he now became entangled in a succession of crooked and narrow streets, which crossed each other, and meandered at no great distance from the water-side. the smell of tar was obvious to his nostrils, the masts of vessels pierced the moonlight above the tops of the buildings, and the numerous signs, which robin paused to read, informed him that he was near the centre of business. but the streets were empty, the shops were closed, and lights were visible only in the second stories of a few dwelling-houses. at length, on the corner of a narrow lane, through which he was passing, he beheld the broad countenance of a british hero swinging before the door of an inn, whence proceeded the voices of many guests. the casement of one of the lower windows was thrown back, and a very thin curtain permitted robin to distinguish a party at supper, round a well-furnished table. the fragrance of the good cheer steamed forth into the outer air, and the youth could not fail to recollect that the last remnant of his travelling stock of provision had yielded to his morning appetite, and that noon had found and left him dinnerless.