"Come along, Blueskin." Starting at a rapid pace in the direction of the Old Bailey, and crossing Fleet Bridge, "for oyster tubs renowned," the trio skirted the right bank of the muddy stream until they reached Fleet Lane, up which they hurried.

Turning off again on the left, down Seacoal Lane, they arrived at the mouth of a dark, narrow alley, into which they plunged; and, at the farther extremity found a small yard, overlooked by the blank walls of a large gloomy habitation.

A door in this house opened upon the yard.

Jack tried it, and found it locked.
"If I had my old tools with me, we'd soon master this obstacle," he muttered.

"We shall be obliged to force it." "Try the cellar, Captain," said Blueskin, stamping upon a large board in the ground.