He could have easily forced it, but preferred a more expeditious mode of reaching the roof which suggested itself to him.

Mounting the door he had last opened, he placed his hands on the wall above, and quickly drew himself up.
Just as he got on the roof of the prison, St.Sepulchre's clock struck eight.

It was instantly answered by the deep note of St.Paul's; and the concert was prolonged by other neighbouring churches.

Jack had thus been six hours in accomplishing his arduous task.
Though nearly dark, there was still light enough left to enable him to discern surrounding objects.

Through the gloom he distinctly perceived the dome of St.Paul's, hanging like a black cloud in the air; and nearer to him he remarked the golden ball on the summit of the College of Physicians, compared by Garth to a "gilded pill." Other towers and spires--St.Martin's on Ludgate-hill, and Christchurch in Newgate Street, were also distinguishable.