But Sapt had thrown no stone, and the fish in the moat were few and not rising then.

The light was behind Sapt, and threw his figure into bold relief.

The royal apartments looked out the other way; there were no lights in the windows this side the bridge, although beyond it the guards' lodgings and the servants' offices still showed a light here and there.

Sapt waited till the eddies ceased.

Then he heard the faintest sound, as of a large body let very gently into the water; a moment later, from the moat right below him, a man's head emerged.
"Sapt!" said a voice, low but distinct.
The old colonel started, and, resting both hands on the sill, bent further out, till he seemed in danger of overbalancing.
"Quick--to the ledge on the other side.