I will go to the left, there may be some steps up to the rampart." This proved to be the case, and together they made their way up quietly, but even had they had their shoes on, the snow was already sufficiently deep to deaden their footsteps.

On reaching the top they stood silent for a minute or two.

Presently they heard the sound of heavy stamping of feet.

They turned at once to descend, if necessary, the steps they had mounted, then Hector put his hand upon the other's shoulder and whispered, "It is the sentry trying to warm his feet; no doubt he is standing up somewhere to shelter himself from the snow; let us go on at once." They crossed the rampart, fastened the hook on the top of the wall, and descended, and were again successful in bringing the rope down after them.
"Go carefully, Paolo; no doubt there is a moat somewhere here." There was, however, no necessity for caution, for the white surface of the snow was soon broken by a black line.
"It will be awfully cold," Paolo said, with teeth that chattered at the prospect.
"Of course you can swim, Paolo ?" "Not very well, master." "Then I will go first.

You fasten the rope under your arms, and I will haul you across.