The castle had already been finished and most of the masons discharged.

There were, however, a party of serfs kept at work, and also some masons, and rumor had it that they were engaged in making the secret passages.

Whether it was so or not I cannot say, but I know that none of that party ever left the castle alive.

It was given out that a bad fever had raged there, but none believed it; and the report went about, and was I doubt not true, that all had been killed, to preserve the secret of the passage." Cuthbert lost no time in making use of the information that he had gained.
Early next morning, at daybreak, he started on his pony to Wortham.
As he did not wish the earl or his followers to know the facts that he had learned until they were proved, he made his way round the camp of the besiegers, and by means of his whistle called one of the foresters to him.
"Where is Cnut ?" he asked.
"He is with a party occupied in making ladders." "Go to him," Cuthbert said, "and tell him to withdraw quietly and make his way here.

I have an important matter on which I wish to speak to him." Cnut arrived in a few minutes, somewhat wondering at the message.