No quarter and short shrift--such was their certain destiny, should that half-crippled, half-frozen little band not succeed in their task before another sunrise.
They were now in the outer harbour and not far from the Watergate which led into the inner castle-haven.

Presently an officer of the guard put off in a skiff and came on board the vessel.

He held a little conversation with the two boatmen, observed that the castle was--much in want of full, took a survey of the turf with which the ship was apparently laden, and then lounged into the little cabin.

Here he was only separated by a sliding trap-door from the interior of the vessel.
Those inside could hear and see his every movement.

Had there been a single cough or sneeze from within, the true character of the cargo, then making its way into the castle, would have been discovered and every man would within ten minutes have been butchered.