The night in question, instead of becoming clearer, got more cloudy and stormy than ever.
Few persons were to be seen moving about in the streets, for the weather was too boisterous and threatening.
As the neighbouring church clocks chimed a quarter to one, a stranger might have perceived sundry persons cautiously approaching Colonel Blood’s house.
Some came by land, but the majority hired a boat, and quietly rowed up the river until they got fairly under the garden walls.
The last two persons who arrived, and they on foot, were Captain Jack and Tom Bates.
As they approached Blood’s mansion, they were accosted by two night watchmen, who wanted to know their names and business.
“Name?” said Jack, indignantly.
“Our business?” said Bates, striking an attitude of great importance.
“Yes, name and business, gentlemen, if you please.”
“And why so, knaves?” said Captain Jack. “How dare you stop two gentlemen, and ask such impertinent questions?”