Don't spare him, bumble.
"Dickens As an Educator"
James L. (James Laughlin) Hughes
When little Oliver was taken before "the gentlemen" that evening, and informed that he was to go that night as general house lad to a coffin maker's, and that if he complained of his situation, or ever came back to the parish again, he would be sent to sea, there to be drowned or knocked on the head, as the case might be, he evinced so little emotion that they by common consent pronounced him a hardened young rascal, and ordered Mr. bumble to remove him forthwith.
"Dickens As an Educator"
James L. (James Laughlin) Hughes
As they drew near to their destination, however, Mr. bumble thought it expedient to look down and see that the boy was in good order for inspection by his new master: which he accordingly did, with a fit and becoming air of gracious patronage.
"Dickens As an Educator"
James L. (James Laughlin) Hughes