The newcomers had just fallen out.

Some were being greeted by members of the garrison who had known them before, officers were chatting together; and Fergus made his way, unnoticed in the darkness, to the gate.

As he had hoped, the baggage waggons were making their way in.
A sentry was placed on each side of the gate.
"Now then," he said sharply, "hurry on with these waggons.

The commandant wants the gate shut, as soon as possible;" and passing the sentry, he went on as if to hurry up the rear of the train.
Taking him for one of the officers of the newly-arrived party, the sentry stepped back at once, and he passed out.
There were six waggons still outside and, unnoticed, he passed these and went down the road.

He had brought with him under his cloak the sergeant's lantern and, as soon as he was half a mile from the fortress, he took this out in order to be able to proceed the more rapidly.