"Coil up the rope, Paolo, and then feel along the wall to the right;
don't go too far. I will go to the left, there may be some steps
up to the rampart."

This proved to be the case, and together they made their way up
quietly, but even had they had their shoes on, the snow was already
sufficiently deep to deaden their footsteps. On reaching the top
they stood silent for a minute or two. Presently they heard the
sound of heavy stamping of feet. They turned at once to descend,
if necessary, the steps they had mounted, then Hector put his hand
upon the other's shoulder and whispered, "It is the sentry trying
to warm his feet; no doubt he is standing up somewhere to shelter
himself from the snow; let us go on at once."

They crossed the rampart, fastened the hook on the top of the wall,
and descended, and were again successful in bringing the rope down
after them.

"Go carefully, Paolo; no doubt there is a moat somewhere here." There
was, however, no necessity for caution, for the white surface of
the snow was soon broken by a black line.

"It will be awfully cold," Paolo said, with teeth that chattered
at the prospect.

"Of course you can swim, Paolo?"

"Not very well, master."