A keeper, who lived in a little cell in one of the inner corners of each gateway, was authorised to admit belated persons.

But it was necessary to stand parleying a long time.

The keeper would not let people in until, by the light of his lantern, he had carefully scrutinised their faces through a peep-hole.

If their looks displeased him they had to sleep outside.

This custom of locking the gates every evening was highly characteristic of the spirit of the town, which was a commingling of cowardice, egotism, routine, exclusiveness, and devout longing for a cloistered life.