nearly eleven o'clock
which was his queer way of saying he and the old gentleman were good friends . This unexpected offer of shelter was too tempting to be resisted , especially as it was immediately followed up by the assurance that the old gentleman referred to would doubtless provide Oliver with a comfortable place , without loss of time . This led to a more friendly and free talk , from which Oliver learned that his friend 's name was Jack Dawkins -- among his intimate friends better known as the `` Artful Dodger '' -- and that he was a peculiar pet of the elderly gentleman before mentioned . As John Dawkins objected to their entering London before nightfall , it was nearly eleven o'clock when they reached the small city street , along which the Dodger scudded at a rapid pace , directing Oliver to follow close at his heels . Although Oliver had enough to occupy his attention in keeping sight of his leader , he could not help bestowing a few hasty glances on either side of the way as he passed along . A dirtier or more wretched place he had never seen . Oliver was just considering whether he had n't better run away , when they reached the bottom of the hill .