hat case we might have had
comfortable quarters in the town instead of this somewhat bare chamber.
If there had been a chance of escape it would have been different,
but seeing the strength of the castle, methinks there is no prospect
whatever of our being able to get out."

"That remains to be seen, Paolo. I fancy there is always a chance
of escape if one does but hit upon the right way. At present we know
nothing of the castle or the vigilance of the guard, and no doubt it
will take us some little time to find these matters out. The first
thing we require is patience. No doubt they will allow me out to take
exercise, and like enough, if I give my word that you will return every
day at a certain hour, they will allow you to go in to the town, seeing
that you can scarcely be called a prisoner, having no military rank or
position, but being in their eyes only a lackey. If they will do that it
will be a great step gained, for you will be able to bring in anything
that we may require. However, I will not ask that you should be
permitted to go in and out for some little time.

"Lose no opportunity of making yourself friendly with some of the
soldiers, and if the chance should occur, be useful to any of the
officers. The commandant is evidently disposed to be civil, and says
that he will grant me any indulgence in his power short of passing the
gates of the castle. I have no doubt that when the campaign is over and
the army has gone into winter quarters Turenne will offer to exchange
some prisoners of the same rank for me. But I have no wish to be cooped
up here when perhaps a great battle may be fought. As far as I can see,
the difficulty will not be so much in getting out of the castle, but
out of the town itself, for this is one of the most strongly fortified
places in the empire. One reason why I want you to go into the town is
that you may be able to obtain shelter there for us should we find, as I
expect we shall, that it is impossible for us to escape from the citadel
and town at the same attempt."

The place was indeed so strong that but a careless watch was kept
over the prisoners in the castle. The soldiers were confined to their
quarters save that they were allowed for an hour a day to take exercise
in the courtyard, a company of troops being kept under arms while they
were out; but the officers were free at all times to wander about.
Hector was soon on friendly terms with many of the officers of the
garrison,