The only plan will be to scale the wall by means of a ladder; but how the ladder is to be got to so great a height, I own at present passes my comprehension." After much thought, Cuthbert went on, "It might, methinks, be practicable for an archer to approach the walls, and to shoot an arrow over the angle of the castle so that it would pass inside the turret there, and fall in the forest beyond.

If to this arrow were attached a light cord, it could be gained by one on the other side, and a stronger cord hauled over.

To this could be attached a rope ladder, and so this could be raised to the top of the wall.

If a sentinel were anywhere near he might hear the rope pulled across the battlements; but if, as we may hope, a watch is kept only over the entrance, the operation might be performed without attracting notice." The knight was delighted with the project, which seemed perfectly feasible, and it was agreed that the attempt should be made.
"It will need," Sir Adelbert said, "an archer with a strong arm indeed to shoot an arrow with a cord attached to it, however light, over the corner of the castle." "Methinks," Cuthbert said, "that I can do that, for as a lad I was used to the strong bows of my country.

The first thing, however, will be to obtain such a bow; but doubtless one can be purchased in one of the towns, which, if not so strong as those to which I was accustomed, will at any rate suffice for us." The party bivouacked in the woods for the night, for the horses had already done a very long journey, and needed rest before starting back for the Black Forest.