Summary Chapter 49

Mr. Brownlow gets out of a coach. Two men follow with Monks in custody. Brownlow reminds Monks, who is reluctant to follow, that he can turn him over to the police. They can do this publicly or privately. Privately, he may rely on their mercy. Monks asks for another option, but Brownlow gives him none. Monks sits down. Mr. Brownlow orders the men to lock the door and to come when he rings.

Brownlow had been good friends with Monks' father. He was engaged to marry the Monks' aunt, who died on their wedding day. It is in the memory of his friend that he is treating Monks better than what he deserves.

Monks asks what he wants. Mr. Bronwlow mentions his brother. Monks informs him he was an only child. Monks’ father had been forced into a marriage befitting his status. It had been miserable. The couple loathed each other and finally separated. He was ten years younger than his wife. She forgot him, but he was bitter.

When Monks was eleven years old, his father met a naval officer with two daughters. One was 19, and the other was a toddler. He became engaged to the elder daughter. A relative of Monks’ father had died in Rome and left him an inheritance. He went to claim it and died there. He left no will, and it naturally went to his wife and child.

However, Monks’ father had went to Mr. Brownlow before his death. He told him of the girl he loved and gave him a portrait of her. He was going to settle with his wife and son, and then flee the country.

Mr. Brownlow went to find the girl after his friend’s death. He discovered that her family had left. He had noticed the resemblance between Oliver, the portrait, and Monks’ father.

Mr. Brownlow, after Oliver had disappeared, had went to the West Indies—knowing Monks had fled there after his mother’s death to escape justice. He had hoped Monks would know the story. He arrived to only learn that Monks had went to London.

Monks points out Brownlow can’t be certain of Oliver’s parentage. Monks’ father had left a will mentioning a child. His mother had destroyed it. Brownlow knows that Monks had seen the resemblance and had acquired proof of Oliver's identity--which he destroyed. His conversation with Fagin was overheard.

Monks agrees to make a statement. Brownlow orders him to give Oliver the provisions stated in the will.

Mr. Losberne enters and says Sikes will be apprehended tonight. His dog has been seen. There is a reward out for him, and agents are keeping an eye out. Mr. Brownlow offers to increase the reward by fifty. Harry Maylie has went ahead to the area Sikes supposedly is. Fagin will also be captured.

Brownlow updates Losberne on what he has learned. He wishes to avenge Nancy and asks where Harry went so he can help in the capture of Sikes.