I think you will find that Chapter Four contains the
information you are looking for. Having escaped a terrible fate of working as a chimney
sweep, Oliver is then taken in by Mr. Sowerberry, who is an undertaker and whose
business is death. Therefore, after having this decision approved by the board, Oliver
is taken by Mr. Bumble the Beadle to Mr. Sowerberry's abode where Oliver is to live and
work. Note the conditions that are given by the
board:
Mr.
Sowerberry was closeted with the board for five minutes, and it was arranged that Oliver
should go to him that evening "upon liking"--a phrase which means, in the case of a
parish apprentice, that if the master find, upon a short trial, that he can get enough
work out of a boy without putting too much food into him, he shall have him for a term
of years to do what he likes with
him.
Thus the uncertain
future of Oliver is decided as he leaves the workhouse, and his position as a dependent,
friendless boy without connections and free to be abused by those who have power over
him is confirmed. This is something that becomes more evident when we see the precise
nature of his work at the Sowerberry's house and how he is mistreated by all
concerned.
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