"
Ralph did as he was bidden without more words; for already when
he lay down his heart misgave him that he was in no safe place;
he looked to his weapons and armour that they should not clash,
and down they came into the hall and found the door on the latch;
so out they went and Ralph saw that it was somewhat cloudy;
the moon was set and it was dark, but Ralph knew by the scent
that came in on the light wind, and a little stir of blended sounds,
that it was hard on dawning; and even therewith he heard
the challenge of the warders on the walls and their crying
of the hour; and the chimes of the belfry rang clear and loud,
and seeming close above him, two hours and a half after midnight.
Roger spake not, and Ralph was man-at-arms enough to know that he must
hold his peace; and though he longed sore to have his horse Falcon
with him, yet he wotted that it availed not to ask of his horse,
since he durst not ask of his life.
So they went on silently till they were out of the Great Place
and came into a narrow street, and so into another which led
them straight into the houseless space under the wall.
Roger led right on as if he knew the way well, and in a twinkling
were they come to a postern in the wall betwixt the East Gate
and the South. By the said postern Ralph saw certain men standing;
and on the earth near by, whereas he was keen-eyed, he saw
more than one man lying moveless.
Spake Roger softly to the men who stood on their feet:
"Is the rope twined?" "Nay, rope-twiner," said one of them.
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