'A pretty errand to send an honest fellow,' said I, 'who has work enough of his own without being waiting gentleman to every knave in the place who has a fit of the colic.' The soldier laughed and said, 'twas a pity they did not keep a supply of plasters in the place.
To which I agreed, and unlocking the gate, bade him guard the key while I was out, as 'twas a risk to carry it beyond the precincts.

'But I pray you, comrade,' said I, 'be at hand to admit me when I return.' 'Ay, ay,' said he, with a grin.

'There be some in here who would not tap hard to get in again.' So we parted good friends, and out I got.
After that I went down to the river, where all was dark, and being anxious to part with my warder's clothes which might tell tales, I stripped, and filling the pockets with stones, dropped them into the tide.

Then I set out to swim to the other shore, and you may guess if it was not brave to feel free once more.

'Twas a long swim, and the tide carried me far down to Rotherhithe, where, as luck would have it, as I neared shore I struck against something floating on the stream.