Chapters 3–4: Nicholas finds life at Dotheboys hard and is appalled by the cruel treatment given the to boys and to Smike, who runs away. Nicholas has a fistfight with Squeers and leaves the school. On his way back to London, Nicholas finds Smike and agrees to take him with him. Nicholas finds cheap lodgings in London and a job as a private French teacher. When Nicholas visits his mother and sister, he overhears his uncle telling them that he is a thief who has stolen a ring from Squeers and has run away with one of the children. Nicholas argues with Ralph and tries to defend himself from all the accusations but finally decides to leave London once again so as to protect his mother and sister.