Still I do
not think that this is likely, for a hostile force would almost certainly
take up its post in that wood, and attack the place in the rear. If there
is such a passage I think that it must open somewhere on the face of the
rock, on one side or the other. It looks to us almost perpendicular, but
there may be inequalities by which active men might ascend at some point or
other. For a considerable distance we could see there were tufts of shrubs
growing here and there, and one of these may conceal a small opening. From
this point a staircase may have been driven up into the castle."
"That would be very awkward, master, if it were so."
"It would indeed. To-night all the force except the sentries shall gather
in the castle, where ten men by turns shall keep guard, one or two being
placed in the lower chambers. In this way we shall be safe; for before more
than three or four can enter we should be all on foot, and as they can but
come up in single file, could repulse them without difficulty. Tomorrow we
will lower men down with ropes from the walls, and examine every clump of
bushes growing on the face of the rock If we find any signs of a path or
entrance we shall have no difficulty in discovering where it enters into
the castle, and can effectually block it up. I shall then feel much more
comfortable than I do at present."
"I was looking forward to a good night's sleep," Osgod grumbled, "but your
idea, master, has quite done away with that.
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