Clearly this was the preferable for his attempt.

There was but one point to cast in the other scale--namely, that, if old Eccles were still the warder of it, there would be danger of his recognition in respect both of himself and his mare.

But, on the other hand, he thought he could turn to account his knowledge of the fact that the marquis's room was over it.

So here the scale had settled to rebound no more--except indeed he should now discover any difficulty in passing from the stone court in which lay the MOUTH of the stables, to the fountain court in which stood the preferable gate.

This question he must now settle, for once on horseback there must be no deliberation.
One way at least there must be--through the hall: the hall must be accessible from both courts.