Oliver Witnesses Fagin's Hidden Treasure

Oliver wakes to find Fagin alone in the room, preparing breakfast. Feigning sleep, Oliver watches as Fagin retrieves a hidden box containing a magnificent gold watch, jewels, and other valuables. Fagin mutters to himself about the glories of capital punishment and the loyalty of his 'clever dogs' who have been hanged. He catches Oliver watching him and reacts with violent suspicion, threatening him with a bread knife before calming down and pretending it was all a game. This scene reveals the true nature of Fagin's operation and the source of his wealth, and it plants the first seeds of suspicion in Oliver's mind.