"There may be a risk, but it is as nothing to the risk we run of blundering matters through ignorance of what may be afoot.

Should any one come--which is unlikely, for all those interested will be in the hall until the courier is dealt with--and should they inquire into my absence, you are to know nothing of it since you have no Italian and I no French.

All that you will know will be that you believe I went but a moment since to fetch water.

You understand ?" She nodded.
"Then lock yourself in your chamber till I return." He caught up a large earthenware vessel in which water was kept for his own and mademoiselle's use, emptied it through the guard-room window into the moat below, then left the room and made his way down the steps to the courtyard.
He peered out.

Not a soul was in sight.