“Recollect, my lord, that the direful conflagration now prevailing without is owing to him,” replied Leonard.  “I will never be accessory to his escape.”

“And yet his death by the public executioner,” urged Rochester.  “Think of its effect on his daughter.”

“Justice must take its course,” rejoined Leonard.  “I would not aid him to escape if he were my own father.”

“In that case, nothing more is to be said,” replied Rochester.  “But at all events, see him as quickly as you can.  I would accompany you, but my duty detains me here.  When you return from your errand you will find me at my post near the entrance of the churchyard in front of Saint Michael’s le Quern; that is, if I am not beaten from it.  Having seen the father, your next business must be to seek out the daughter, and remove her from this dangerous neighbourhood.  You have heard where she is to be found.”

Upon this they separated, Leonard and his companions quitting the cathedral by the great western entrance, and proceeding towards Paul’s-alley, and the earl betaking himself to the north-east corner of the churchyard.  The former got as far as Ivy-lane, but found it wholly impassable, in consequence of the goods and furniture with which it was blocked up.  They were, therefore, obliged to return to the precincts of the cathedral, where Blaize, who was greatly terrified by what he had seen, expressed his determination of quitting them, and hurried back to the sacred pile.  Leonard and the farmer next essayed to get up Ave Maria-lane; but, finding that also impassable, they made for Ludgate, and, after a long delay and severe struggle, got through the portal.  The Old Bailey was entirely filled with persons removing their goods; and they were here informed, to their great dismay, that the conflagration had already reached Newgate Market, which was burning with the greatest fury, and was at that moment seizing upon the gaol.  No one, however, in answer to Leonard’s inquiries, could tell him what had become of the prisoners.

“I suppose they have left them to burn,” observed a bystander, who heard the question with a malicious look; “and it is the best way of getting rid of them.”  Paying no attention to the remark, nor to the brutal laugh accompanying it, Leonard, assisted by Wingfield, fought his way through the crowd till he reached the prison.  The flames were bursting through its grated windows, and both wings, as well as the massive gate connecting them, were on fire.  Regardless of the risk he ran, Leonard forced his way to the lodge-door, where two turnkeys were standing, removing their goods.

“What has become of the prisoners?” he asked.

“The debtors are set free,” replied the turnkey addressed, “and all but one or two of the common felons are removed.”

“And where are those poor creatures?” cried Leonard, horror-stricken.

“In the Stone Hold,” replied the turnkey.