It is therefore out of the question that we could enter the castle by that way.

But were we once in, we could easily carry off the lady through this passage." The large force which Sir Rudolph had collected was not intended merely for the defence of the castle, for the knight considered that with his own garrison he could hold it against a force tenfold that which his rival could collect.

But he was determined if possible to crush out the outlaws of the forest, for he felt that so long as this formidable body remained under an enterprising leader like Sir Cuthbert, he would never be safe for a moment, and would be a prisoner in his own castle.
Cuthbert had foreseen that the attack was likely to be made and had strengthened his band to the utmost.

He felt, however, that against so large a force of regularly armed men, although he might oppose a stout resistance and kill many, yet that in the end he must be conquered.

Cnut, however, suggested to him a happy idea, which he eagerly grasped.
"It would be rare sport," Cnut said, "when this armed force comes out to attack us, if we could turn the tables by slipping in, and taking their castle." "The very thing," Cuthbert exclaimed.