When halfway down the darkness became more intense than before, and he knew that he was now below the level of the outer wall.
When he reached the ground he shook the rope as a signal, and then, stretching his arms before him, crossed the lane.

It was but a step, for the house stood but five feet back from the wall.

He waited until Paolo joined him, then he drew on the thin rope and, to his satisfaction, he felt it yield.
"Stand aside," he said, "it is heavy enough to give one a nasty thump." Paolo withdrew a few paces, then Hector gave another pull.

The rope gave way at once.

He flattened himself against the house, and the hook fell with a dull thud a foot or two away.
"Coil up the rope, Paolo, and then feel along the wall to the right; don't go too far.