When at length the north gate of the capital was reached they found it in truth barred against them, as the archer had so confidently predicted. Rodolph rapped thrice upon it with the hilt of his sword.
"You might as well try to hammer down the wall," said a figure that rose out of the shadow. "They will not open. We have tried it."
"It is folly to open to any chance comer in a fortified town," grumbled the archer. "I knew well how it would be."
But as he spoke three raps were heard on the inner side of the gate, which Rodolph immediately answered with two, whereupon a small door at the side was opened slightly, and a voice asked:
"Who knocks?"
"The silk merchant," answered Rodolph.
"Travelling from where?"
"Travelling from Treves."
At once the small gate was closed and the bolts drawn from the larger leaves, which were then slowly swung apart.