Quietly he drew
back the heavy bolts, and undid the stout chains. Holding the door
slightly ajar, he peered out at the scene on the landing, brightly
illuminated by numerous torches which the servants held aloft.
The men-at-arms were enjoying themselves hugely, and the great heap of
bales already on the rocks showed that they resolved not to leave even
one package on the barge. The fact that they stood in the light
prevented their seeing the exit of the quartette from the Castle, even
had any been on the outlook.
Roland swung the door wide, placed the ladder in exactly the same
position it had formerly occupied, assisted the three women to the
ground, and then led them round the western side of the Castle through
the darkness to Ebearhard and his skiff. Dipping their paddles with
great caution, they kept well out of the torchlight radius.
As they left the shadow of the Castle, and came within sight of the
party on the landing, they were somewhat startled by a lusty cheer.
"Ah," said Ebearhard, "they have discovered our barrels of gold.
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