"Yes, Monsieur."
"Then we can all three go down into it, and the landlord and I will remain hidden while you search for the secret entrance. Whither does it lead?"
"To a tunnel that rises gradually up the hill, and enters the castle near the dungeons below the keep."
"Lead on, then. We will go to the left, and walk warily to escape the ears of the sentry at the gate."
In a few minutes they came to the edge of the fosse. They clambered carefully down, assisting their steps by the young trees which thickly covered the steep side. When they reached the bottom, Max went forward by himself to explore. His movements caused a rustle, but being followed by the scurrying of rabbits disturbed in the brake, such slight customary noises were not likely to alarm the sentry, even if he should near them.
Harry had his hand on the landlord's wrist as they waited minute after minute. Max was gone a long time. All was silent now save for the murmurs of birds and the chirping of insects. At length, after what seemed to Harry's impatience hours of delay, the man groped his way back, and whispered:
"I have found it, Monsieur."
"That is well. Now lead us to it."
"You will not take me into the castle, Excellency?" murmured the landlord in affright.
"Have no fear. Be silent."