A great fire was burning at each angle of the cathedral, but without pausing to notice the effect of the flames upon the walls of the building, he passed through the door to which he had been directed, and hastening to the spiral staircase beyond the choir, ascended it with swift steps.

He did not pause till he reached the summit of the tower, and there, indeed, a wondrous spectacle awaited him.

The whole city seemed on fire, and girded with a flaming belt--for piles were lighted at certain distances along the whole line of walls.

The groups of dark figures collected round the fires added to their picturesque effect; and the course of every street could be traced by the reflection of the flames on the walls and gables of the houses.
London Bridge was discernible from the fires burning upon it--and even upon the river braziers were lighted on all the larger craft, which cast a ruddy glow upon the stream.
After gazing at this extraordinary sight for some time, Leonard began to descend.

As yet he had seen nothing of Solomon Eagle, and searching for him in vain in the belfry, he quitted the cathedral.