noon
Reuben was going also in the boat , and some of the men as rowers . Gertrude had donned her best cloak and holiday gown , and asked wistfully of her husband : `` Prithee take me also ; I will not be in your way . But I would fain see something of this great sight of which all men talk , and they say it may best be seen from the river . '' `` Come then , sweet heart , so as thou dost not ask to run into peril , '' said Reuben ; and by noon the party were well on their way , their progress being somewhat slow , as the tide was running out , and there was a considerable press of craft on the river , which was the only safe roadway now from one part of the burned city to the other . As boats passed each other , items of news were exchanged between the occupants , and every tale added some detail of horror to the last . Bridewell was in flames now , and many said Newgate also . Some averred that the prisoners had been left locked up in their cells to perish miserably , others that they had all been released , and that London would be swarming with felons and criminals , who would lead the van in the many acts of plunder which were already being perpetrated .