Their dress denoted their profession and rank.

They were lieutenants of the regiment which had been newly quartered at the castle.

Both were drunk.

One was capering about in a hopeless effort to dance; the other was trolling out a stave of the ballad that was just then being sung at the corner of every street:-- The blood that he lost, as I suppose (Fa la la la), Caused fire to rise in Oliver's nose (Fa la la la).
This ruling nose did bear such a sway, It cast such a heat and shining ray, That England scarce knew night from day (Fa la la la).
The singer who thus described Cromwell and his shame was interrupted by a sudden attack of thirst, and forthwith applied the unfailing antidote contained in a leathern bottle which he held in one hand.
Ralph stepped off the pavement to allow the singer the latitude his condition required, when that person's companion pirouetted into his breast, and went backwards with a smart rebound.
"What's this, stopping the way of a gentleman ?" hiccuped the man, bringing himself up with ludicrous effort to his full height, and suspending his capering for the better support of his soldierly dignity.
Then, stepping closer to Ralph, and peering into his face, he cried, "Why, it's the man of mystery, as the sergeant calls him.

Here, I say, sir," continued the drunken officer, drawing with difficulty the sword that had dangled and clanked at his side; "you've got to tell us who you are.