It was Captain Jemmy, for instance, who had, a moment before, pushed back the gate.
He had to tug thrice before a discordant bell sounded within the house, and twice again before footsteps began to shuffle along the passage.
A bolt was let down and the big door fell open, disclosing a small serving-girl, who stared upon the visitors with round eyes.
"Is your mistress within ?" "Mistress Salt is within, sirs; but--" "But what ?" "She--she can't see you!" The girl burst into tears.
"Who the devil asked her to see us ?" rapped out Captain Barker.
"You are to take these two letters," interposed Captain Runacles.
Each captain held out his letter.

"You are to take these two--blow your nose and dry your eyes--letters to your mistress at once--mind you, _at once_--and together--_together_, you understand, and--what in thunder are you whimpering about ?" "I c-c-can't, sirs." "Can't! Why, in the name of--don't drip on 'em, I tell you! Why, in the name of--" The iron gate creaked behind them, and the two captains turned their heads.

A portly, broad-shouldered gentleman, in a suit of snuff colour, came slowly across the court, with both hands behind him, and a cane rapping against his heels.
"Dr.Beckerleg." "Hey?
Why--Captain Barker! Captain Runacles! Glad to see you both--glad to see you both home again! Also I'd be glad to know what you're both doing here, at such a time." The captains looked at each other and coughed.

They turned towards the doorway.

The serving-girl had disappeared, taking their letters with her.