Having now carried his point and insisted on it, he left off.
'You won't do it agin,' said the boy, nodding his head and drawing back, with the elbows ready in case of the worst; 'now--' 'Stand still, you dog,' said Quilp.

'I won't do it again, because I've done it as often as I want.Here.Take the key.' 'Why don't you hit one of your size ?' said the boy approaching very slowly.
'Where is there one of my size, you dog ?' returned Quilp.

'Take the key, or I'll brain you with it'-- indeed he gave him a smart tap with the handle as he spoke.

'Now, open the counting-house.' The boy sulkily complied, muttering at first, but desisting when he looked round and saw that Quilp was following him with a steady look.
And here it may be remarked, that between this boy and the dwarf that existed a strange kind of mutual liking.

How born or bred, and or nourished upon blows and threats on one side, and retorts and defiances on the other, is not to the purpose.