This act, while seemingly insignificant, contributes to the unsettling and menacing atmosphere surrounding the convict. It suggests a nervous or anxious demeanor, possibly fueled by his fear of being caught or his desperation for food.
This mannerism is further emphasized by Pip's description of the convict's "dark eyes, that looked as if they had been kept open with skewers." This emphasizes the character's unnaturally intense gaze, adding to the discomfort and apprehension Pip feels in his presence.