Walter was therefore obliged to stoop low and to hurl himself head forwards across the gulf.

He succeeded in the attempt, shooting clear through the casement on to the floor beyond.

Instantly he picked himself up and went to Ralph's assistance.

The latter, taller and more bulky, had greater difficulty in the task, and only his shoulder arrived through the window.

Walter seized him, and aided him at once to scramble in, and they closed the casement behind them.
"It was well we took off our armour, Ralph; its pattern would have been recognized in an instant." Walter had thrown off his helmet as he bounded up the stairs, and both he and his companion had rid themselves of their heavy armour.
"I would give a good deal," he said, "for two bourgeois jerkins, even were they as foul as those of the skinners.