Harry's reasoning might possibly not have been correct as to what cause produced the effect. Might he not more justly have reasoned, "If they are treated like brutes, like brutes they will live?" That question has been solved in later days. Since thought has been taken for seamen they have essayed, and not unsuccessfully, to attend to the welfare of their souls. In those days little regard was paid to that subject. They stopped before the door of a low house with not many windows looking into the street. Such as there were were closed with shutters. "She's a good old creature," whispered Jacob, "though maybe by this hour she's a little lushy; but you must not mind that. She knows me and my ways, and will treat us well. Her husband is sure to be drunk; but then he will be in bed and out of the way, and she's never so bad but what she can get supper ready. We may trust Sally Hoggart for that. You will see I am right." Jacob gave two or three knocks on the door, but no one came to it. "Maybe she's had a drop or two more than usual," observed Jacob. "She will wake up in time, only I hope no press-gang will be coming along the street before she opens the door. If we see them we must run for it, Harry. You stick by me. I know a place to hide away in." Jacob repeated his blows on the door. At last a slide was moved in one of the panels, and a light streamed through it. "All right, Sally," said Jacob. "You know me, and I have brought a mate. Open the door, and let us in; we have enough to pay for our board, so don't be afraid."