ere were six strands, and
each has made six pieces, so we have thirty-six. I know the well
is about a hundred feet deep, for the other day I heard some of the
soldiers who were drawing water grumbling over the labour required. So
if we put them three feet apart it will take thirty-three of them, which
will leave three over; but we had better place them a little over a yard
so as to make sure."

In a short time the fading brightness of the circle of light far
overhead told them that twilight had commenced, and shortly afterwards
they attached the first strand to the rope some three feet above the
water.

"Now," Walter said, "I will go first, at any rate for a time. I must put
one leg through the loop, and sit, as it were, while I fasten the one
above, as I shall want both hands for the work. You will find it a good
deal easier to stand with your foot in the loop. If I get tired I will
fasten another loop by the side of that on which I am resting, so you
can come up and pass me. There is no hurry. It ought not to take up
above an hour, and it will not do for us to get to the top until the
place becomes a little quiet. Tonight they are sure to be drinking and
feasting over their victory until late."

They now set to work, and step by step mounted the rope. They found
the work less arduous than they had expected. The rope was dry, and
the strands held tightly to it. Two or three times they changed places,
resting in turn from the work; but in less than two hours from the time
they made the first loop Walter's head and shoulders appeared above the
level of the courtyard. He could hear sounds of shouting and singing
within the castle, and knew that a great feast was going on. Descending
a step or two he held parley with Ralph.

"I think, perhaps, it will be better to sally out at once. Everyone is
intent on his own pleasure, and we shall have no difficulty in slipping
out of the castle unnoticed. All will be feasting and riot in the town,
and so long as we do not brush against any one so that they may feel our
wet garments we are little likely to be noticed; besides, the gates of
the town will stand open late, for people from the villages round will
have come in to join in the revels."

"I am ready to try it, Master Walter," Ralph replied, "for I ache from
head to foot with holding on to this rope. The sooner the better, say
I."

In another minute both stood in the courtyard. It was a retired spot,
and none were passi