Still there were but few sounds of life and movement in the castle.

Presently, however, the noise of footsteps and voices was heard in the courtyard.
Although apprehensive that at any moment the stable door might open, Malcolm still delayed his start, as it would be fatal were he to set out before the opening of the gates.

At last he felt sure that they must be opened to admit the country people coming in with supplies for the market.

He had donned his helmet before leaving his cell, and he now quietly opened the stable door, sprang into the saddle, and rode boldly out.
Several soldiers were loitering about the courtyard.

Some were washing at the trough and bathing their heads beneath the fountain to get rid of the fumes of the wine they had indulged in overnight.