make fast the rope. I stripped off my boots, took a pull at a flask of brandy, loosened the knife in its sheath, and took the cudgel between my teeth. Then I shook hands with my friends, not heeding a last look of entreaty from Fritz, and laid hold of the rope. I was going to have a look at Jacob's ladder.
Gently I lowered myself into the water. Though the night were wild, the day had been warm and bright and the water was not cold. I struck out and began to swim round the great walls which frowned above me. I could see only three yards ahead. I had then good hopes of not being seen, as I crept along close under the damp, moss-grown masonry. There were lights from the new part of the castle on the other side, and now and again I heard laughter and merry shouts. I fancied I recognized young Rupert Hentzau's ringing tones, and pictured him flushed with wine. Recalling my thoughts to the business in hand, I rested a moment. If Johann's description were right I must be near the window now. Very slowly I moved; and out of the darkness ahead loomed a shape. It
