Script

SIDE 1

SIKES

Somebody must find out what's been done, or said. If he hasn't talked yet, there's still a chance we might get him back without suspicion. We'll nab him the very moment he dares to step out of that house. Now who's gonna go?

(They all look around at each other.)

DODGER

I suppose it'll have to be me-

FAGIN

You shut your trap, Dodger. You've caused enough trouble.

(He looks at NANCY.)

It's got to be done quiet. We don't want any fuss.

(smirking at NANCY)

The very thing! Nancy my dear, you're so good with the boy.

NANCY

It's no good trying it on with me.

(SIKES crosses to her menacingly.)

SIKES

And just what do you mean by that remark?

(NANCY looks at SIKES.)

NANCY

What I say, Bill. I'm not going. Why can't you leave the boy alone? He won't do you no harm. Why can't you leave him where he is, where he'll get the chance of a decent life?

SIKES

You'll get him back here my girl. Or else.

END

SIDE 2

SIKES

So he'll be down here, will he?

NANCY

Leave him alone, Bill!

SIKES

(glares at NANCY, then turns to OLIVER)

What did you tell him about us?

OLIVER

Nothing.

SIKES

That remains to be seen. But if we found out you said anything, anything out of place... Fagin, I'll wager that young scoundrel's told him everything.

(SIKES grabs OLIVER. NANCY rushes forward and grabs SIKES's arm. The GANG hides.)

FAGIN

All right, all right! We've got him back! What's the matter with you?

SIKES

The girl's gone mad, I think, Fagin.

NANCY

No she hasn't, Fagin, don't think it.

FAGIN

Then keep quiet, will you?

NANCY

I wish I'd of been struck down dead before I lent a hand in bringing him back here. After tonight, he's a liar and a thief and all that's bad. Ain't that enough for you, without scaring him to death?!

FAGIN

Come, come Nancy, we must have civil words.

NANCY

Civil words?! Yes! You deserve them from me! I was out on the streets for you when I was a child half his age, and I've been in the same trade, the same service for fifteen years since and don't you forget it.

END