A narrow cutting (A), closed by a massive wooden door, marked the place in the covering wall.

Behind it was a small _place d'armes_ (B), cut partly in the thickness of the wall, and leading to a second gate (C) as narrow as the first.

When, notwithstanding the showers of missiles poured upon them from the top of the walls, not only in front, but also from both sides, the attacking party had succeeded in carrying this second door, they were not yet in the heart of the place.

They would still have to traverse an oblong court (D), closely hemmed in between the outer walls and the cross walls, which last stood at right angles to the first.

Finally, they must force a last postern (E), which was purposely placed in the most awkward corner.