They were beyond the outer defences of the castle.

Still a little farther they proceeded down the stream in order to prevent the possibility of any noise they might make in scrambling up being heard by the sentinels on the outer postern.

Then when they felt quite safe they grasped the bushes, and speedily climbed the bank.

Looking back at the castle they saw lights still burning there.

Short as was the time they had been in the water they were both chilled to the bone, for it was the month of February, and the water was bitterly cold.
"It cannot be more than nine o'clock now," Walter said, "for it is not more than four hours since darkness fell.