The hurried call of the jailor to the guests, requiring them instantly to depart, and his yet more hasty intimation that a dreadful and determined mob had possessed themselves of the city gates and guard-house, were the first explanation of these fearful clamours.
Porteous might, however, have eluded the fury from which the force of authority could not protect him, had he thought of slipping on some disguise, and leaving the prison along with his guests.

It is probable that the jailor might have connived at his escape, or even that in the hurry of this alarming contingency, he might not have observed it.

But Porteous and his friends alike wanted presence of mind to suggest or execute such a plan of escape.

The former hastily fled from a place where their own safety seemed compromised, and the latter, in a state resembling stupefaction, awaited in his apartment the termination of the enterprise of the rioters.

The cessation of the clang of the instruments with which they had at first attempted to force the door, gave him momentary relief.