You could not have a better time." The rope was fastened round the sergeant's waist, and with some difficulty he squeezed himself through the narrow window, after listening attentively to discover if any were below.
All seemed perfectly still on this side, and he was gradually and steadily lowered down.

Presently those above felt the rope slack.
Another minute and it swung loosely.

It was drawn up again, and Malcolm, placing one of the men at the loophole, with instructions to listen intently for any sound of alarm or conflict, turned his attention to the other side.
Soon he saw a number of dark figures bearing on their heads great bundles which he knew to be faggots approaching across the snow.
As they approached a brisk fire suddenly opened on the tower.

Malcolm at once called the sentry down.
"It is of no use exposing yourself," he said, "and we could not do much harm to them did we take to stoning them again.

We have nothing to do now but to wait." Soon a series of dull heavy crashes were heard as the faggots were thrown down against the door.