Question

why did robert newman and john pulling jr. have to escape old north church through a window? they were surrounded by protesters. the church had caught fire. the british had seen their signal.

Explanation:

Robert Newman and John Pulling Jr. were the sexton and vestryman who hung the lantern signals from Old North Church to warn colonial forces of British troop movements during the American Revolutionary War. After displaying the signals, they fled through a window because British soldiers had spotted their actions and were approaching the church, putting them at risk of capture.

Answer:

The British had seen their signal.