The later they did so the better, and as the weather had for some days been terribly rough, and the roads would be deep and heavy, it was likely that they would not arrive until some time past the hour fixed.
The next afternoon he listened for the roll of drums that would greet the arrival of the newcomers.

Just as the door opened, and the sergeant entered with a lantern, he heard the sound that he had been listening for.
[Illustration: As the man was placing his supper on the table, Fergus sprang upon him] Nothing could have happened more fortunately.

As the man was placing his supper on the table, Fergus sprang suddenly upon him, hurled him down on to his face, and then fastened his hands behind him with a rope he had made from twisted strips of one of his rugs.
He was not afraid of his calling out, as the window looked outside, and it was blowing half a gale.

Moreover, the sound of drums below would aid to prevent any noise being heard from the courtyard.
"I don't want to hurt you, sergeant," he said, "but I do want my liberty.

I must put a bandage round your mouth, to prevent you from calling; but you know as well as I do that there would be no chance of your being heard, however loud you might shout.
"Now, in the first place I am going to see if I can get a uniform.
If I cannot, I must come back and take yours." Binding the sergeant's legs as well as his arms, and putting a muffler over his mouth, Fergus went out, leaving his own jacket and cap behind him.