Then they returned to the door, and had cut round the lock, and made holes through which they could pass their hands to draw back the bolts, a short time before the clock struck twelve.
Then they went to the window, and listened.

They heard the bells strike midnight, and then a stir below, as the sentries were relieved.

Waiting for a few minutes, until all had become quiet again, they drew back the bolts, took off their shoes, and went noiselessly down the stairs.
The night was very dark and, although they could hear the tread of the sentries in the courtyard, they could not make out their figures.

They crossed the yard, keeping as far as possible from the sentries.

They had no doubt that all would happen as arranged; but there was, of course, the possibility that at the last moment some change might have been made; and it was, in any case, as well that the men there should be able to declare, honestly, that they had seen no one.
[Illustration: Stooping so that their figures should not show against the sky.] They were glad when they reached the archway leading to the stairs that led to the top of the wall.