A thick layer of sacks was then placed upon the drawbridge.

The horses' hoofs were also muffled with sacking, and then, one by one, the horses were led out, the drawbridge was drawn up again, and all was quiet.

No sound or motion in the Puritan camp betrayed that their exit was observed, and they could hear the challenges of the circuit of sentries passed from man to man.
When the first streak of dawn was seen in the east the troop mounted their horses, and remained quiet until the light should be sufficient to enable them to see the nature of the ground over which they would have to pass.

This they would be able to do before they themselves were observed, standing as they were close under the shadow of the walls of the castle.

As soon as it was sufficiently light the trumpets sounded, and with a burst they dashed across the country.