But we had better be moving, for we have a long tramp before us." The midshipman led the way, and though the roof, which was nearly flat, was wet with the falling rain, they walked, still in their stockinged feet, to the farther end of the block.

Neither of them wore his uniform, as they remained as they had dressed for the duty they were to do on board of the Teaser.

This was a point in their favor in the course they were to pursue, for their uniform would have betrayed them as soon as they were seen.
Before they reached the end of the block of warehouses, they had found and tried all the scuttles on the roof, but they had not discovered one which had been left unfastened.

At the last one this became a serious question.

The scuttle at the end warehouse was securely hooked on the inside; but neither of the pair felt discouraged at this circumstance.
Looking about them they found a piece of joist about ten feet long, which might have been left there when the building was finished.