And in this I became exceedingly expert.

And how difficult it is no one knows till he has tried.
So it is small wonder that as soon as I gripped the noble broadaxe which Helene passed me I felt my own man again.
Then we were silent and listened--and ever again listened and held our breaths.

Now I tell you when an enemy is whispering unseen without, rustling like rats in straw, and you wonder at what point they will break in next, thinking all the while of the woman you love (or do not yet love, but may) in the chamber behind--I tell you a castle is something less difficult to hold at such a time than just one's own breath.
Suddenly I heard a sound in the outer chamber which I knew the meaning of.

It was the shifting of horses' feet as they turn in narrow space to leave their stalls.

Our good friends were making free with our steeds.
And, if we were not quick about it, we should soon see the last of them, and be compelled to traverse the rest of the road to Plassenburg upon our own proper feet.
"Jorian," cried I, "do you hear?
They are slipping our horses out of the stalls! Shall you and I make a sortie against them, while Boris with that pistol of his keeps the passage from the wicks of the middle door ?" "Good!" answered Jorian.