The time for our escape drew near, and the nearer it came the less we seemed to enjoy the prospect.

There is but one side on which this castle can be left either with dignity or safety; but as there is the main gate and guard, and the chief street of the upper city, it is not to be thought of by escaping prisoners.

In all other directions an abominable precipice surrounds it, down the face of which (if anywhere at all) we must regain our liberty.

By our concurrent labours in many a dark night, working with the most anxious precautions against noise, we had made out to pierce below the curtain about the south-west corner, in a place they call the _Devil's Elbow_.

I have never met that celebrity; nor (if the rest of him at all comes up to what they called his elbow) have I the least desire of his acquaintance.