He gave them the slip, but as he has managed to fall into our hands I don't know that he has gained much by the exchange.

Now, youngster, go up to the castle." Having picketed his horse the man led the way up the steep hill.

When they reached the castle Malcolm saw that it was less ruined than it had appeared to be from below.

The battlements had indeed crumbled away, and there were cracks and fissures in the upper parts of the walls, but below the walls were still solid and unbroken, and as the rock was almost precipitous, save at the point at which a narrow path wound up to the entrance, it was still capable of making a stout defence against attack.
A strong but roughly made gate, evidently of quite recent make, hung on the hinges, and passing through it Malcolm found himself in the courtyard of the castle.

Crossing this he entered with his guide what had once been the principal room of the castle.