Through the cellars, there's a kind of passage into the back street by which we roll casks in and out.

We shall have time to get down there before they can force an entry.

Do not delay an instant, but come with me--for both our sakes--for mine--my dear good sir!' As he spoke, and drew Mr Haredale back, they had both a glimpse of the street.

It was but a glimpse, but it showed them the crowd, gathering and clustering round the house: some of the armed men pressing to the front to break down the doors and windows, some bringing brands from the nearest fire, some with lifted faces following their course upon the roof and pointing them out to their companions: all raging and roaring like the flames they lighted up.

They saw some men thirsting for the treasures of strong liquor which they knew were stored within; they saw others, who had been wounded, sinking down into the opposite doorways and dying, solitary wretches, in the midst of all the vast assemblage; here a frightened woman trying to escape; and there a lost child; and there a drunken ruffian, unconscious of the death-wound on his head, raving and fighting to the last.