I was just a-goin' to look after the children when you came up.

I've only just come 'ome myself, you see." "What's that horrible stench down below ?" "I didn't notice nothink, sir," said the woman, looking over the banisters as if the odour might be seen.
"Any one living in the kitchen ?" "There _was_ some one, I b'lieve, sir, but I don't exac'ly know if they's there yet." Presently they reached the region below.

In absolute darkness they descended steps which were covered with a sort of slime, and then, by striking a light, found themselves in front of a closed door.

Opening this, they entered a vile hole where it could scarcely be said to be daylight, so thickly was the little window patched with filth.

Groping about in the stifling atmosphere, they discovered in one corner a mass of indescribable matter, from which arose, seemingly, the worst of the effluvia.
"What is it ?" asked Mr.Woodstock, holding a lighted match.
"Rotten fish, it seems to me," said the other, holding his nose.
Abraham turned away; then, as if his eye had suddenly caught something, strode to another corner.