The only noise came from the armory where a parcel of mercenaries were moving about.

Up, up, round by round, till his fingers touched the damp cold stone of the window ledge; the man raised himself, leaned toward the left, and glanced obliquely into the room.

It was deserted.

A candle burned in a small alcove.

The man drew himself quickly into the room, which was a kind of gallery facing the grand staircase.