Between the trees and the houses, on a coarse, rough pavement, among carts, drays, and carriages, walked the foot passengers quite frequently. For though there were sidewalks close to the houses, little outbuildings and flights of steps to doorways were continually in the way, and it was “impossible for one to walk straight along, or at all fast, on any of them,” as the children said.
“Mamma,” said Nettie, “I should think they would break their necks every minute. Just look at those canals, right in the street, and nothing to keep people from falling into them. What do they do in dark nights?”
“How do they light the streets, papa?” asked Eric.
“By oil lamps, hung on ropes from the houses to the trees,” said Mr. Hyde. “They have gas on the High Street.”
Allan’s attention had been attracted by some curious little structures outside the lower windows of several of the houses.
“What are they?” he asked.
“Looking-glasses,” said Mr. Hyde.
“Looking-glasses, papa! Outside their windows?” exclaimed Nettie.
“Yes, dear; they are hung so as to reflect the passing objects to the people inside.”
“Then they can see whatever is going on in the streets below, without coming to the windows,” said Eric.