Ralph and Squeers join up to take revenge
on Nicholas. Mrs Nickleby and Kate are introduced to
Smike and they decide to let him stay with them. Nicholas
meets Mr Cheeryble and his brother and they introduce
him to Mr Linkinwater with whom he will work at the
Cheerybles’ counting-house. Nicholas is also invited to
move to a small cottage owned by the Cheerybles together
with his family. Squeers kidnaps Smike and holds him
captive at Snawley’s house. Fortunately, Smike is helped to
escape by friend John Browdie and he finally reaches the
Nicklebys’ home.