In a moment, where a second before no one had been seen, eight or nine men appeared crouching under the garden wall.
“All right,” said one, whispering to Bates.
“Have you taken a good squint all round the house?”
“Yes; all are abed.”
“Sure of that?”
“Positive.”
“But the dogs?”
“We have poisoned them an hour ago; they are all stiff and cold by this.”
“Then let us commence. Where is the rope-ladder?”
“Here it is,” said one, unwinding a rope-ladder from around his body, and which had been concealed by a short cloak.