Midnight had passed.

All was intensely still, and sleep seemed disposed to steal upon their senses in spite of their resolution to banish his presence.

Paul was just about to suggest to his companion that he should lie down awhile on the bed and indulge in a nap, whilst he himself kept watch alone, when the prince laid a hand upon his arm, and gripped him tight in a fashion which told that his quick ears had heard something.
The next moment Paul heard the same himself--stealthy sounds as of approaching footsteps, which paused beneath the window and then seemed to steal round the house.

It was useless to look out of the window, for the night was dark as pitch, and they themselves might be seen; but they glanced at each other, and Paul whispered excitedly: "It is to Mistress Joan's room they will find their way.

I heard a sound as though a ladder was being brought out.