Then they heard a grating sound below and, shortly, one end of the heavy trapdoor was slightly raised.

The two men got their fingers under it, and pulled it up, and Janet and Jessie ran out, both crying with joy and excitement.
"Hush!" Oswald whispered.

"Do not utter a sound.

There are sentries on other parts of the walls, and the slightest noise might be heard.
"Now, we will knot this rope." He and Roger set to work, and before long knots were tied, a foot apart, along the whole length of the rope.
"I will take you down first, Jessie, for you are the lightest," Oswald said.
"Now, Roger, tie us together." One of the pieces of rope Roger had brought was passed round and round them, tying them firmly, face to face.
"Now, Jessie, you had best take hold of the rope, too, and take as much of your weight off me as you can.

It is a long way down; and, though I think that I could carry your weight that distance, it is best that you should help me as much as you are able." The rope was shifted to the outside of the turret.