They can’t believe Oliver was an associate of the robbers. The doctor tells them that crime is committed by the very young as well as the very old. Miss Rose begs her aunt to have pity on this boy. They don’t know his history and what lead him down this path. Rose contemplates that her fate could have been similar if Mrs. Maylie hadn’t taken her in.
Mrs. Maylie asks what she can do to save Oliver. The doctor decides to talk to Giles and Brittles, telling her she’ll have to reward them a different way.
The doctor wants to examine Oliver. If he decides that Oliver is a bad apple, he asks Mrs. Maylie to leave him to his fate. Mrs. Maylie agrees.
Oliver talks to the doctor the next morning. He tells him his history. He is quite content and would be glad to die there.
The doctor goes to see Mr. Giles, who is recounting the adventure once again to the other servants and the constable. The doctor tells them that Oliver’s condition is so-so. Giles and Brittles fear his death will be upon them. The doctor asks if they both swear he is the same boy who was with the robbers. He was wounded, but it is possible that there is another explanation. This boy may have not been there during the robbery. He may have fallen victim to violence elsewhere. Giles and Brittles are suddenly uncertain.
The doctor is dismayed when the Bow street officers Brittles and Giles sent for earlier arrive.