"Why, I suppose if I wasn't I shouldn't be here," replied Noah. "But, I say, she'll be back if yer lose time."
"Now, what do you think?" said the Jew. "If you was to like my friend, could you do better than join him?"
"Is he in a good way of business, that's where it is?" responded Noah, winking one of his little eyes.
"The top of the tree," said the Jew, "employs a power of hands; and has the very best society in the profession."
"Regular town-maders?" asked Mr. Claypole.
"Not a countryman among'em; and I don't think he'd take you even on my recommendation if he didn't run rather short of assistants just now," replied the Jew.
"Should I have to hand over?" said Noah, slapping his breeches-pocket.
"It couldn't possibly be done without," replied Fagin, in a most decided manner.
"Twenty pound, though,—it's a lot of money!"
