It did not seem to me that it would have acted as he told me, and I asked him to have another one made so that I might understand how it was worked, for such a contrivance would be extremely useful in escalades, when the troops, after descending into a deep fosse, need the rope for climbing a wall or bastion.

There it is, gentlemen, and as you see, by pulling this thin cord the hook is lifted from its hold, and the slightest shake will bring it down.
"The contrivance is an excellent one.

The line he took was well chosen.
He accomplished the most dangerous part first, and made his way out by the side where the watch was most likely to be careless, as anyone leaving or entering the town there would have to swim the river.

The feat shows that he has not only abundance of courage of the very highest order, but that he has a head to plan and leaves nothing to chance.

You will see, gentlemen, that if this young officer lives he is likely to gain the highest rank and position.