins.
我要说，三镑十先令足够了。利姆金斯先生说。
"Ten shillings too much, " said the gentleman in the white waistcoat.
十先令太多了。穿白背心的绅士说。
"Come! " said Gamfield; "say four pound, gen 'l' men. Say four pound, and you've got rid of him for good and all. There!
嗨！甘菲尔德说，给四镑吧，先生们。给四镑，你们就永远摆脱他了。好啦！
"Three pound ten, " repeated Mr. Limbkins, firmly.
三镑十先令。利姆金斯先生坚决地重复。
"Come! I'll split the difference, gen 'l’ men, " urged Gamfield. Three pound fifteen.
嗨！我让一步，先生们。甘菲尔德催促道，三镑十五先令。
"Not a farthing more, " was the firm reply of Mr. Limbkins.
一个子儿也不多给。这是利姆金斯先生坚定的回答。
"You're desperate hard upon me, gen 'l’ men, " said Gamfield, wavering.
你们对我真是太狠啦，先生们。甘菲尔德先生说着，他动摇了。
"Pooh! pooh! nonsense! " said the gentleman in the white waistcoat. "He'd be cheap with nothing at all, as a premium. Take him, you silly fellow! He's just the boy for you. He wants the stick, now and then: it's ll do him good; and his board needn't come very expensive, for he hasn't been overfed since he was born. Ha! ha! ha!
呸！呸！胡说！穿白背心的绅士说，就算压根没有奖赏，收下他也算捡便宜了，就当是个额外收获。把他带走，你这个蠢蛋！这孩子正适合你。他时不时地需要棍子，对他很有好处；他的食宿费不用太贵，因为他从出生起就没吃饱过。哈！哈！哈！
Mr. Gamfield gave an arch look at the faces round the table, and, observing a smile on all of them, gradually broke into a smile himself. The bargain was made. Mr. Bumble, was at once instructed that Oliver Twist and his indentures were to be conveyed before the magistrate, for signature and approval, that very afternoon.
甘菲尔德先生狡黠地看了一眼桌旁的面庞，发现它们都带着微笑，他自己也渐渐微笑起来。交易成功了。邦布尔先生立即接到指示，奥利弗•特威斯特及其契约将在当天下午送至地方法官处，办理签字批准手续。
In pursuance of this determination, little Oliver, to his excessive astonishment, was released from bondage, and ordered to put himself into a clean shirt. He had hardly achieved this very unusual gymnastic performance, when Mr. Bumble brought him, with his own hands, a basin of gruel, and the holiday allowance of two ounces and a quarter of bread. At this tremendous sight, Oliver began to cry very piteously: thinking, not unnaturally, that the board must have determined to kill him for some useful purpose, or they never would have begun to fatten him up in that way.
依照这项决定，小奥利弗的禁闭被解除了，并且他还奉命穿上了一件干净的衬衣，这些让他十分吃惊。他刚刚完成了这项非同一般的体育表演，邦布尔先生就亲手给他端来了一盆稀粥，以及二又四分之一盎司的节日分量的面包。看到这可怕的场面，奥利弗非常凄惨地大哭起来：他理所当然地以为，委员会肯定是因为某些有用的目的要杀了他，不然他们绝不会开始这样喂肥他。
"Don't make your eyes red, Oliver, but eat your food and be thankful, " said Mr. Bumble, in a tone of impressive pomposity. "You're a going to be made a 'prentice of, Oliver.
别把眼睛弄红了，奥利弗，好好吃你的东西，要感恩。邦布尔先生用一种令人印象深刻的夸耀语气说道，你就要去当学徒了，奥利弗。
"A prentice, sir! " said the child, trembling.
学徒，先生！孩子战栗着说。
"Yes, Oliver, " said Mr. Bumble.
是的，奥利弗。邦布尔先生说。
"The kind and blessed gentleman which is so many parents to you, Oliver, when you have none of your own, are a—going to 'prentice you, and to set you up in life, and make a man of you, although the expense to the parish is three pound ten! —three pound ten, Oliver! —seventy shillins—one hundred and forty sixpences! —and all for a naughty orphan which nobody can't love.
奥利弗，你无父无母，那位好心并且受到祝福的绅士就是你的再生父母。你将被送去当学徒，开始自己的人生，长大成人，尽管教区为此花了三镑十先令！——三镑十先令，奥利弗！——七十先令——一百四十个六便士硬币！——全为了一个没人喜欢的淘气孤儿！
As Mr. Bumble paused to take breath, after delivering this address in an awful voice, the tears rolled down the poor child's face, and he sobbed bitterly.
邦布尔先生用令人敬畏的语气讲完这番话后，停下来喘了口气。可怜的孩子脸上滚下了泪珠，他伤心地抽泣起来。
"Come, " said Mr. Bumble, somewhat less pompously, for it was gratifying to his feelings to observe the effect his eloquence had produced; "Come, Oliver! Wipe your eyes with the cuffs of your jacket, and don't cry into your gruel; that's a very foolish action, Oliver. It certainly was, for there was quite enough water in it already.
过来，邦布尔先生注意到他的口才产生了这样的效果，感到十分满意，不那么傲慢了，过来，奥利弗！用衣服袖口擦擦眼泪，别把眼泪掉到粥里去了，那可是非常蠢的行为，奥利弗。那当然是，因为粥里的水已经够多了。
On their way to the magistrate, Mr. Bumble instructed Oliver that all he would have to do, would be to look very happy, and say, when the gentleman asked him if he wanted to be apprenticed, that he should like it very much indeed; both of which injunctions Oliver promised to obey: the rather as Mr. Bumble threw in a gentle hint, that if he failed in either particular, there was no telling what would be done to him. When they arrived at the office, he was shut up in a little room by himself, and admonished by Mr. Bumble to stay there, until he came back to fetch him.
在去找地方法官的路上，邦布尔先生教导奥利弗，他要做的就是看上去很高兴，并且在那位绅士问他是否想当学徒的时候，说自己真的非常想当。奥利弗承诺遵守这两条命令，邦布尔先生还丢给他一个温和的暗示，那就是如果他有任何一条没做到，会怎么处置他可就很难说了。当他们到达办公室的时候，他被独自关进一间小屋，邦布尔先生警告他，让他呆在那里，直到自己回来接他。
There the boy remained, with a palpitating heart, for half an hour. At the expiration of which time Mr. Bumble thrust in his head, unadorned with the cocked hat, and said aloud: "Now, Oliver, my dear, come to the gentleman. " As Mr. Bumble said this, he put on a grim and threatening look, and added, in a low voice, "Mind what I told you, you young rascal! "
男孩怀着一颗怦怦直跳的心，在那里呆了半个钟头。度过了这段时间之后，邦布尔先生探出头来，没带三角帽，大声说：现在，奥利弗，亲爱的，到这位绅士这儿来。邦布尔先生说完这话，就换上了一副可怕的威胁的表情，又低声补充说：记住我告诉你的话，你这个小流氓！
Oliver stared innocently in Mr. Bumble's face at this somewhat contradictory style of address; but that gentleman prevented his offering any remark thereupon, by leading him at once into an adjoining room: the door of which was open. It was a large room, with a great window. Behind a desk, sat two old gentleman with powdered heads: one of whom was reading the newspaper; while the other was perusing, with the aid of a pair of tortoise—shell spectacles, a small piece of parchment which lay before him. Mr. Limbkins was standing in front of the desk on one side; and Mr. Gamfield, with a partially washed face, on the other; while two or three bluff—looking men, in top—boots, were lounging about.
听到这两种多少有些自相矛盾的腔调，奥利弗天真地盯着邦布尔先生的脸看，但是这位绅士没给他就此发表任何言论的机会，立刻把他领进隔壁的一个房间，房门是开着的。房间很大，有一扇大窗户。书桌后面坐着两个头上扑了粉的老绅士，一个正在看报纸，另一个戴着一副玳瑁眼镜，正在细读摆在他面前的一小张羊皮纸。利姆金斯先生站在书桌的一侧，甘菲尔德先生站在另一侧，脸都没洗干净，而两三个长相吓人、穿着长筒靴的男人正在屋里来回踱步。
The old gentleman with the spectacles gradually dozed off, over the little bit of parchment; and there was a short pause, after Oliver had been stationed by Mr. Bumble in front of the desk.
戴眼镜的老绅士对着那一小片羊皮纸，渐渐打起瞌睡来。邦布尔先生领着奥利弗来到书桌前站好，等了一小会儿。
"This is the boy, your worship, " said Mr. Bumble.
就是这个孩子，大人。邦布尔先生说。
The old gentleman who was reading the newspaper raised his head for a moment, and pulled the other old gentleman by the sleeve; whereupon, the last—mentioned old gentleman woke up.
看报纸的老绅士抬了一下头，扯了扯另一个老绅士的袖子，于是，后一位老绅士醒了。
"Oh, is this the boy? " said the old gentleman.
噢，是这个孩子？老绅士问。
"This is him, sir, " replied Mr. Bumble. "Bow to the magistrate, my dear. "
就是他，先生。邦布尔先生回答，向法官大人鞠躬，亲爱的。
Oliver roused himself, and made his best obeisance. He had been wondering, with his eyes fixed on the magistrates' powder, whether all boards were born with that white stuff on their heads, and were boards from thenceforth on that account.
奥利弗打起精神，恭恭敬敬地鞠了一躬。他的目光定在地方法官扑了粉的头发上，想知道是不是所有委员生下来头上就都带着那种白色的东西，是不是因为这个他们才成了委员。
"Well, " said the old gentleman, "I suppose he's fond of chimney—sweeping?
好吧，老绅士说，我猜想，他喜欢扫烟囱？
"He doats on it, your worship, " replied Bumble; giving Oliver a sly pinch, to intimate that he had better not say he didn't.
他可喜欢了，大人。邦布尔回答着，偷偷掐了奥利弗一下，暗示他最好不要说不喜欢。
"And he will be a sweep, will he? " inquired the old gentleman.
那么，他想要当一个扫烟囱的，是吗？老绅士询问。
"If we was to bind him to any other trade to—morrow, he'd run away simultaneous, your worship, " replied Bumble.
如果我们明天让他去干别的职业，他会马上跑掉的，大人。邦布尔回答。
"And this man that's to be his master—you, sir—you'll treat him well, and feed him, and do all that sort of thing, will you? " said the old gentleman.
那个人是他将来的师傅吧——你，先生——你会好好待他，养活他，做所有这类事情，你做得到吗？老绅士说。
"When I says I will, I means I will, " replied Mr. Gamfield doggedly.
我说我做得到，就意味着我做得到。甘菲尔德先生硬生生地回答。
"You're a rough speaker, my friend, but you look an honest, open—hearted man, " said the old gentleman: turning his spectacles in the direction of the candidate for Oliver's premium, whose villainous countenance was a regular stamped receipt for cruelty. But the magistrate was half blind and half childish, so he couldn't reasonably be expected to discern what other people did.
你说话挺粗鲁，我的朋友，但是你看起来是个老实直爽的人。老绅士说着，把眼镜转向奥利弗赏金的候选人，甘菲尔德先生凶恶的面容上明显贴着残酷的标签。但是地方法官一半因为视力不好，一半是想法幼稚，所以不能指望他明智地洞悉其他人都看得出来的事情。
"I hope I am, sir, " said Mr. Gamfield, with an ugly leer.
我希望我是，先生。甘菲尔德先生斜着眼睛说道，样子十分难看。
"I have no doubt you are, my friend, " replied the old gentleman: fixing his spectacles more firmly on his nose, and looking about him for the inkstand.
我不怀疑你，我的朋友。老绅士回答说，他把鼻梁上的眼镜扶好，四处寻找墨水瓶。
It was the critical moment of Oliver's fate. If the inkstand had been where the old gentleman thought it was, he would have dipped his pen into it, and signed the indentures, and Oliver would have been straightway hurried off. But, as it chanced to be immediately under his nose, it followed, as a matter of course, that he looked all over his desk for it, without finding it; and happening in the course of his search to look straight before him, his gaze encountered the pale and terrified face of Oliver Twist: who, despite all the admonitory looks and pinches of Bumble, was regarding the repulsive countenance of his future master, with a mingled expression of horror and fear, too palpable to be mistaken, even by a half—blind magistrate.
这是决定奥利弗命运的关键时刻。如果墨水瓶在老绅士原先想的地方，他就会把笔伸进去蘸水，签署契约，那么奥利弗就会立即被甘菲尔德先生匆忙带走了。但是，由于它正好直接就在他鼻子下面，接下来，不用说，他把桌子找了个遍，也没有找到它。在寻找的过程中，他直直往前看的时候，目光撞上了奥利弗•特威斯特苍白惊恐的脸。尽管邦布尔使眼色警告他、掐他，奥利弗还是带着一脸交织着恐惧与害怕的表情，打量着他未来师傅那令人厌恶的面容。他的这种表情太过明显，不容错认，即使是眼神不好的地方法官也能看出来。
The old gentleman stopped, laid down his pen, and looked from Oliver to Mr. Limbkins; who attempted to take snuff with a cheerful and unconcerned aspect.
老绅士停了下来，把笔搁下，看看奥利弗，又看看利姆金斯先生，后者正努力尝试着吸鼻烟，显得愉快高兴、漫不经心。
"My boy! " said the old gentleman, "you look pale and alarmed. What is the matter? "
我的孩子！老绅士说，你看起来苍白惊慌。怎么回事？
"Stand a little away from him, Beadle, " said the other magistrate, laying aside the paper, and leaning forward with an expression of interest. "Now, boy, tell us what's the matter: don't be afraid.
站得离他远点儿，教区助理。另一位地方法官说着，把报纸放到一边，带着好奇的表情倾身向前，现在，孩子，告诉我们怎么回事，不要害怕。
Oliver fell on his knees, and clasping his hands together, prayed that they would order him back to the dark room—that they would starve him—beat him—kill him if they pleased—rather than send him away with that dreadful man.
奥利弗跪了下来，双手握在一起，恳求他们能命令他回到黑屋子去——饿死他——打他——要是他们高兴杀了他也行——但不要把他打发给那个可怕的人。
"Well! " said Mr. Bumble, raising his hands and eyes with most impressive solemnity. "Well! of all the artful and designing orphans that ever I see, Oliver, you are one of the most bare—facedest.
哎呀！邦布尔先生说着，用令人印象深刻的最一本正经的态度，举起双手，眼睛往上抬了起来。哎呀！在我见过的所有狡猾阴险、诡计多端的孤儿里，奥利弗，你是最不要脸的一个。
"Hold your tongue, Beadle, " said the second old gentleman, when Mr. Bumble had given vent to this compound adjective.
住嘴，助理。邦布尔先生刚说出这个最字形容词，第二位老绅士喝道。
"I beg your worship's pardon, " said Mr. Bumble, incredulous of having heard aright. "Did your worship speak to me? "
对不起，大人。邦布尔先生说着，怀疑自己听错了，大人您是在对我说话吗？
"Yes. Hold your tongue. "
是的。闭上你的嘴。
Mr. Bumble was stupefied with astonishment. A beadle ordered to hold his tongue! A moral revolution!
邦布尔先生惊呆了。命令一个教区执事住嘴！一场思想革命！
The old gentleman in the tortoise—shell spectacles looked at his companion, he nodded significantly.
戴着玳瑁眼镜的老绅士看看他的同事，那一位意味深长地点了点头。
"We refuse to sanction these indentures, " said the old gentleman: tossing aside the piece of parchment as he spoke.
我们拒绝批准这些契约。老绅士说着，把那张羊皮纸扔到一边。
"I hope, " stammered Mr. Limbkins: "I hope the magistrates will not form the opinion that the authorities have been guilty of any improper conduct, on the unsupported testimony of a child. "
我希望，利姆金斯先生结结巴巴地说，我希望法官大人们不要因为一个孩子无凭无据的证词，就认为济贫院当局有管理不当之罪。
"The magistrates are not called upon to pronounce any opinion on the matter, " said the second old gentleman sharply. "Take the boy back to the workhouse, and treat him kindly. He seems to want it. "
地方法官可不负责对这件事发表看法。第二位老绅士严厉地说，把这孩子带回济贫院，好好待他。他似乎很想这样。
That same evening, the gentleman in the white waistcoat most positively and decidedly affirmed, not only that Oliver would be hung, but that he would be drawn and quartered into the bargain. Mr. Bumble shook his head with gloomy mystery, and said he wished he might come to good; whereunto Mr. Gamfield replied, that he wished he might come to him; which, although he agreed with the beadle in most matters, would seem to be a wish of a totally opposite description.
同一天晚上，穿白背心的绅士果断明确地声称，奥利弗不仅要被吊死，还要被开膛破肚，五马分尸。邦布尔先生阴郁而神秘地摇摇头，说他希望他会有个好结果。在这一点上，甘菲尔德先生回答说，他希望孩子还是到他这儿来，尽管他在大多数事情上同意教区执事的意见，但表达的这个愿望似乎完全相反。
The next morning, the public were once informed that Oliver Twist was again To Let, and that five pounds would be paid to anybody who would take possession of him.
第二天一早，公众又一次被告知，说教区再次出让奥利弗•特威斯特，任何愿意接管他的人会获得五英镑。
CHAPTER IV Oliver, being offered another place, makes his first entry into public life。